The Caterpillar Woman

by Nadia Sammurtok, Carolyn Gan (Illustrator)

Overview

"She felt like the butterflies she once danced with by her favourite lake, freed from her cocoon."

Piujuq is a kind young woman who loves to take long walks on the tundra and dance by her favourite lake surrounded by butterflies. But one day, she encounters a stranger on her walk. When this person asks a favour of Piujuq, she happily obliges, and that kindness leaves Piujuq stuck in the body of a caterpillar. Alone, and thinking that no one could ever love her because of how she looks, Piujuq does not return to her camp. Instead, she lives a lonely life on the tundra as a caterpillar. Until one day, when another stranger appears . . .

Based on traditional Inuit story, this tale of inner beauty, kindness, and magic is a perfect addition to any young reader’s bookshelf.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781772271553
Publisher:	Inhabit Media
Publication date:	12/30/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	36
File size:	5 MB
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Nadia Sammurtok is an Inuit writer and educator originally from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Nadia is passionate about preserving the traditional Inuit lifestyle and Inuktitut language so that they may be enjoyed by future generations. Nadia currently lives in Iqaluit, Nunavut, with her family.

Carolyn Gan is an illustrator and designer working in Sydney, Australia. She has worked in television as a visual development artist, colour stylist, and set designer. The Caterpillar Woman is her first book.

Editorial Reviews

11/01/2016
Gr 2–4—Piujuq, a lovely and kind Inuit woman, comes across a sickly stranger one day while walking on the tundra. She unwittingly agrees to trade coats with the cursed stranger, a decision that haunts the thoughtful Piujuq as she begins to transform into a caterpillarlike creature, resulting in the loss of her beauty, health, and family. This sad tale of loneliness emphasizes inner beauty and the transformative power of love, but considering the age and concerns of Piujuq, it is unlikely to resonate with the intended audience. ("A part of her was hopeful that one of [a group of male passersby] would take her as his wife, but none of them offered.") The illustrations, however, complement and match the text nicely. The images of Piujuq before and after her ordeal are Disney-like in color and gesture (Piujuq in a field of butterflies reaching upward, Piujuq's hair flowing in the wind, etc.) and fit the themes of the tale well. While the author is an Inuit writer and educator, there is no source material included for readers interested in the origin of this story. VERDICT Skip it.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

School Library Journal