The Caterpillar Woman

by Nadia Sammurtok, Carolyn Gan Narrated by Nadia Sammurtok, Miali Buscemi

Overview

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.

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

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

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178816646
Publisher:	Inhabit Media
Publication date:	09/21/2021
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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