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The Legend of Lightning and Thunder

by (author) Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt

illustrated by Jo Rioux

read by Miali Buscemi & Louise Flaherty

Publisher
Inhabit Media
Initial publish date
Jun 2021
Subjects
General, Polar Regions, Native Canadian, General

Library Ordering Options

Description

Shortlisted for the 2014 CLA Book of the Year for Children Award

In The Legend of Thunder and Lightning, a traditional legend that has been told in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut for centuries, two siblings resort to stealing from their fellow villagers.
In this tale of guilt and consequence, the actions of the two children lead them to flee punishment by escaping to the sky as thunder and lightning.
This beautifully illustrated traditional legend weaves together elements of an origin story and a traditional cautionary tale, giving young readers an accessible window into centuries-old Inuit mythology that is specific to the Kivalliq region of Nunavut.

About the authors

Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt is from Baker Lake, Nunavut. She attended Concordia University in Montreal. Growing up, formal education was strongly encouraged by her grandmother, alongside traditional Inuit beliefs. After high school, Paula attended Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa. There, she learned much about Inuit history and culture. She realized how important it is to connect with her culture and began to learn as much as she could after her year in the program. She is currently an elementary school Inuktitut teacher in Baker Lake and the co-owner of Hinaani Designs. Her first book for children was The Legend of Lightning and Thunder, which was shortlisted for the Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children.

 

Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt's profile page

Jo Rioux was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. An artist from an early age, she was eventually drawn to children’s books, illustrating Swordquest for HarperCollins and the graphic novel series A Sam and Friends Mystery for Kids Can Press. Her love for the comic medium spurred her to author her first graphic novel series, Cat’s Cradle. She lives in the lush suburbs of her hometown, where, when not working at her drawing desk, she can be found nestled within a pile of books.

Jo Rioux's profile page

Miali Buscemi's profile page

Louise Flaherty grew up in Clyde River, Nunavut. Early on, Louise was fortunate to be surrounded by great storytellers. Her grandparents instilled in her a passion for Inuktitut, and an understanding that speaking Inuktitut is a fundamental part of Inuit identity. In 2005, Louise co-founded Inhabit Media Inc., an independent publishing house dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Inuit knowledge and values, and the Inuktitut language. Inhabit Media has since published dozens of books and Inuktitut resources that are used in classrooms throughout Nunavut.

Louise Flaherty's profile page

Awards

  • Finalist for Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award
  • Finalist for CLA Book of the Year for Children Award

Editorial Reviews

“. . . [C]larity and richness of Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt‘s story easily and eloquently tells the legend.”

“Highly recommended for elementary school and public libraries . . . . 4 stars out of 4.”