Nunavut bedtime storybook to launch in Iqaluit

Inhabit Media’s Sweetest Kulu, recently named best bedtime storybook of 2014 by the Huffington Post, will be available to Iqalingmiut at a book launch Dec. 13 at Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum.

For those of you still looking for Christmas gifts for young kids, an award-winning, beautifully illustrated bedtime book, written by a celebrated Nunavut throat singer, will have its official launch in Iqaluit Dec. 13.

Appropriate for this gift-giving time of year, “Sweetest Kulu,” written by Celina Kulluk of Resolute Bay and illustrated by Nova Scotia artist Alexandria Neonakis, tells of the gifts baby Kulu receives from the land and animals alike.

“Arctic Hare, with rock, willow and roots, came to show you love so easily,” the story reads. “You became a best friend, baby Kulu, loving to give.”

Values and lessons for children are tucked away in the poetic narrative throughout the story.

“The beautiful land gave you a practical foundation to balance and build upon. Never be lazy, beloved Kulu, because your land is a place of bright ideas.”

Animals, like the narwhal and beluga — illustrated in soft but deep colours — impart their best advice and traits to baby Kulu.

“Caribou chose patience for you, cutest Kulu. He gave you the ability to look to the stars, so that you will always know where you are and may gently lead the way.”

The children’s book, published by Inhabit Media — which has offices in Iqaluit and Toronto — made the Huffington Post’s yearly list of best picture books, as the “Best Bedtime Picture Book,” a Dec. 4 news release from the publisher said.

“Sweetest Kulu” is the only Canadian published book on the list, the release said, and one of only a handful of books not published by large multinational firms.

The book launch will be held Dec. 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum in Iqaluit, with Kulluk will be on hand to sign copies.

The museum will also have limited-edition signed copies of Sweetest Kulu for sale until Jan. 18, 2015.