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Non-classifiable

On the Shoulder of a Giant

Inuktitut

by (author) Neil Christopher

illustrated by James Nelson

translated by Pelagie Owlijoot

Publisher
Inhabit Media
Initial publish date
Jul 2014
Category
NON-CLASSIFIABLE, NON-CLASSIFIABLE, Boys & Men, NON-CLASSIFIABLE
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781927095997
    Publish Date
    Jul 2014
    List Price
    $12.95

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Where to buy it

Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels

  • Age: 6 to 8
  • Grade: 1 to 3
  • Reading age: 6 to 8

Description

This pan-Arctic Inuit legend, which tells the story of a friendly giant, is lightheartedly retold, featuring sweeping illustrations.

Inukpak was big, even for a giant. He loved to walk across the tundra, striding over the widest rivers and wading through the deepest lakes. He could walk across the Arctic in just a few days.

But being so big, and travelling so far, Inukpak was often alone. Until one day when he came across a little hunter on the tundra. Thinking that the hunter was a little boy alone on the land, Inukpak decided to adopt him. And so, from the shoulder of one of the biggest giants to ever roam the Arctic, this hunter experiences the world from Inukpak's perspective.

About the authors

Neil Christopher is an educator, author, and filmmaker. He first moved to the North many years ago to help start a high school program in Resolute Bay, Nunavut. It was those students who first introduced Neil to the mythical inhabitants from Inuit traditional stories. The time spent in Resolute Bay changed the course of Neil’s life. Since that first experience in the Arctic, Nunavut has been the only place he has been able to call home. Neil has worked with many community members to record and preserve traditional Inuit stories. Together with his colleague, Louise Flaherty, and his brother, Danny Christopher, Neil started a small publishing company in Nunavut called Inhabit Media Inc., and has since been working to promote Northern stories and authors.

Neil Christopher's profile page

James Nelson is a freelance artist based in Chicago, Illinois. He has a lifelong interest in myths, legends, and the fantastic.

James Nelson's profile page

Pelagie Owlijoot has a long history as an educator, beginning from when Inuit first started working as classroom assistants. She has facilitated Nunavut-wide elders’ conferences and Inuktitut terminology workshops, and has also worked as a translator and interpreter for Council meetings. Currently, she is a manager of curriculum development at Nunavut Arctic College in Arviat, Kivalliq Region.

Pelagie Owlijoot's profile page

Editorial Reviews

“On the Shoulder of a Giant is written in clear, sparse text that invites us into the story of a great (friendly) giant named Inukpak . . .”

“. . . Nelson’s richly developed artwork playfully emphasizes the hunter’s plight while making it clear that the giant is friendly and caring . . .”

“One huge giant and one little man create a great story together and one that can nicely be shared aloud.”

“. . . a singularly fun and interesting take on the whole giant genre.”

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