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

Akagaq, the youngest brother of three, is confident but forgetful. When he gets caught in a blizzard he makes a tent, but it is no match for the powerful winds. Trapped in the cold, Akagaq is helped by his brother Tiriaq. Tiriaq digs into a snowdrift for shelter, but the wind is still too strong and blows out their lamp. Akkiutaq, the eldest brother, arrives to save them, and brings them to the iglu he has carefully built. The wind threatens to destroy the iglu as well, but the shelter proves strong, and the brothers are safe. The brothers learn an important lesson about paying attention to their Elders, and taking care in what they do.

Raymond Gianfrancesco lived and worked in Rankin Inlet for seven years as an elementary school teacher. He now lives and teaches high school English in Ottawa, with his wife Morna and children Neala and Bernie. 

Raymond Gianfrancesco's profile page

This story has many authors. Grade 4 students: Avra, Andrew, Michael, Puya, Tayshaun, Kyrene, Robert, Hailey, Iqaluk, Sulu, Dylan, Atuat, Joseph, Nolan, and Lisa, as well as their teacher Raymond Gianfrancesco.

Grade 4 Class of Leo Ussak School's profile page

Thamires Paredes lives and works as a freelance illustrator in Brazil and has a great passion in telling stories through her art. Her main focus is on editorial illustration, books, and advertising. She has a special love and affection for the universe of illustrations aimed at the children and youth.

Thamires Paredes' profile page

• Best Books for Kids and Teens

"The story is charming and engaging, with a fresh and authentic feeling...An inspired retelling of a beloved tale."—Kirkus

"Reminiscent of the three little pigs, this story of three brothers attempting to survive a blizzard demonstrates the importance of preparation—and of heeding the wisdom of your elders."—Foreword Reviews

"The Three Hunters is another worthwhile addition to school and public library shelves and a useful curriculum adjunct to studies of the North."—CM: Canadian Review of Materials

The Three Hunters is a play on the early fairytale The Three Pigs, though rather than a big bad wolf, the wind wreaks havoc on the three hunters. Inuktitut phrases are entwined in the text, giving the story the appeal of authentic Indigenous voice. The message in the story, to pay attention to the Teachings of your Elders, does not go unnoticed as the eldest brother, Akkiutaq, rescues his younger brothers and brings them to the secure shelter of his igloo. Children will make connections to this story, which would be a great addition to any primary-level classroom library.

Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools