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

Etua Snowball shares his childhood experience with the unlikeliest of friend—an Arctic wolf pup that he meets at a remote camp where the boy spends his summers. As the child and the pup become more comfortable with one another, they go hunting, walking, exploring, and catching butterflies together across the tundra. With the end of summer approaching, the young boy knows he must soon return home. Will he gain enough trust from the pup to be able to pet it before he leaves?

Etua Snowball is an Inuk author who writes of his traditional and unexpected experiences within a modernizing world. He is also an award-winning musician with lyrics established by his poetry. Actor, sculptor, and artist are just a few accomplishments within his knowledge in many fields. Living in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, Etua lived on the land with his family during his upbringing between first ice break and the first snowfall. He met tourists from all over the world on a weekly basis while they experienced fishing and hunting on Inuit lands. Befriending and raising wild animals kept his life eventful and closer to nature as he grew into adulthood. In an effort to keep his culture alive in modern times, Etua is also the Director of Education Services for Nunavik with a McGill University honours degree, Prime Minister’s Award for teaching excellence, and a Citizenship Award under his belt.

Etua Snowball's profile page

Shuggie Crossland is an illustrator and animator who grew up in libraries loving children’s books. They attended Sheridan College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in animation. They are an amateur paranormal investigator and enjoy all things spooky.

Shuggie Crossland's profile page

• Short-listed, Janet Savage Blachford Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature

"Snowball shares his own memories of a wonderful friendship he had with an Arctic wolf pup he encountered at the remote camp his family spent their summers at when he was a child. It’s a book that quietly celebrates Inuk culture and is sure to delight young animal lovers."—The Globe and Mail

Canadian Review of Materials

"The Wolf Cub nurtures children's appreciation for the natural world and helps children to see their connection to the land and animals. Highly Recommended"

Canadian Review of Materials

The Wolf Pup demonstrates a profound connection that humans can have with wildlife when approached with respect and non-invasiveness. Etua's bond with the wolf pup highlights how understanding and respecting animals in their natural habitat can lead to meaningful and lasting relationships between humans and wildlife. Primary-aged students will enjoy the colourful illustrations that bring to life the story of an Arctic wolf pup and a boy named Etua. These engaging visuals complement the narrative, making the story accessible and captivating for young readers.

Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools