Putuguq and Kublu

Written by Danny Christopher

Illustrated by Astrid Arijanto

Inhabit Media

978-1-77227-143-0

32 pp.

Ages 4-7

May 2017

The children of the title, Putuguq and Kublu, are a high-spirited brother and sister who love playing pranks on one another but in this early reader-graphic novel, they are no match for the wisdom of their grandfather who supervises and enlightens them.

The smaller and younger Putuguq tries to prank his sister Kublu with a snowball but she is older and onto his tricks and gets him with an even bigger snowball.  As he chases her across the tundra, Kublu trips on a rock and almost falls head first into an inukshuk.  Their grandfather takes this opportunity to tell them about the purpose of inuksuit (plural of inukshuk) and of the ancient Tuniit people who used them as hunting markers.  Putuguq, always wanting to show himself as the better-bigger-stronger sibling, tries to lift a heavy rock and just ends up looking silly.  But, he finds his own way to use an inukshuk and to get back at his snowball-dropping sister.

From Putuguq and Kublu 

by Danny Christopher 

illus. by Astrid Arijanto

These kids have spirit and lots of it and a good dose of sibling rivalry–of the friendly nature–that fuels their antics in their home town of Arviq Bay north of the Arctic Circle. (A double-spread graphic maps out key places in their community.)

From Putuguq and Kublu 

by Danny Christopher 

illus. by Astrid Arijanto

But the story is more than a sister and brother trying to "get" the other with snowballs or showing off.  It's a story of family and history and environment.  Danny Christopher has penned a simple story but it is perfect for a child who is an early reader.  The story teaches in a fun way and will help in developing visual literacy skills with the bright and bold graphics of Astrid Arijanto.  From the map to the explanations about inuksuit and the Tuniit, Putuguq and Kublu is a fun romp across the tundra that will spark discussions about the Arctic, the Inuit and getting along with your siblings.

From Putuguq and Kublu 

by Danny Christopher 

illus. by Astrid Arijanto

n.b. The word "putuguq" and "kublu" are Inuktitut words that mean toe and thumb respectively.