Age K+, great story, teaches children to respect what they have and shows that not every child has everything and that's okay. Be happy with what you have. ( )

A great window into the indigenous tribe, the Inuktitut, and their life living in the Arctic. Shows students that they should be grateful for what they have and how difficult it is for some people to have even the most simple supplies.

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss. ( )

A different perspective on an object I usually take for granted. In the days of computers and phones it's nice to remember how much fun a simple pencil can be.

Also a good conversation starter - why would they only have one pencil? What makes it so important? If the mother was so worried about saving the pencil, why doesn't she get mad? ( )

Resources are scarce in the far North. When resources are scarce and commodities need to be flown in great distances you learn to use your resources carefully and wisely. In The Pencil Susan Avingaq and Maren Vsetula along with illustrator Charlene Chua we are introduced to Susan, Rebecca, Peter and their Anaana and Ataata. They live in the far north in their iglu where they are rich in love and imagination. One of their most cherished possessions is Anaana’s pencil. She uses it for her work as a midwife, writing instructions and letters to neighbouring communities. When the children grow restless one day when Anaana is out delivering a baby, Ataata allows them to use the pencil, each taking turns, creating beautiful pictures and practicing their writing. When Anaana returns she is proud to see all of the beautiful drawings but also reminds the children how the pencil must be used wisely as it is a great distance just to go and pick up another at the trading post.

The Pencil is a beautiful mirror book for the Inuit community to see their culture and their lifestyle reflected back to them. It also offers a clear window into the Inuit culture for non-Inuit readers and also provides us with a powerful message of resource management. We live in a time where corporate profits mean more than quality products. Susan Avingaq and Maren Vsetula remind us to value our possessions and use our things wisely and carefully and not fall into the trap of having disposable possessions.

Charlene Chua’s illustrations are bold and brilliant and so well informed. You can fully appreciate the care that goes into the work she does with Inhabit Media, ensuring her illustrations are culturally accurate and reflective of the Inuit and the Arctic landscape. The book just leaps off the shelves thanks to her vibrant work ( )