Sweetest Kulu by C. Kalluk

Abstract

Kalluk, Celina. Sweetest Kulu. Illus. Alexandria Neonakis. Iqaluit, NU: Inhabit Media Inc., 2014. Print.“Kulu” is an Inuktitut term of endearment for babies and small children. In this work, traditional throat singer and author, Celina Kalluk, shows all of the gifts that nature brings to a newborn baby. The images show the baby cradled and adored by many creatures. Each creature brings a character trait as a gift for the baby. “Caribou chose patience for you, cutest Kulu. He gave you the ability to look to the stars, so that you will always know where you are and may gently lead the way”. With each gift, Kalluk uses a different adjective to describe the baby – happy Kulu, admired Kulu, beloved Kulu. Illustrator, Alexandria Neonakis has created an image for each animal in rich and deep colours. The images spread over two facing pages with text over-printed. Each image is gentle and tender. The baby is shown nestled between the front hooves of a musk-ox, curled up against a polar bear or snuggled up in the paws of an Arctic hare. The baby is reflected in the water when the Arctic char brings a gift of tenderness.This book is a beautiful representation of a mother’s love for her baby reflected in the traditional Inuit connection to the land and nature. It is a calming and peaceful book, which will become a bedtime read-aloud favourite. Highly recommended for elementary school libraries, public libraries and babies’ rooms everywhere.Highly Recommended: 4 stars out of 4Reviewer: Sandy CampbellSandy is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Alberta, who has written hundreds of book reviews across many disciplines. Sandy thinks that sharing books with children is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.