Elder Celebrates Dream Come True with New Children’s Book

In a significant cultural milestone for Taloyoak, Nunavut, Elizabeth Lyall, a 72-year-old elder, has published her first children’s book, Let’s Explore Taloyoak. Released on March 3, 2024, the book is a collaborative effort with co-author Sarah Leslie and aims to engage young readers by connecting them to their community and culture.

A Story Rooted in Community

The narrative follows two characters, Tasiuq and Siasi, as they explore important sites in Taloyoak. Tasiuq, inspired by Lyall’s Inuktitut name, reflects the local culture and experiences that children can relate to. The story is fictional but draws from real-life experiences that resonate with the community.

Leslie, who serves as a manager of early childhood training and resources for the Nunavut government, initially approached Lyall with the idea of creating a children’s book two years ago. Their collaboration blossomed from a chance encounter at the airport, where Leslie recalls being whisked away on the back of Lyall’s quad. This adventurous start laid the groundwork for a creative partnership.

“That was terrifying for me because I had no helmet on… But I said, ‘Do you remember that? That’d be kind of cool. Like, what if you did a story kind of similar?’” said Leslie.

Multilingual and Culturally Rich

Let’s Explore Taloyoak is not just a children’s book; it is a cultural artifact that aims to preserve and promote the Inuit language. The book is published by Arvaaq Press and is available in four languages across three variations: Inuktitut and English, Inuinnaqtun and English, and Inuktitut and French. Lyall hopes this multilingual approach will help children engage with their linguistic heritage.

In preparation for the book, Lyall photographed significant local landmarks, including the old stone church and the office of the Hunters and Trappers Association. These images were brought to life by Toronto-based illustrator Amiel Sandland, enriching the visual storytelling experience for young readers.

Leslie has also announced that the book will be distributed to childcare centres throughout Nunavut, furthering its reach within the community. The Department of Education is working on a series that aims to publish a children’s book from every Nunavut community, with titles from Coral Harbour, Chesterfield Inlet, and Naujaat currently in development.

Lyall describes the experience of becoming a published author as a “dream come true.” She is already contemplating ideas for a second book, demonstrating her commitment to continuing this important cultural work.

With its vibrant storytelling and community focus, Let’s Explore Taloyoak promises to be an engaging resource for children, fostering a connection to their roots while encouraging language retention in a modern context. The book is available on the Arvaaq Press website and is expected to be listed on Indigo’s online store and at its Whitehorse location.