Review Detail

THE WALRUS AND THE CARIBOU is a delightful picture book that captures Indigenous folklore about the creation of animals. Guk breathed life into a walrus with antlers and a caribou with tusks, but both of the animals bothered the hunters. She then realizes some of her mistakes and switches the antlers and tusks on the walrus and carribou, and the final design is just right.

What I loved: This is a simple folklore tale that captures the imagination. I loved the colorful and cartoonish illustrations on each page, and the simplicity of the story is great for many ages. There's a lot of fun in the walrus and caribou, as well as their silly interactions with the hunters. Guk is delightful, and her personality comes across throughout. The book ends with a question, inviting children to think of the animals they would create if they could - a fun exercise.

What left me wanting more: As a small point, Guk kicks the caribou in the story. I would rather not show this as it is a bad example for children (particularly toddlers who may still be learning that we don't kick people or animals).

Final verdict: Overall, this is a fun picture book about an Indigenous folktale sure to appeal to children with the expressive Guk, animal fun, and fantastic illustrations.