Putuguq & Kublu

by Danny Christopher, Astrid Arijanto (Illustrator)

Putuguq and Kublu are a sister and brother who cannot get along. They love to pull pranks and one-up each other every chance they get! When one of Putuguq's pranks does not go as planned, the feuding siblings find themselves on the land with their grandfather, learning a bit about Inuit history, between throwing snowballs, that is.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics, Native American, Comics, Picture Books, Childrens, Middle Grade

40 pages, Paperback

Published May 9, 2017

About the author

Danny Christopher is a Canadian illustrator and art teacher. He has travelled throughout the Canadian Arctic as an instructor for Nunavut Arctic College. He is the illustrator of The Legend of the Fog, A Children's Guide to Arctic Birds, and Animals Illustrated: Polar Bear, and author of Putuguq and Kublu. His work on The Legend of the Fog was nominated for the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustration Award. He lives in Toronto with his wife, four children, and a puppy.

(source: Inhabit Media website)

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute fast tale which is a great introduction to a culture unfamiliar to my own although not tremendously far away in terms of distance. I really wish there was a pronunciation guide because I have no idea how to say the names in this book.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is actually Putuguq and Kublu.
There are too few books with Inuit characters. This short graphic novel seeks to fill the gap. Set in the Arctic Circle, the story about two siblings and their wise grandfather includes humor and legend. Putuguq hopes to surprise his sister Kublu with a snowball attack, but she has his number. In the ensuing chase, Kublu trips over a rock near an inuksuk, a sacred stone marker, like a trail cairn. The children's grandfather arrives to tell them about the folklore and history of inuksuit. Bright, colorful illustrations, which look to be digitally created, very simple text, and relatable sibling dynamics make this short story appealing. The tales of inuksuit add depth and interest. Includes map of fictional community, and back matter on inuksuit and the Tuniit people.
The story is slight and short (35 p.) I think the back matter could have been incorporated into the story to give it more depth. It is short for the target age of reader

[mg · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A fun story about an Inuit brother and sister team. Like all siblings these two spend much of the short story picking on each and trying to play tricks on the other one. Grandpa manages to sneak a little cultural history into the middle of their shenanigans as well. Back matter includes a few pages of explanation of the some of the references in the book, thankfully.

Cute story that helps young readers learn a bit about the Inuit culture. Though, I will say that non-Inuit children might be intimidated by the kids' names and some of the Inuit words sprinkled within the book. Might be a better read-together than read-alone book for early readers.

[Keitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable and funny graphic novel for beginner readers. The story follows a sibling rivalry and smoothly incorporates a brief introduction to Inuksuit...which I learned is the plural of Inuksuk. Hopefully there will be more Putuguq & Kublu books!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute graphic novel for beginning readers with fun characters and good, lighthearted humor. Had me giggling throughout! And of course you have to love the representation of indigenous Arctic culture!

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple comic set in an Inuit village. Two siblings prank each other and learn lessons from their grandfather. It's cute, funny, and the illustrations are excellent. In between a picture book and a graphic novel.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very short and simple (both art and plot). Two siblings play tricks on each other and the grandpa tells them of the historical importance of the inukshuk to the people of the Arctic. My 5yo was underwhelmed by this book which we find on the library shelf.

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This great little beginner graphic novel is not only bright and easy to read, it explains the importance of the Inuksuk and the Tuniit ancestors.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An early elementary graphic novel about two Tuniit children playing tricks on one another. Cute fun and easy.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright and fun juvenile graphic novel with Inuit characters. Will appeal to early elementary, particularly ones with siblings.

[Niki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Putuguq & Kublu is a short graphic novel that features Inuit characters and places. Cute and simple, young readers (grades 2-4) will enjoy this series.

3.5/5 stars

[Fiona Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! I really hope they are planning to make more.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for beginn

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Fast paced, fun, and informative! First comic I've read featuring Inuit protagonists.

[Kevin]

An introduction to graphic novel format for beginner readers. Treats the reader to the first people.

[Elizabeth]

A contemporary playful brother and sister story that's a light introduction to some stuff about the ancient Tuniit (the people who came before the Inuit).