It Bears Repeating by Tanya Tagaq, illustrated by Cee Pootoogook, is a remarkable addition to the realm of children’s literature that transcends the conventional boundaries of a simple counting book. With its roots deeply embedded in Inuktitut culture, the book offers a refreshing perspective on the natural world through the eyes of the majestic polar bear.
Synopsis
The narrative begins with a singular polar bear stretching to greet the day, a scene that sets the tone for a journey through numbers and nature. As the story progresses, each page turn introduces additional bears, culminating in a gathering of ten, each bear bringing its own unique contribution to the unfolding story. The use of Inuktitut language, prominently featured in a larger, blue typeface, not only adds a layer of cultural richness but also serves as an educational tool, inviting readers to delve into a language that is as beautiful as it is significant.
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The book’s title, “It Bears Repeating,” is a clever nod to the dual nature of the book—as a counting primer that warrants revisiting and as a cultural artifact that echoes the importance of repetition in learning and storytelling. The backmatter, which includes translation and pronunciation guides, further enriches the reader’s experience, providing valuable resources for those eager to explore the Inuktitut language further.
The illustrations by Pootoogook are nothing short of captivating. His textured portrayal of the bears is both fluid and expansive, offering a bird’s-eye view of these magnificent creatures as they swim, slide, and, in a surprising twist, engage in a square dance. While the latter may seem an unexpected departure from the otherwise realistic actions, it injects a playful element that is sure to delight young readers.
In conclusion, It Bears Repeating is an enchanting blend of education and entertainment, a book that not only teaches counting but also imparts a deeper appreciation for the Inuit culture and the environment. It is a book that indeed bears repeating, both for the joy it brings to its readers and for the invaluable cultural insights it provides.
A must read story and you can purchase a copy of this amazing book, here.
About the Author
TANYA TAGAQ is an improvisational performer, avant-garde composer, and experimental recording artist who won the 2014 Polaris Music Prize for her album Animism, a work that disrupted the music world in Canada and beyond with its powerfully original vision. Tagaq contorts elements of punk, metal, and electronica into a complex and contemporary sound that begins in breath, a communal and fundamental phenomenon. While the Polaris Prize signaled an awakening to Tanya Tagaq’s art and messages, she has been touring and collaborating with an elite international circle of artists for over a decade. Tagaq’s improvisational approach lends itself to collaboration across genres, and recent projects have pulled her in vastly different directions, from contributing guest vocals to a F**ked Up song (a hardcore punk band from Toronto) to premiering a composition made for Kronos Quartet’s Fifty for the Future collection, and composing a piece for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Tanya’s most recent album Retribution was released in fall 2016.
Until next time….Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
*Please note that this book was provided in exchange of an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.
