Nunavut childrens book nominated for award

A childrens book published, illustrated, and written in Nunavut is up for a prestigious literary award in Ontario.

Ava and the Little Folk details the adventures of Ava, an orphan who is taken in by the little peopleafter beingleft behind by the adults in his community.

It was written by Alan Neal and Neil Christopher and published by Inhabit Media. Apex resident Jonathan Wright did the illustrations.

Wright says books are a wonderful way to showcase Inuit stories and culture.

"There's a unique voice and everyone wants to hear it, Wright says. It's riddled with wonderful imagery and great messages. It's another voice that has to be heard."

The book has been nominated for the Silver Birch Express Award. The winner will be decided based on votes by elementary school students across Ontario.

Christopher hopes one day an awards program will be set up in Nunavut... to celebrate Inuit literature.

"Currently there is no award program for books in Nunavut so we really appreciate being recognized in Southern Canada," Christopher says.

But Christopher says discussions are taking place between various organizations about establishing an award program. He also believes that having young people involved in recognizing books could help promote literacy across the territory.

The Silver Birch Express award winner will be decided in May.