The Littlest Sled Dog

by Michael Kusugak, Michael Kusugak

Igvillu is a little dog with big dreams. One of her favorite dreams is of becoming a sled dog. When Igvillu is adopted from her kennel by an Inuit storyteller and moves to northern Canada, she comes face-to-face with real sled dogs. Igvillu loves living in the North, chasing siksiks and dreaming about her future. She's a dog who believes anything is possible!

Genres: Indigenous, Picture Books, Childrens, Canada

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2008

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, so I will start out with what I like about this book...

The illustrations were very colorful and actually very eye-catching. The cover is what caught my eye on this one initially. Then I like dogs (especially sled dogs) and I thought it'd be a cute story. I also liked that it introduces children to a different culture: strange names, country that is new, etc. It also talks about several different breeds of dogs.

But that is about where it ends. This story was very strange. While I liked the overall concept of the dog having a dream and realizing maybe it wouldn't work out and the dream changes, it had a strange world around it. A lot of the words were difficult even for me to say (let alone a child who tries reading it themselves). The dog moved several times and then runs in to vicious sled dogs and rethinks it's dream. Not sure why they were so vicious.

Overall I was disappointed in the book. I think it's great to introduce kids to new cultures, but I feel this just went about it the wrong way. Like I said, I liked the concept of the book, I just don't feel it met the expectations. I give this book 2 stars, maybe 2.5 stars if I feel generous.

[Katie Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Littlest Sled Dog" is a book describing the life of a puppy named Igvillu. As she grows up she hears stories from her mother about other dogs and dreams about being a sled dog. Igvillu is adopted by a storyteller who lives in the North, bringing her one step closer to her dream. However, when Igvillu encounters real sled dogs for the first time she realizes that she is content with her life as it is. In the end her dream changes to being a movie star. The major theme discussed in this story is always wanting what you don't have, in other words the grass being greener on the other side principle. Another important theme is dreaming. I really liked this book and how it was told from the perspective of the dog. It was well written and illustrated, while also being informative about different kinds of dogs around the world. I would recommend this book to be read to children to encourage them to have dreams and to also reassure them that it is okay for their dreams to change throughout their life.

[Jennifer Aitkens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story about a little dog who fancies becoming a big sled dog. Since I have a little dog who doesn't know how small she is, I can identify.

I particularly enjoyed the references to everyday life in Canada's far north - for example, carrying the little dog in a backpack for babies while four-wheeling across the land.

In addition to the sweet story and the colourful illustrations, I recommend the book for its cultural value.

[Whole And · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book full of imagination coupled with accuracy in the telling of a small dog that dreams based on the stories his mother used to tell him. Loved the imagery, the concept a little pup dreaming to of being a big husky sled dog and the changes he encounters. Excellent for the dog lover to discuss life in the arctic, dreaming while becoming what is most aligned with your natural self. A great read.

[Julian · Rating 2 out of 5]

We listened to this audio book while cuddling in bed last Sunday morning. My daughter was interested and she liked the exposure to a new culture, leaning new names and concepts like 'musher'. That is all good. We just find the ending a bit strange. Igvillu had a dream of being a sled dog but drops it when finding some big, mean dogs that put her down. I can understand that, but suddenly she gest a new dream and the story ends....like that, in ten seconds.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gail Bowen, my favorite Canadian mystery writer, mentioned another book by Kusugak (Hide and Sneak) in the most recent novel I read, but since our library didn't have that, I opted for this one. I'm glad I did. The story is sweet and is based on the author's own adorable cairn terrier. Enhancing the story are Vladyana Krykorka's lush painted illustrations of the Great North. This would be a fun book to share with children/grandchildren.

[Mala Ashok · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written, wonderfully illustrated Children's Book that your little one will love. You can buy it when they are in the read aloud stage and they will adore the pics too. 'The littlest sled dog' is the story of a little sled dog who loved to dream big. As he grows and experiences life his dreams change and we can enjoy his dreams with him.

[Nicole Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute :)

Read for 2020 Read-Eh-Thon
Prompts:
Read a book by an indigenous author
Read a book from a Canadian publisher
Read a book set in a province or territory you haven't been to
Read a Canadian children's book
Read something that is not a novel

[Haaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations in this book. The story was interesting as well.
Not necessarily for younger kids.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥇

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have seen this book many times in my library but had never read it. It is a cute story about a little dog that loves in Nunavut!

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute short little read. 10-12 minute book.