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My Ittu: The Biggest, Best Grandpa
This heartwarming book about a little girl’s larger-than-life love for her larger-than-life grandfather will charm grandparents and little ones alike.
Maniq loves her ittu (short for ittupajaaq, an Inuktitut word for grandfather). He’s brave—enough to wrestle the grumpiest polar bear, if he ever needed to! He’s tall—enough to see over the tallest mountain tops. He’s generous—enough to walk through a blizzard to make sure others have delicious food to eat. And above all, he loves his grandkids, every single one of them—and there must be close to one hundred, by Maniq’s count at least!
Maniq loves her ittu (short for ittupajaaq, an Inuktitut word for grandfather). He’s brave—enough to wrestle the grumpiest polar bear, if he ever needed to! He’s tall—enough to see over the tallest mountain tops. He’s generous—enough to walk through a blizzard to make sure others have delicious food to eat. And above all, he loves his grandkids, every single one of them—and there must be close to one hundred, by Maniq’s count at least!
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
28 pages, Hardcover
Published July 11, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 29, 2023
“My Ittu: The Biggest, Best Grandpa,” is a gorgeous book. Written by Laura Deal and illustrated by Thamires Paredes, the book focuses on a little girl named Maniq.
There’s a lot about this book to love. First, it features an indigenous community in Canada. Like many indigenous tribes in the United States, the author points out the importance of sharing, and especially the sharing of food when Maniq’s says,
“…My Ittu knows that sharing is important…”
I also love how the author shows how Native cultures are different from non-Native ones. Many non-Native parents would freak out about giving a young child a knife, or in Maniq’s case, what appears to be an ulu—which is just as sharp and dangerous as a European knife. But in indigenous communities, children learn about culture and responsibility at an early age.
I especially like how the author included a, “Glossary of Inuktuk Words” for those of us who are not native speakers of Inuktuk (the language of the Inuit tribe).
Paredes did an absolutely fantastic job with the illustrations. The pictures are bright, colorful, and really reveal Native culture. Her attention to detail really made me believe that she was intimately familiar with Inuit culture and with Canada that I was amazed that she was a native Brazilian!
This is an absolutely beautiful PB that is sorely needed. Not only will it inspire young Inuit readers, but will also serve the various non-Native young readers by helping them to learn more about this culture. I highly recommend this book!!!
There’s a lot about this book to love. First, it features an indigenous community in Canada. Like many indigenous tribes in the United States, the author points out the importance of sharing, and especially the sharing of food when Maniq’s says,
“…My Ittu knows that sharing is important…”
I also love how the author shows how Native cultures are different from non-Native ones. Many non-Native parents would freak out about giving a young child a knife, or in Maniq’s case, what appears to be an ulu—which is just as sharp and dangerous as a European knife. But in indigenous communities, children learn about culture and responsibility at an early age.
I especially like how the author included a, “Glossary of Inuktuk Words” for those of us who are not native speakers of Inuktuk (the language of the Inuit tribe).
Paredes did an absolutely fantastic job with the illustrations. The pictures are bright, colorful, and really reveal Native culture. Her attention to detail really made me believe that she was intimately familiar with Inuit culture and with Canada that I was amazed that she was a native Brazilian!
This is an absolutely beautiful PB that is sorely needed. Not only will it inspire young Inuit readers, but will also serve the various non-Native young readers by helping them to learn more about this culture. I highly recommend this book!!!
February 20, 2023
This picture book captures the strong bond between an Inuit girl and her grandfather, and in doing so, it acknowledges how frequently youngsters look up to their elders, often considering them capable of almost impossible feats. Because the story is narrated mostly by Maniq, the granddaughter, readers are treated to her admiration of her ittu and how she associates many positive attributes to him while exaggerating many of them. The text and images offer contrasts between the little girl and her large, powerful grandfather, depicting various times when his strength has been tested against a polar bear or when lifting two snowmobiles. Why, he's even such a speedy boater that he can travel from the Arctic to Hawaii and back in less than a day. Readers will quickly realize that this man is larger than life and his feats resemble those of a tall tale, but this realization only adds to the story's delights since Maniq's emotions are so relatable. Then, too, what she loves about him is how much love he shares with his grandchildren, especially her. Although the book ends a bit abruptly, it's certainly worth reading and sharing with youngsters as a starting point for discussing their own grandparents or other adults who are important in their lives. The use of Inuktut terms and the Arctic setting add to this one's cultural authenticity and make it a good choice for a read aloud. My favorite illustration shows Maniq perched on the shoulder of this larger-than-life man who's clearly been a positive influence in her life and the lives of others.
September 12, 2022
For Inuit communities, this bright and breezy book shows a girl bursting with reasons to love her grandfather – he’s superhumanly strong, clever, tall, generous, and the best tutor in using an ulu. For the rest of us, this is a window into how a northern Canadian girl’s priorities are similar and different to ours when regarding a grandad. It will serve its intended communities and readers fine, but will struggle to travel.
July 3, 2026
A sweet Indigenous read about a little girl and her Ittu (grandpa.) The young girl shares all the special reasons why her Ittu is the best grandpa and why she loves him so much. A family read with some Inuit words sprinkled in.
Want to Read
August 24, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
December 31, 2022
Incredibly sweet book, like a love letter to a family member.
January 10, 2023
4 stars for this bright book celebrating a wonderful granddaughter grandfather relationship
I read an advanced digital copy of this title, courtesy of the publisher
I read an advanced digital copy of this title, courtesy of the publisher
June 26, 2023
My kid says this is a 5 star book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews