Lemming's First Halloween by Jamesie Fournier (Author) and Faiza Khan (Illustrator)
The air has begun to get an icier chill and the sun hangs in the sky less and less--it's time for Arctic Halloween!
A lemming mother named Anaana and her pup--whom she calls Lemmingkulu--ready for the spooky night. But, Lemmingkulu has never experienced Halloween before and all of the costumed kids and creatures frighten the young lemming. At first, Anaana delights in the fun scares she and Lemmingkulu experience, but when Lemmingkulu shows he's truly frightened and confused, she sits him down to explain about the holiday. She also reassures her pup that being brave does not being unafraid and, in fact, one can only be brave when one is afraid.
But then, something emerges from the ice groaning and moaning and Anaana knows it is no child behind a mask. However, Lemmingkulu feels brave after his talk with his mother and he marches up to the frightening being and makes scary noises of his own. Soon, Lemmingkulu learns not only how to enjoy Arctic Halloween, but how to be brave.
Lemming's First Halloween by Jamesie Fournier is a Halloween story packed with additional meaning. Throughout the book, Fournier introduce Innuktitut words and phrases (if you are unfamiliar with Innuktitut, never fear, Fournier includes a definition list and pronunciation guide for every word or phrase that appears in the story). But even beyond that, Fournier is sharing some of his culture. The final scary thing that climbs from the ice is Qallupilluk--"[a] creature from Inuit traditional stories that snatches children from off the sea ice". While Fournier does not share those traditional stories, he puts Qallupilluk in a more modern story and provides some information about Qallupilluk which allows those being read to and those reading aloud to look into the creature further should they be curious.
In addition to some Innuktitut vocabulary and folklore, Fournier's picture book has two additional benefits. One is that it is an introduction to Halloween for anyone who is unfamiliar with the holiday. While it is easy to think of our cultural holidays and traditions as the norm--especially as a young child--it is important to remember that they are not and to provide an easy introduction to anyone who is learning about a different culture's holidays or traditions for the first time.
And, of course, Anaana's lesson to Lemmingkulu about what bravery means is vital. Many adults even think they are not brave because they are afraid and this is more potent for children. It's important for children to learn early that being afraid does not mean you can't be brave--in fact, it often means they are being brave. It's a warm lesson passed clearly, but gently.
Faiza Khan's illustrations match the tone of the book perfectly. Her artwork (especially her use of color) give off that slightly spooky, but also fun feeling that many of us experience around and during Halloween. No scary costume is too scary and readers can see who is underneath it. When the dangerous Qallupilluk appears, Khan renders the creature scarier than any of the others, but soon Qallupilluk is the one who is visibly afraid and Lemmingkulu the one visibly the victor. This allows for a moment of trepidation, but a quick and reassuring resolution.
Beyond appropriately communicating the feelings of the season and characters, Khan's artwork is also just fun. The lemming mother and pup are pink and purple instead of their real-life black, brown, and white. Anaana is dressed as the Bride of Frankenstein with an impressive bouffant the size of her own body. The joy of seeing something familiar, but more exaggerated is clearly present.
Lemming's First Halloween by Jamesie Fournier provides an excellent introduction to Innuktitut vocabulary and folklore as well as Halloween. Fournier also provides a clear message of what being brave truly means. Finally, Faiza Khan's illustrations amplify Fournier's messages, but also just pure fun.
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