The Caterpillar Woman

by Nadia Sammurtok, Carolyn Gan (Illustrator)

Overview

Piujuq is a kind young woman who loves to take long walks on the tundra and dance by her favourite lake surrounded by butterflies. But one day, she encounters a stranger on her walk. When this person asks a favour of Piujuq, she happily obliges, and that kindness leaves Piujuq stuck in the body of a caterpillar. Alone, and thinking that no one could ever love her because of how she looks, Piujuq does not return to her camp. Instead, she lives a lonely life on the tundra as a caterpillar. Until one day, when another stranger appears . . .

Based on a traditional Inuit story, this tale of inner beauty, kindness, and magic is a perfect addition to any young reader's bookshelf.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781772275841
Publisher:	Inhabit Media
Publication date:	11/04/2025
Edition description:	English Edition
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.25(w) x 7.30(h) x 0.15(d)
Age Range:	6 - 8 Years

About the Author

Nadia Sammurtok is an Inuit writer and educator originally from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Nadia is passionate about preserving the traditional Inuit lifestyle and Inuktitut language so that they may be enjoyed by future generations. Nadia currently lives in Iqaluit, Nunavut, with her family.

Carolyn Gan is an illustrator and designer working in Sydney, Australia. She has worked in television as a visual development artist, colour stylist, and set designer. The Caterpillar Woman is her first book.

Editorial Reviews

The legend which has a moral or message about seeing beyond skin-deep beauty is steeped in Inuit traditions from parkas to drums but with the supernatural element of a caterpillar woman and a magical drumbeater. Though the transformation of Piujuq to a caterpillar woman may be somewhat frightening, and Australian artist Carolyn Gan does this creepiness very well, it is Piujuq’s kindness and the inner beauty both she and Amaraq see in each other that uplifts the story to one of magic.

CanLit for Little Canadians

[A] magical tale that unites a kindhearted maiden who dances with butterflies and a lonely hunter...a transformational story of kindness, compassion, and looking beyond the surface to the character within. Illustrations from Carolyn Gan showcase the beauty and grandeur of the arctic tundra with its dramatic landscapes and fascinating culture as Piujuq and Amaruq meet and fall in love.

Foreword Reviews