“Stories have hearts, just like people. And the heart of this story is true, even if the things said or done have been switched around a bit.”

In this follow-up to the critically acclaimed Tanna’s Owl, Tanna finds a small, grey lemming, far too cute to turn over to the scientist who has sent the children out to gather lemmings for his research. Instead, Tanna deems Fluffi to be a family member and attempts to raise the lemming in her home. But when the lemming strays from its cozy bed behind the stove and into Tanna’s mother’s things, Tanna is forced to consider whether she has really done what is best for Fluffi. Is it possible to treat something poorly by trying to treat it well?

"Utterly engaging, this is my new favorite don’t-take-critters-into-your-houses lesson in picture book form."—School Library Journal

"The sequence of events is clearly and vividly described. Tanna’s emotions, from the delight upon first finding Fluffi to her worry about her lemming being out in the cold on its own, are clearly heartfelt...Tanna’s Lemming is another worthwhile book about indigenous life in Canada for school and public library shelves. Recommended"—CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"The images in this book can be enjoyed by children of any age, but the reading level is upper elementary. Highly recommended for children’s collections and elementary school libraries."—Polar Libraries Bulletin

Set in the Arctic, this story illustrates life in the tundra during the summer and winter seasons and offers insight about a child’s perception of the needs and wants of living things. After an innocent mishap between the lemming and Tanna’s mother, Tanna takes responsibility and, in doing so, reflects on important Teachings from her father about the Law of Thunder and respecting all things in nature. Suitable for K–4 classrooms, this book is an excellent option for educators who are learning on the land and face conversations with students about collecting found objects or creatures in nature. Other topics include the needs and wants of living things, ecosystems and habitats, and self-reflection.

Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley was born at the northernmost edge of Baffin Island, in the Canadian Arctic. She grew up learning traditional survival lore from her father. She and her husband Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley were brought together by a love of nature and each other. They write Arctic speculative fiction and nonfiction for various ages. Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley was born at the southernmost edge of Ontario, learning woodcraft from his father. He and his wife Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley were brought together by a love of nature and each other. They write Arctic speculative fiction and nonfiction for various ages. Tamara Campeau works digitally to create her painterly storytelling illustrations. Her work has a strong sense of lighting, naturalistic colours, and dynamic composition. She is strongly inspired by wildlife, children, and the environments in which they reside. She uses this inspiration to add a layer of realism to her work. Campeau’s illustration journey began at Dawson College, where she earned her associate degree in illustration and design. Shortly after, she furthered her studies at Sheridan College, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in illustration.