Greenland, or Kalaallit Nunaat, has been in the news a lot lately as the Danish territory and its inhabitants—the vast majority of whom are Indigenous—have faced unprovoked aggression from the United States government. Yet when pressed, most U.S. citizens would probably admit to knowing extremely little about the island, its history, and its people.

Naja Lund Aparico’s new picture book, Seasons by the Lake, explores a year of adventures in a rural Greenlandic home through the eyes of two young Inuit brothers. We recently had the chance to chat with Naja and discovered how her childhood inspired the book, dispelled some misconceptions about Greenland, and learned how readers can offer meaningful support to the Native people of the world’s largest island.

Welcome, Naja! First, thank you for sharing your culture and experiences with readers in this lovely book. What inspired you to bring this story to life for young audiences?

NLA: First of all, thank you so much for featuring Seasons by the Lake on The Baby Bookworm! I am so happy that I get to talk about my U.S. debut picture book with you. I have previously published two children’s books in Greenland, written in my mother tongue, Greenlandic. One is a picture book called My Friend Sofus, and the other is Recess, which is a middle grade novel.

Bookshop

Amazon

The inspiration for Seasons by the Lake stems from the fact that I find joy in sharing stories about what life is like in the most remote and largest island in the world. In addition, as an Inuk, an Indigenous person, I believe representation is important—not only for the Indigenous peoples and all underrepresented people, but because I believe that every reader deserves to hear about childhood fun in other parts of the world. Not as a subject in school, not just presented as facts and data and statistics (all necessary and great!), but as silly, fun stories about childhood mischief and adventure.

We all love those stories. And if you think about it, that is what mutual understanding between different nations stems from—a universality in empathy and compassion. I believe that children’s books are the real gateway to world peace, because stories shape a child’s foundation for humanity.

What gave you the idea for basing the narrative around the changing of the seasons?

NLA: In Greenland, we spend a lot of time outside regardless of the raging storms or the time of day. There is a deconstruction of time, as well as adaptation to the harsh climate. During the Summer, children spend time in nature late into the night due to the Midnight Sun. I really wanted to share how the construction of time is not a limitation, nor is the weather a determinant for a child’s need to explore and play outdoors.

You’ve said on your website that many of Minik and Nuka’s activities were inspired by your childhood memories. Which moments of nostalgia were you particularly excited to bring to the page?

NLA: Playing in the snow during the blackness of Winter, building little huts or igloos, and sometimes bringing candles to light them inside our snow bubbles. There was an insularity and presence in the moment to let our imaginations fly.

I remember it so vividly, the sensation of the icy wind biting our cheeks and frosting our eyelashes while being bundled in layers of clothing. In addition, the epic snowball fights, imprinting snow angels deep into soft snow, and, overall, the freedom to roam and sled. I find it amazing how the simple act of sledding on a bumpy hill can cause laughing fits so hard they almost make you cry.

In a way, that jumping and bouncing in the snow can be compared to letting children loose at a trampoline park or bouncing place. It is the freedom to be a child, to be silly and goofy, and explore the outdoors on our own that made our childhood in Greenland so unique.

While the brothers engage in some childhood activities that are uniquely Greenlandic, many are also universal: playing outside, sharing a meal with loved ones, gazing at the night sky, etc. Do you think that this commonality presents an important lesson for readers?

The Baby Bookworm

Message History

Delivery option(s)