Jeanne Bushey, Illustrated by Germaine Arnatauyok,
A Sled Dog for Moshi.
Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1994, 2005.

Rating: G*

It was a turtle for me. I had to have a pet turtle. For Moshi, she wants a dog just like Tippy. Tippy is her friend Jessica’s small, white, Terrier dog. A dog that can do tricks! Moshi’s family only owns Inuit dogs. Dogs that pull sleds. Her dreams of a sled dog puppy are shattered when her dad explains that to have one of those puppies would be a waste of a good sled dog. The family becomes worried when Nuna, who is due to have puppies, goes missing. Time passes and Moshi’s love for a dog like Tippy grows. Spring arrives and the two friends go exploring. Moshi teaches Jessica about their village in Iqaluit. The flowers that  look like dandelions are called Artic Cotton, and Moshi warns Jessica about the dangers of whiteouts. The two girls soon find themselves caught in a whiteout! Luckily, they help each other through it, with the help of an unexpected friend. Her dad wants to grant Moshi’s wish in the end, but Moshi knows what’s best for everyone.

Having lived in Iqaluit and the North West Territories herself, the author has provided a small glossary on the last page. She defines, and shows a pictorial depiction of some words found in the text of the book.

Originally published in 1994, this soft, coloured illustrations make for a gentle read; that is until we see the blowing snow and wind of the whiteout! Moshi’s long, bright red, flowered coat stands out the most amongst all the pictures. A much appreciated addition to any library!

Thematic Links: Dogs; Pets; Inuit; Iqaluit; Spring; Whiteouts; Friendship; Survival; Family

*Rating System:
E - Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!
G - Good, even great at times, generally useful!
A - Average, all right, has its applications.
P - Problematic, puzzling, poorly presented.