Susan and her two siblings are left with their Ataata (father) in their iglu while their Anaana (mother) is away. They quickly cycle through their favorite games and activities, giving readers insight into the leisure activities of Inuit children. As a treat, Ataata hands Susan the special pencil Anaana keeps in her belongings and the children draw until they have used up their resources, . The illustrations are crisply cartoonish like an animated series, and the pencil drawings appear as authentic as in real life. Based on the author's childhood memories.

Author Susan Avingaq lives in the community of Igloolik, Nunavut. Author Maren Vsetula lives and works as a teacher in Nunavut.

Canada. Originally published in Canada by Inhabit Media in 2019. Published in the United States by Inhabit Media.

USBBY OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL BOOK

"[A] wonderful and touching story" -- New York Time Book Review

"A breath of warmth from the far north"-- Kirkus Reviews

Susan and her sister, Rebecca, love watching their mother write letters to people in other camps. Their mother has one precious pencil, and she keeps it safe in her box for special things. One afternoon, their mother leaves the iglu to help a neighbour, and Susan, Rebecca, and their brother Peter are left with their father. They play all their regular games but are soon out of things to do--until their father brings out the pencil! As Susan draws and draws, the pencil grows shorter and shorter. What will their mother think when she comes home? Based on author Susan Avingaq's childhood memories of growing up in an iglu, this charming story introduces young readers to the idea of using things wisely.