Biographical note

Jennifer Noah grew up in the south but always had a fondness for the North. She would often write short stories about Inuit children in her primary school years. Jennifer moved to Iqaluit in her mid-twenties, where she continued her work in the field of mental health and addictions counselling. She later transitioned into a youth health researcher role, where she worked collaboratively with communities to develop an evidence-based model for youth wellness and empowerment programs in Nunavut that reflect Nunavummiut voices, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and Inuit values. Through her work, she was privileged to hear stories and wisdom from many Nunavummiut. She enjoys watching youth discovering a deeper understanding of Inuit culture and traditions as they listen to the stories and wisdom of their elders. Jennifer and her husband have two children, one of whom was traditionally custom adopted through family. She delights in spending time with her daughters as she watches them learn and grow. Jennifer hopes to continue writing for children and sharing the rich knowledge and traditions of Inuit through her written work. Qin Leng was born in Shanghai and lived in France and Montreal. She now lives and works as a designer and illustrator in Toronto. Her father, an artist himself, was a great influence on her. She grew up surrounded by paintings, and it became second nature for her to express herself through art. She graduated from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema and has received many awards for her animated short films and artwork. Qin has always loved to illustrate the innocence of children and has developed a passion for children’s books. She has illustrated numerous picture books for publishers in Canada, the United States, and South Korea.