Simonie and the Dance Contest

Simonie loves to dance! When he sees a sign for Taloyoak’s annual Christmas Jigging Dance Contest, he can’t wait to enter. But practising is hard work, and Simonie starts to worry that he won’t do a good job in front of all his friends and neighbours.

Luckily, with a little advice from his anaana and ataata, and some help from his friends Dana and David, Simonie learns how to listen to the music and dance the way it makes him feel. When the time comes for the contest, he’s ready to dance his very best.

Based on the annual Christmas dance contest in the community of Taloyoak, Nunavut, this heartwarming picture book shows how a lot of hard work―and a little inspiration―can go a long way.

Gail Matthews lives in Taloyoak, Nunavut, where she teaches English Language Arts at Netsilik School. She has travelled across Canada’s Arctic region and has also worked in Ivujivik, Nunavik. Gail is a teacher educator, researcher, writer, and dancer. She has published research papers on literacy, teacher education, and curriculum. Gail earned her PhD at the University of Toronto and was an Assistant Professor of Literacy at the University of New Brunswick–Saint John. She is a TTP-Diploma graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School and continues to teach children ballet and Israeli folk dance. She dedicates this book to all readers and dancers who share their passion for stories and music with others.

Ali Hinch has been working as a full-time illustrator and designer in educational kids’ literature since getting her degree in illustration from Sheridan College. She’s also dabbled in puppet concepts, set design, storyboarding, and writing for animation. Currently living in Toronto, she spends a lot of time drinking iced tea and making new dog friends.