FICTION

An Inuksuk Means Welcome

by Mary WALLACE
illus. by Mary Wallace. 32p. bibliog. Owlkids. 2015. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781771471374.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3—This beautifully illustrated book takes readers to the Arctic to explore Inuit culture. Each letter in the word inuksuk (a landmark made of stone that can mean many different things) is accompanied by a relevant concept or item in the Inuktitut language—such as "kamik, a warm waterproof boot made from seal and caribou skin." The English pronunciation of the word and a representation of the term in Inuktitut are also provided. Taken together, the book works as an acrostic. The endnotes offer examples of different types of inuksuit and ask readers, "Did you see some of these inuksuit in the pages of this book?"
VERDICT A strong addition for libraries looking to expand cultural collections with ease.
Reviewed by Amy Zembroski, Indian Community School, Franklin, WI
An inuksuk is a stone tower used as a marker or welcome by Inuit cultures. This unique acrostic provides an Inuktitut word for each letter of inuksuk ("N is for nanuq, the powerful polar bear of the North"), plus pronunciation guidance and the written form in English and Inuktitut. Wallace's richly textured paintings provide concrete visuals of Arctic landscape, animals, and culture. Bib.
 , Dec 01, 2015

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Some of Us Are Brave
by Faruqi, Saadia
BOOKS

Tested
by Monders, Anna
BOOKS

Hail Mariam
by Al-Marashi, Huda
BOOKS

Amari and the Metalwork Menace
by Alston, B. B.
BOOKS

Brady Mason’s Perfect Fit
by Melleby, Nicole
FICTION

Frank the Monster
by Strandberg, Mats
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?