Those That Cause Fear

Gr 3–6—The Arctic contains many known perils, but there may be even greater, unknown dangers lurking about. This book introduces 20 strange beings from Inuit mythology, giving each a full-page illustration and a few paragraphs of descriptive text. Most accounts are straightforward and perhaps a bit dry, though a few expand on the lore surrounding the subjects. Christopher says in the introduction that he "spent many years listening to these old stories, and researching the journals of Arctic explorers from long ago." However, readers are not made privy to his actual research, as a bibliography or list of sources is not included. An ending note urges readers to "study Inuit oral history and talk to the people who have lived in the Arctic for generations." A pronunciation guide breaks down the Inuktitut words previously featured in the text. Arnaktauyok's captivating illustrations, rendered primarily in brown with touches of gray, blue, and green, add to the eerie tone. Readers who are drawn to tales of cryptids, giants, and fantastical beasts will enjoy perusing the pages of this well-designed volume.