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Synopsis
At the first whaling feast of the season, a young Inupiat boy learns about the importance of the bowhead whale to his people and their culture. Includes facts about the ...
Publishers Weekly
First-time author Edwardson presents culture and custom through a child's eyes with this handsome tale about the whaling traditions of northern Alaska's I upiat Eskimos. Relayed in lyrical prose, the narrative centers on Amiqqaq, a modern-day boy whose father brings home the first bowhead whale of the season. Amiqqaq's grandma explains that the "fat snow" her grandson sees is "whale snow, [which] comes when a whale has given itself to the People." Easy-to-imagine similes (e.g., "snowflakes as big as birds" and "massive chunks of blue-green ice... huge as houses") help readers visualize the frozen north, while debut illustrator Patterson's dreamy, muted watercolors create a peaceful counterpoint to the excitement of the whale catch. Amiqqaq travels with his father to the whaling camp on the frozen ocean and perches gleefully atop the enormous slain whale as villagers in fur-lined parkas cheer him. The softly edged, snow-filled pastel sky and the smiles of the people indicate celebration, however, Amiqqaq's questions about the whale attest to the I upiat awareness of the bowhead's sacrifice. A glossary of I upiaq words and an afterword detailing the Eskimos' relationship with the bowhead cap this attractive volume. While some younger readers may not fully appreciate the book's more metaphysical ideas (Amiqqaq recognizes the whale's spirit in the fellowship of villagers feasting on the whale), the story strikes an appropriate balance between a child's inquisitive delight and his respectful discoveries about his heritage. Ages 4-9. (July) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
First-time author Edwardson presents culture and custom through a child's eyes with this handsome tale about the whaling traditions of northern Alaska's I upiat Eskimos. Relayed in lyrical prose, the narrative centers on Amiqqaq, a modern-day boy whose father brings home the first bowhead whale of the season. Amiqqaq's grandma explains that the "fat snow" her grandson sees is "whale snow, [which] comes when a whale has given itself to the People." Easy-to-imagine similes (e.g., "snowflakes as big as birds" and "massive chunks of blue-green ice... huge as houses") help readers visualize the frozen north, while debut illustrator Patterson's dreamy, muted watercolors create a peaceful counterpoint to the excitement of the whale catch. Amiqqaq travels with his father to the whaling camp on the frozen ocean and perches gleefully atop the enormous slain whale as villagers in fur-lined parkas cheer him. The softly edged, snow-filled pastel sky and the smiles of the people indicate celebration, however, Amiqqaq's questions about the whale attest to the I upiat awareness of the bowhead's sacrifice. A glossary of I upiaq words and an afterword detailing the Eskimos' relationship with the bowhead cap this attractive volume. While some younger readers may not fully appreciate the book's more metaphysical ideas (Amiqqaq recognizes the whale's spirit in the fellowship of villagers feasting on the whale), the story strikes an appropriate balance between a child's inquisitive delight and his respectful discoveries about his heritage. Ages 4-9. (July) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.Children's Literature
Fat snowflakes fall as the Iñupiat boy Amiqqaq's grandmother fries Eskimo doughnuts while they wait for Amiqqaq's father to return from a whale hunt. The crew has been successful and Papa takes the boy on his skidoo to see the huge, dead, dark gray whale. Happiness prevails among the Iñupiat community as they celebrate with a feast of whale meat stew, cooked fruit, and doughnuts. Edwardson focuses on the historical importance of the bowhead whale to the Iñupiats, spiritually and (formerly) as sustenance. There is, however, a strange contradiction between the very cheerful tone of the story, the charming, pastel watercolor illustrations, and the realities of killing a whale. Ignored are the dangers of the hunt, the death agonies of the huge mammal, and the bloody business of reducing a whale to meat, blubber, and bone. Papa speaks of the whale as being "given" to the people, but a whale doesn't give itself; it must be killed. Although bowheads are endangered, native peoples are allowed to hunt them to perpetuate their traditional way of life. One could say that time marches on—people who have modern homes, electric stoves, cars, and snowmobiles might show their respect for the endangered whales by letting them live. If children have studied whales or listened to their voices, they may find the community's unmitigated joy disturbing. On the other hand, teachers may choose to stress the traditional importance of the bowheads to the Iñupiats, a relationship well presented in an author's note. 2003, Charlesbridge, Ages 4 to 8.— Barbara L. Talcroft