Vacation

It's summer! Time for a break!

New posts will appear at the end of August/early September.

A unique life

The Shaman's Nephew: A Life in the Far North
by Simon Tookoome with Sheldon Oberman


Simon Tookoome was one of the last Inuit to live a traditional nomadic life. He resisted government efforts to leave his land and continued to follow the caribou and the seals. He was eventually compelled to join his family in Baker Lake, west of Hudson Bay, where he began his artistic career. This is Tookoome's memories of his life on the land.

Tookoom talks about his beliefs, culture, and family, revealing a very unique way of life. When he describes the foreignness of the Kabloonaq's (white people's) homes and food, you begin to understand why the creation of reservations was so destructive. And when he talks about animals, spirits, and shamans, and how they influence his paintings, you can see the oneness between nature and the Inuit.

Inuit culture

Frozen Land
by Jan Reynolds


Kenalogak's father is hunting caribou. While she and her family wait for him, she fishes and plays with her brother, while her mother sews parkas and boots. When her father returns, she helps him build an igloo. Kenalogak's day concludes with feasting and singing.

The book's simple text and bright photographs illuminate the traditional ways of the Inuit, which are in danger of being forgotten.

An Inuit story

Harpoon of the Hunter
by Markoosie


The first piece of Inuit fiction published in English, Harpoon of the Hunter tells the grim story of Kamik, who struggles to return home after his companions have been killed by a polar bear. It is simply written, yet the drama is riveting, revealing the harsh truth about life in an unforgiving environment.

Arctic plants and animals

Arctic A to Z
by Wayne Lynch


An alphabetical list of animals, plants, and other arctic phenomena, from the aurora borealis to eagles, foxes to mosquitoes, and narwhals to zooplankton. Each subject is accompanied by interesting facts and photographs. 

Spectacular photographs abound in Planet Arctic: Life at the Top of the World, also by Wayne Lynch. An excellent accompaniment to Arctic A to Z.

Nature's mysteries

Be a Wilderness Detective
by Peggy Kochanoff
(Nimbus Publishing)


What are those weird growths stuck on trees? How do animals survive the winter? How do fireflies give off light? These and other nature mysteries are solved in this engaging information book. Simple explanations and beautifully tinted paintings add to the appeal.

A good book for observant and curious nature-lovers.

Arctic plants

A Walk on the Tundra 
by Rebecca Hainnu and Anna Ziegler
illustrated by Qin Leng


Inuujaq's friends are all asleep and she has nothing to do. So her grandmother, Silaaq, takes her along to gather qijuktaat (khee-yook-tat) for the cooking fire. As they walk across the tundra, Silaaq shows Inuujaq the many delicious plants and flowers that flavor Inuit meals.

A simple, informative introduction to arctic plants, with a lovely story as its background.

Includes a plant glossary, with photos, and a pronunciation guide to the many Inuktitut words and phrases.

Travel games

Fun on the Run: Travel Games and Songs
by Joanna Cole and Stephanie Calmenson


A collection of word games, memory games, license plate games, writing games, and geography games. The only problem is the book's hefty weight, a crowded page layout,  wordy instructions, and the prep work needed for the writing and geography games. Keep in mind that having to write and read in the car could be a recipe for motion sickness. Also, the games are very American-centric, but they can be easily adapted to include Canadian place names. Despite these drawbacks, the jokes, riddles, and songs should keep everyone entertained.

Car games

Kids-on-Board: Fun Things to Do While Commuting or Road Tripping with Children
by Robyn Freedman Spizman


The games in this book can be played both on short, daily car trips and longer rides too. The alphabet games, imagination games, license plate games, number games, guessing games, word games, and music games are designed for fun and education. These are games that will increase vocabularies, develop observation skills, strengthen math skills, and increase creativity. Many of the games are actually good conversation-starters that should foster some very interesting and fun discussions. Spizman even includes a few clever ways to help kids measure time and distance. 

Best for car loads of three or more kids.

Make car trips easier

With personal electronics and in-car DVD systems, car games seem a thing of the past. But they shouldn't be. Car games get kids to look out the window, talk to each other, and exercise their imaginations.

Are We There Yet? Great Car Games to Keep Families Sane!
by Jo Pink


Pink's handy, portable book with its retro illustrations is jam-packed with fun, easy-to-play games that'll stave off boredom and prevent fights. Divided into spotting games, guessing games, action games, imagination games, word games, and general knowledge, you're bound to find a game that everyone will enjoy. 

Includes jokes, songs, and trivia to complement classic games like I Spy, Red Car, and Don't Laugh, and newer games like Cow Football, Backwards Spelling, and Waving Chicken.