Whale Snow - Softcover

Edwardson, Debby Dahl

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1570913943 ISBN 13: 9781570913945

Publisher: Charlesbridge, 2004

Synopsis

Amiqqaq is excited when his family catches a bowhead whale. As his family prepares to celebrate the traditional Iñupiaq whaling feast, Amiqqaq learns about the spirit-of-the-whale.

About this title

About the Author:

Debby Dahl Edwardson lives on the shore of the Arctic Ocean in Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost point of land on the North American continent. Debby has published everything from poetry to newspaper features. She is the author of MY NAME IS NOT EASY, which was a National Book Award finalist. Her interest in writing for children grew from a desire to see more books which accurately reflect and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Iñupiat people, the heritage of her own children.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Filled with joy, this tale about a loving family and a caring community is something all youngsters can understand. Amiqqaq is home with his grandmother when fat flakes begin to fall. She refers to the precipitation as "whale snow," which occurs when a whale has given itself to the people of their Alaskan village. Soon Amiqqaq's father comes in to announce the kill, and then takes the boy to see the great beast. Before long, Amiqqaq begins to understand the true spirit of the whale, as members of his community come together to celebrate and prepare its different parts for use. The author has included notes about the I¤upiat culture, a list of words in I¤upiaq, and a link to a Web site where readers can access the story written in that language. Although infused with the colors of winter, the illustrations create a sense of peace and warmth. Patterson's characters acknowledge the strengths of modern culture without giving up traditional ways: Amiqqaq's father rides a skidoo, but also wears the traditional parka, and villagers dress in various combinations of jeans, parkas, and warm boots. An intriguing glimpse into another culture.
Susan Marie Pitard, formerly at Weezie Library for Children, Nantucket Atheneum, MA
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About this edition

• Publisher: Charlesbridge
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1570913943
• ISBN 13: 9781570913945
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Patterson Annie