Alootook Ipellie (with David Macdonald)Annick Press
Ages: 9-11 32pp
Softcover ISBN 10: 1554510872
ISBN 13: 9781554510870
Hardcover ISBN 10: 1554510880
ISBN 13: 9781554510887
If you are looking to become acquainted with the Inuit culture, this book is the place to start. I can’t get enough of this amazing celebration of innovation and resourcefulness. Alootook Ipellie has done a wonderful job of unveiling the mystery of the Inuit culture, by relating it to the everyday. Parkas, kayaks, sleeping bags, lamps ... I could go on and on, but you’ll get a better idea by reading the book. However, I will say that you will be intrigued by raincoats made from whale intestines, bird skin parkas, and sealskin food storage bags. I have read a few books on the subject (I am not only a former cold weather wilderness survival instructor, but also the mother of three children of Inuvialuit heritage), and, in my opinion, this is the best books, for youth, I have come across regarding both Inuit heritage and primitive survival techniques.
The Inuit Thought of It has a remarkable flow, not found in many works of non-fiction. The layout is about as reader friendly as it gets (thanks to Sheryl Shapiro), and the amazing photographs will keep you turning the pages. An airborne snowboarder and a kayaker negotiating white water mingle with black and white photos of Inuit hunters, athletes, and craftsmen- giving the book both an historical and a contemporary feel.
If you would like to debunk the myth of the “Eskimo” and educate your children about a hardy and ingenious culture, find yourself a copy of The Inuit Thought of It. They will come away with a decent grasp of the history of the Inuit peoples, their shelter, food, clothing, recreational activities, and medicine, as well as their modern ways of living. This book is not only a young anthropologist’s or survivalist’s dream, but also a good entertaining (and if you don’t know what makes me excited, by now) educational read.
It was an extreme pleasure to share this book with my mother-in-law, as it led to a dialogue about her own life in the arctic. The three little inspirations love to hear their grandmother’s tales of her days as a nomad, and thoroughly enjoyed sharing Ipellie’s book with her. I am extremely glad that Alootook Ipellie thought of it!
If you’re a crafter (I am crazy about crafts), here is a great craft I learned while teaching wilderness survival. Take a piece of cardboard and cut it out into the shape of a masquerade mask (framing the eyes). Cut two horizontal slits over each eye hole. They do not need to be very wide. Punch holes on both sides and tie a piece of string or ribbon to the ends, for straps. Decorate with paint, glitter glue, or whatever your imagination can conjure up. Viola! You have a pair of Inuit snow goggles. Take the kids outside on a sunny day and let them test how great they really work.
- "The Year's Best" List, Resources Links
- Children's Non-Fiction Top 10 List, Ontario Library Association
- 2008/ 2009 Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award finalist
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