Though more violent than much picture-book fare, this streamlined story effectively conveys the way in which the Inuit...
An authentic tale from Nunavut, the Canadian Arctic territory.
Inuit elder Angutinngurniq shares his grandfather’s story of the nanurluk, a giant mythological polar bear. According to the introduction, giants once roamed the Arctic and grappled with these bears. When those extraordinary beings disappeared, the nanurluit (plural for nanurluk) remained. This tale of a resourceful, unnamed hunter is told plainly and directly. Using his wits to make the bear’s aglu (breathing hole in the ice) smaller, the hunter accomplishes his plan to lure the bear from the sea. The realistic paintings contrast the blue-and-white landscapes and the dark blue underwater scenes with the warm tones of the traditionally dressed Inuit man and his wife. When the hunter stabs the bear as the animal struggles to break out of its breathing hole, red explodes across the ice and the page, creating a strong image of bloody struggle. The hunter knows he cannot kill the beast outright, but he fools the beast into walking in a weakened condition, leading to its death and much meat. The publisher, an Inuit-owned independent from Nunavut, makes it their mission to preserve and promote the traditional lore of northern Canada.
Though more violent than much picture-book fare, this streamlined story effectively conveys the way in which the Inuit people historically understood their environment and acts as a valuable window into the culture . (Picture book/folktale. 5-8)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-92709-503-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Inhabit Media
Review Posted Online: Dec. 12, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2013
Frightful and delightful: a comforting (to some, anyway) reminder that no one sleeps alone.
In a tardy prequel to I Need My Monster (2009), candidates for that coveted spot under the bed audition.
As the distressingly unflappable young narrator looks on, one monster after another gives it a go—but even with three mouths, the best roar Genghis can manage is a puny “blurp!”, silly shadow puppets by shaggy Morgan elicit only a sneeze, and red Abigail’s attempt to startle by hiding in the fridge merely leaves her shivering and pathetic. Fortunately, there’s Gabe, who knows just how to turn big and hairy while lurking outside the bathroom and whose red-eyed stare and gross drooling sends the lad scrambling into bed to save his toes. “Kid, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” the toothy terror growls. Right he is, the lad concludes, snuggling down beneath the covers: “His snorts and ooze were perfect.” As usual, the white-presenting child’s big, bright, smiling face and the assortment of bumbling monsters rendered in oversaturated hues keep any actual scariness at tentacle’s length. Moreover, Monster, Inc. fans will delight in McWilliam’s painstaking details of fang, claw, hair, and scales.
Frightful and delightful: a comforting (to some, anyway) reminder that no one sleeps alone. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-947277-09-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Flashlight Press
Review Posted Online: June 22, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2019
A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side.
Bash is back for another session of Scare School.
This second series installment sees the young ghost tasked with completing a group project that requires him to learn about a terrifying place in or around the school. Bash is assigned to work with Wes, a shy but gentle and artistic werewolf, and Vicky and Vlad, two prickly vampires. The group decides to research the spooky forest. Bash is nervous about exploring the forest; plus, he must contend with teammates who don’t pull their own weight (Vicky and Vlad goof off in the gym while Bash and Wes wait for them in the library). But Bash eventually finds a way to confront his fears as he and the others complete their project. Despite the premise, this tale’s more sweet than spooky. Endearing Bash frets about new experiences but proves eager to jump in. He has a delightful, supportive friend in his roommate, Itsy the spider; her tiny knitted socks are an especially charming detail. The characters’ realization that fear can sometimes hold us back will resonate with readers. The plot moves at a steady clip, while stick figure illustrations and comic panels break up the text, giving the tale an appealing, Wimpy Kid–esque vibe.
A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side. (Fiction. 6-8)Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781665922128
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2024
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