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CM . . . . Volume XXIII Number 6 . . . . October 14, 2016
excerpt:
The latest book from the Inuit owned publishing company, Inhabit Media, provides an introduction to giants, spirits, monsters, and other dangerous beasts of Inuit mythology. Based in Nunavut, Inhabit Media aims to promote and preserve the stories, knowledge, and talent of northern Canada. Those that Cause Fear is a simple book for young children, but it will appeal to readers and listeners willing to let their imaginations run free. The written text was provided by Neil Christopher while the illustrations were created by Inuit artist Germaine Arnaktauyok. There is also an Inuktitut pronunciation guide included at the back of the book.
Within the pages of Those that Cause Fear, readers will meet an array of monsters ranging from Mahahaa, who tickles people to death, to huge polar bears and wolves, respectively known as Nanurluk and Amarujjuat. Children might especially fear Qallupilluk pulling them under the ice to drown, or enduring an encounter with the ugly, axe-wielding Iqallijuq.
Those that Cause Fear is an attractively presented, appealing book. It does little other than provide an introduction, but it is a worthwhile introduction to dangerous creatures nonetheless. Although it lacks detail and depth, young children will enjoy the book. Recommended. Dr. Gregory Bryan is a member of the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba. He specialises in literature for children.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
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Table of Contents for This Issue
- October 14, 2016. |
Those that Cause Fear contains more than 20 brief written introductions to, and accompanying illustrations of, the beasts of the North. The book does not provide depth or detail. It is meant merely as an introduction, but what is included will appeal to young children with their willingness to entertain the possibilities of the unknown to enjoy scary stories.
Each double page spread includes a brief written text with a facing page consisting of a full-colour, full-page illustration. None of the illustrations are particularly detailed, but the artwork is sufficient to complement and extend the written text. The illustrations consist primarily of browns and grays, but this limited colour palette works well in the hands of Arnaktauyok.