Kumak's House: A Tale of the Far North [Hardcover]

Michael Bania (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2002 | Age Level: 4 and up

At the edge of a great frozen river, Kumak and his family lived in their house by the willows. Though their house was warm and cozy, Kumak was not happy. His wife was not happy. His sons and daughters were not happy. His wife's mother was not happy. "Too small, this house," said Kumak. "I will go to see Aana Lulu. She will know what to do." Set in an Inupiat Eskimo village in the northwest Arctic, KUMAK'S HOUSE is a folktale that conveys a humorous lesson on life with Kumak as the foil. As Kumak treks again and again to elder Aana Lulu for advice, the book's charming illustrations incite laughter and introduce children to traditional Inupiat activities and animals of the Arctic.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In an Inuit interpretation of a popular Yiddish folktales, a family complains of cramped accommodations then learns a lesson about being happy with what they have in Kumak's House: A Tale of the Far North by Michael Bania. An author's note explains Inuit customs. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-When Kumak complains to the village elder that his home is too small, she advises him to invite rabbits into his house. They soon multiply, and the next illustration shows the family being crowded out of bed by the newcomers. Next, Aana Lulu tells Kumak to invite foxes in, and continues to encourage him to take larger and larger animals into his home. The family is eventually squished in with bears, caribou, otters, and a prickly porcupine. When she suggests that he take in a whale, he reaches the limit of his hospitality and kicks out all of the animals. Suddenly, there is plenty of room for Kumak's family. This traditional story set in the Arctic is relayed in traditional storytelling fashion, with all of the requisite repetition. Children will be able to predict what will happen next and chime in. Information on Eskimo culture is woven into the story. Pastel watercolors emphasize the chaos of the family's home, and also impart the serenity of their lifestyle. Even the animals look friendly. Illustrations vary in size and shape, keeping the text flowing. Some of the most charming pictures are oval, focusing tightly on the crowded house and its occupants. This delightful story will entertain children as they learn about a different way of life.
Susan Marie Pitard, formerly at Weezie Library for Children, Nantucket Atheneum, MA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Alaska Northwest Books (May 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882405403
• ISBN-13: 978-0882405407
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,478,322 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kumak's House, May 18, 2002

By 

"tomcyrus" (Kiana, AK United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kumak's House: A Tale of the Far North (Hardcover)

My three year old was engrossed as I read this book to her. I couldn't turn the pages too fast because she was busy examining all the details in the illustrations. At the same time, my 11 year old 7th grader who was born reading wanted to see the illustrations also. He did not leave his chair til I had finished the book. My three year old immediately wanted me to read the book to her again. It is a pleasure to be able to read them a story depicting Native children and adults engaged in cultural activities.
From a bush teacher's point of view- a great piece of literature with local ties.
I hope this is only the first in a long line of books from this talented author and illustrator!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars kumak's house, May 27, 2002

By 

vickie (sierra madre, CA.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kumak's House: A Tale of the Far North (Paperback)

bravo, michael bania!,more books like this one,please. i adore this book, and so do my nine year old twin son's. the pictures in the book are beautiful, the colors reflect the exact colors in the far north (how did she acomplish that?). and the message this story shares with us is priceless, to be content with what we have, NOW. this is a book we all can learn from, and one we need to teach to our children. give this book as a gift to all the people in your life that you care about. my family is already looking forward to the next one. blessings to you michael bania, your a winner.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Village Alaska for All Ages, June 26, 2002

By 

Arctic Voice Earl (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kumak's House: A Tale of the Far North (Hardcover)

Living in Barrow, Alaska, the farthest north community in the U.S., I have experienced small houses in a harsh environment, like the one in the book. The book takes place in the small Northwest Alaska village of Buckland and is based on tales elders tell the young people all the time.
Kumak and his family have a comfortable little house on the edge of a frozen river, but with several generations living there, it seems crowded.
When I first met my wife Chris in Barrow, she was living alone in a 10x12 dwelling she called "The Box." And we do have a lot of larger and newer houses, but some large families and households still live in smaller houses.
Anyway, the author writes and illustrates the very wise way a local elder helps Kumak and his family deal with their perception of "a crowded house." It is a fanciful and funny at times, but there is a good lesson to be learned.
The book is listed for children age four years old and up, but I'd say it will be interesting to older children and adults ---anyone who has lived the small village lifestyle in Alaska, or who is interested in that way of life.
Now if I can just make some space in our little house in Barrow, so I can find my notes and finish my writing for the day.
Enjoy the book!
Earl Finkler