The Shaman's Nephew: A Life in the Far North [School & Library Binding]

Simon Tookoome (Author), Sheldon Oberman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2000 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

When Jewish author/storyteller Sheldon Oberman met Inuit artist/hunter Simon Tookoome, he knew the encounter was special. Still, he had no idea their meeting would result in an amazing collaboration that would span a decade. Through the use of many tape recordings and translations, Sheldon has painstakingly woven the threads of a remarkable man_s life into a book for all to treasure. With Tookoome_s drawings to enhance the text, Oberman has managed to express the cadence and voice of one of the last of the Inuit to live the traditional nomadic life in the Arctic. The Shaman_s Nephew magically transports readers to a cold climate that warms and grows more familiar with every turn of the page.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-This book is a rare gift. Oberman interviewed Tookoome, "-one of the last of the Inuit to live the traditional nomadic life in the Far North," over a 10-year period and translated his stories from his native Inuktitut. In pictures and words, this volume describes a way of life that very few readers could imagine. The subsistence existence that the subject led until the late 1960s is told simply, yet powerfully, accompanied by his na ve-style illustrations, which Oberman describes as having "-the primal beauty of a cave painting, [and] the imagination of a modern Miro or Chagall." The picture-book format will be misleading to some; the language is not difficult, but make no mistake: the culture leap that this book allows will require some sophistication on the part of readers. In the introduction, Oberman provides background and a description of his own culture shock at his initial arrival in remote Baker Lake. This title has an authentic view of traditional northern life that few other books could match.
Sue Sherif, Fairbanks North Star Borough Public Library, AK
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"a deeply moving tale aimed at preteen readers, which weaves together Tookoome_s life story and traditional lore. The renowned Inuit artist provided the magical drawings, while Oberman crafted Tookoome_s vignettes into English." - Maclean_s This title has an authentic view of traditional northern life that few other books could match. - School Library Journal Starred Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 55 pages
• Publisher: San Val (December 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613650964
• ISBN-13: 978-0613650960
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb introduction to Inuit culture., August 3, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shaman's Nephew: A Life in the Far North (Nature All Around Series) (Hardcover)

In The Shaman's Nephew: A Life In The Far North, Inuit shaman Simon Tookoome and author/storyteller Sheldon Oberman collaborate to provide a unique translation of both Inuktitut and oral traditions. Illustrated in full color throughout by self-taught Tookoome, The Shaman's Nephew offers distinct and animated art showcasing twenty-eight passages describing various and diverse aspects of Inuit life including the naming of children, child-rearing, hunting, drumming in Inuit culture, the mysteries of Shamanism, and Tookoome's own inspiration for his art. The Shaman's Nephew is highly recommended reading for students of Native American studies in general, and the Inuit culture in particular.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing insight to a beautiful way of life nearly forgotten, January 21, 2002

By 

karen vote (Iowa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shaman's Nephew: A Life in the Far North (Nature All Around Series) (Hardcover)

This book surprised me as I first saw it as an endearing picture book talking about igloos. But when I read it, it became a real eye opener. With Tookoome's humble way of telling stories I feel that I got a very clear picture of what it was like for him to go from living the most real of lifestyles on the land, to a contrived one, being forced to live in a settlement. Tookoome tells a sad yet beautiful tale that will make you think about what white man (Kabloonaq) has done in the name of "progress", and how it has forever altered the course of how life was intended to be lived.