Customer Reviews

Whale Snow

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There have been many books, including children's books,written about Arctic Alaska and the Inupiat who have lived there for thousands of years, and thrived in the harsh environment. But most of the authors have been outsiders.
Now here is a children's book about subsistence whaling written by residents of a primarily Inupiat Eskimo community in Arctic Alaska. It features a young boy Amiqqaq who learns about the "fat snow" or "whale snow" which comes in spring when a whale has given itself to the people, to help nourish and sustain them. He also learns about whaling and the spirit of the whale.

The book is well written by Debby Dahl Edwardson,and beautifully and sensitively illustrated by Annie Patterson. Reflecting the title of "Whale Snow," Patterson has managed to include big fat snow flakes in every illustration, even those showing the interior of a house.
Both Edwardson and Patterson live in Barrow, Alaska, the farthest north community in the United States. And this local perspective helps develop the story and illustrations to a very high level.
It is a great book to read to your children some chilly evening. In addition to the story, Edwardson has included background on subsistence whaling and a list of "Words to Know" in the Inupiaq language. So readers young and old can be informed at the same time they are fascinated with the story and art work.
Enjoy the book!
Earl

My 6 year old son was horrified that these modern skidoo driving people had killed a whale. I think it was right when the boy was placed upon the dead whale and everyone cheered that I couldn't excuse this book any longer as okay because it was someone's "culture". Just because something is culture does not make it right to continue. Whales are endangered as a species. Oh, and they contain mercury too. A lot of it. They are killing themselves by eating it.

I explained that long ago those people had to kill whales for survival and it became a part of their culture to the point that they have special license to do it still. We will never read this book again, and I will not be donating it to any charity either. This book is awful.

Did I mention that they drove skidoos and placed a boy on a Dead Whale And Cheered? They eat the whale in the book, too. All large apex predators in the ocean contain high levels of mercury - dolphins and whales especially. Do some research. Don't buy this book.

Wonderful story written by an amazing woman who has lived in Barrow, AK for over 30 years. Poetic and culturally accurate, awesome book for people to read and learn Inupiaq words, and to learn about the Inupiaq culture through a story for children.