May 1, 2002
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.
September 1, 2002
PreS-Gr. 2. Kumak lives in the Arctic with his family in a crowded little house. Unhappy with his cramped quarters, he seeks advice from Lulu, the wise elder. Every time Kumak visits, Lulu tells him to add another animal to the household until a rabbit, fox, caribou, porcupine, otter, and a bear have moved in. Unable to stand the chaos, Kumak gets rid of all of the newcomers, and his house feels wonderfully spacious. This traditional tale finds new life in its unusual setting. The author spent two decades in the Arctic, and the authentic details enhance the story at every turn. Lulu is always involved with a local custom: stitching a sealskin mukluk, sifting through a pail of salmonberries, or boiling whale blubber into soup. These and other Arctic traditions are explained at length in an author's note. The watercolor-and-ink illustrations capture the humor and setting with expressive characters and a wintry palette of purple, blue, and yellow. Children who are familiar with this tale will delight in this new angle; those unfamiliar are in for a treat.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)
January 1, 2003
K-Gr 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 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2002
Kumak and his family feel cramped in their small house. When he asks Aana Lulu for advice, she tells him to invite more and more Arctic animals to live with them. Only when he kicks out all the visitors does the house feel "just right." Amusing illustrations show--and a lengthy author's note describes--the northwest Arctic setting and traditional Inupiat activities. There are no source notes given for this familiar folktale.
(Copyright 2002 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)