Review by Booklist Review
Each title in the Land Is Our Storybook series shines a rare spotlight on aboriginal communities in Canada's Northwest Territories, and in this installment, Enzoe teaches his nephews what he learned from his grandfather about Denesoline (formerly Chipewyan) culture. As he and the boys hunt and fish, play games, share stories, and talk about what traditional tales mean, caribou are front and center as both daily fact and cultural symbol. Filled with rich, accessibly described details, this slim title offers a personal account of a culture and community rarely seen in books for youth. Enzoe works with politicians and scientists to monitor the herds, and the first-person focus on both rich traditions and today's issues will grab readers. The attractive format includes well-reproduced contemporary photos by Tessa Macintosh and historical scenes on every double-page spread, including many standout images, such as an aerial view of migrating caribou. A final section of appended resources includes a glossary an. Caribou Quick Facts, which are illustrated with diagrams of how the animals' bodies have adapted to their Arctic climate.--Rochman, Haze. Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-6-This informative first-person narrative cleanly captures the Denesoline (Chipewyan) culture's dependence on and reverence for the caribou, the predominant symbol of the tribe's existence. The caribou is not only the centerpiece of this culture's "table," it is also an anchor to a past rich in tradition and storytelling. Enzoe, a Native spokesperson, teacher, and hunter, explains aspects of his tribe's daily life in the Northwest Territories. He speaks of the mysticism of the caribou and illustrates its importance in feeding and clothing the tribe. He talks about the necessity of preserving the land so that his family's descendants can continue to know the bounty of the animals. The book goes into the process of skinning and tanning their hides and even describes some of the games the tribe has invented, using caribou bones. Enzoe works with scientists, government agencies, and environmentalists to monitor the animals' habits and to maintain his tribe's right to the caribou harvest. The book is thoughtfully illustrated with a variety of engaging photographs of the area and its people, immersed in the daily goings-on of their lives. The aerial photography gives readers a grand view of the stunning geography. Detailed captions accompany most of the photographs, and a map shows the location of the community. Pages are "fringed" with caribou hide. There is a good balance of text and photos. A detailed glossary offers related facts and information.-Corrina Austin, Locke's Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
