Reviews

Gr 2-6-Every once in a while, a very special book that quietly communicates a sense of wonder, beauty, and spiritual connectedness comes along. This is such a book. Inuksuit are carefully balanced stone sculptures that were built by the Inuit to communicate knowledge or a message from one person to another. They might show the way to the camp, point to the moon, or commemorate a special event or friend. Today, Inuksuit are often built in the shape of human figures. The author provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a nine-stone inuksuk, where to place it, and the types of expression one can give it. Helpful information is also provided on where to find stones. The text is interspersed with often-dramatic, full-color photographs of stones in different settings and different light. Combine this title with Byrd Baylor's Everybody Needs a Rock (Scribner, 1974) for a unit on rock art. Wallace's The Inuksuk Book (Owl, 1999) has more information on the life of the Inuit. Once they read Inuksuk, readers will never again look at rocks in the same way.-Dona J. Helmer, College Gate School Library, Anchorage, AK Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.