Kumak

Set in an Inupiat village in the northwest Arctic, this retelling of a familiar tale describes how a wise woman helps a complaining Eskimo family realize that they should appreciate the home they have. Includes a note describing the traditional Inupiat activities seen in the story

Watching the river ice break up after eight frozen months, papa Kumak comments to his family, "As sure as seagulls return in spring, that river will come to visit us today." Indeed it does--as Kumak and his neighbors watch from the roofs of their stilt-based homes, the water rises behind a temporary jam to carry away the village's oil drums, fish tubs, net floats and toys, as well as the boat into which Kumak has herded his motley pack of dogs. The...