In the Arctic, before winter gives way to buds and flowers, breakup occursâthe moment when the ice of a frozen river suddenly breaks apart in a spectacular sight-and-sound show. Massive chunks of ice crunch and pound against one another, pushing their way down river towards the sea. ââThat river will come to visit us today,â said Kumak. The water starts rising. It spills out of the river banks, up over the sandy beach, and begins flowing up past the fish racks and boats. As the waters sweep through his village, Kumak and his family take refuge on the roof of his house. âLook!â said Kumakâs wife, âThere goes Uncle Agluâs oil drum.â âLook!â said Kumakâs wifeâs mother, âThere goes Aana Luluâs fish tubs and net floats!â âLook!â said Kumakâs sons and daughters, âThere goes Little Nateâs basketball!ââ Just as Kumak and his family are feeling all is lost, âjust like someone pulled a plug in a bathtubâ, the water recedes. âJust in time!â shout the villagers. âWhat has the river done with our things!ââIn an effort to recover as many of their belonging as possible, Kumak and the village practice the value of community and working together. In this light-hearted, playful adventure, the villagers show respect for natureâs immense power as Kumak brings them together to rescue their supplies, toys, household goods, and, finally, Kumakâs dogs. Through lively art, humorous text, and informative endnotes, author Michael Bania conveys authentic details on Inupiat village life and provides young readers with a fascinating window into another culture as the life of hapless, yet lovable Kumak continues. Baniaâs first book, KUMAK'S HOUSE was a 2003 Children's Book Council Notable Trade Book in Social Studies. Her second book, KUMAKâS FISH was a Notable Social Studies Trade Book, 2005 Childrenâs Book Council. Both books were chosen for the Alaska Association of School Libraries âBattle of the Booksâ for First Grade. KUMAKâS FISH was an honor book for the first Wanda Gág Read Aloud Book Award.
Hardcover:
9780882408866 | Alaska Northwest Books, September 15, 2012, cover price $16.99
Paperback:
9780882408873 | Alaska Northwest Books, September 15, 2012, cover price $9.99 |
About this edition: In the Arctic, before winter gives way to buds and flowers, breakup occursâthe moment when the ice of a frozen river suddenly breaks apart in a spectacular sight-and-sound show.