An Inuksuk Means Welcome

Description

An inuksuk is a stone landmark that different peoples of the Arctic region build to leave a symbolic message. Inuksuit (the plural of inuksuk) can point the way| express joy| or simply say: welcome. A central image in Inuit culture| the inuksuk frames this picture book as an acrostic: readers will learn seven words from the Inuktitut language whose first letters together spell INUKSUK. Each word is presented in English and in Inuktitut characters| with phonetic pronunciation guides provided.
The words and their definitions give a sense of the traditions and customs of Inuit life in the Arctic: “nanuq” is the powerful polar bear of the north; “kamik” is a warm seal- and caribou-skin boot; and “siku” is sea ice. Stunning paintings with deep color and rich texture evoke a powerful sense of place and show great respect for the Acrtic’s indigenous people.
Extra informational text features include an introductory note about the significance of inuksuit in Inuit culture and a nonfiction page that profiles seven different types of inuksuit.