Description
Book SynopsisIn the Arctic, before winter gives way to buds and flowers, breakup occursthe 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. That river will come to visit us today, 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. Look! said Kumak's wife, There goes Uncle Aglu's oil drum. Look! said Kumak's wife's mother, There goes Aana Lulu's fish tubs and net floats! Look! said Kumak's sons and daughters, There goes Little Nate's basketball!' Just as Kumak and his family are feeling all is lost, just like someone pulled a plug in a bathtub, the water recedes. Just in time! shout the villagers. What has the river done with our things!'In an effort t
Trade ReviewKumak’s River. Iñupiat villagers cope with a flood in a cheery tale that’s not so much “Tall” as it is Wet. 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 river doesn’t “visit” long, though, and once the dam breaks up, everyone climbs down to help one another successfully recover their strayed goods and animals. The Alaskan author draws from her own experiences to tell the lightly patterned tale, and she illustrates it with bright watercolor scenes replete with frisky dogs and smiling people (the latter in modern dress). There is some brief drama, but it's less a tale of hardship or survival than a celebration of the season’s turn and an authentic glimpse of life in northwestern Alaska. A valuable, loving look at an often overlooked culture. (afterword) (Picture book. 5 7).
