Description

Book Synopsis

Based on Haida artist Robert Davidson's own childhood experiences, this beautiful story highlights learning through observation, as well as the role of Elders in sharing knowledge and mentorship.

Learning to carve is a lifelong journey. With the help of his father and grandfather, a boy on Haida Gwaii practises to become a skillful carver. As he carefully works on a new piece, he remembers a trip to Slatechuck Mountain to gather the argillite, as well as his father’s words about the importance of looking back to help us find our way.

Written by the creators of Potlatch as Pedagogy, this book brings the Sk'ad'a Principles to life through the art of Janine Gibbons.



Trade Review

A quiet, beautiful meditation on how traditions are kept alive by passing them down from one generation to the next, by remembering the ways things were so we can more clearly see the way things can be. Shaped by youth, under the watchful guidance of Elders, like etchings in argillite.

-- David A. Robertson

Davidson and Davidson's story is a snapshot of a memory that cohesively and effectively expresses a childhood embedded in love, in family, in tradition, and in art. The artwork is beautiful and thoughtful, often requiring second and third looks to pick up hidden details as the colours and flow of the images draw the eye over the pages. Highly recommended.

* CM Association *

The concept of intergenerational learning is woven into the books in both obvious and subtle ways.

* Quill & Quire *

Among OLA's First Nations Communities READ Longlist, Children's Category

* Ontario Library Association (OLA) *

Among CCBC's Best Books for Kids and Teens

* Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) *
Among IBBY Canada's 2020-2022 From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Book Collection * IBBY Canada *

Learning to Carve Argillite

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    £14.39

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £15.99 – you save £1.60 (10%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 11 Aug 2026.

    A Hardback by Sara Florence Davidson, Robert Davidson, Janine Gibbons

    Out of stock

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      View other formats and editions of Learning to Carve Argillite by Sara Florence Davidson

      Publisher: Portage & Main Press
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 11/11/2021
      ISBN13: 9781553799849, 978-1553799849
      ISBN10: 1553799844

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Based on Haida artist Robert Davidson's own childhood experiences, this beautiful story highlights learning through observation, as well as the role of Elders in sharing knowledge and mentorship.

      Learning to carve is a lifelong journey. With the help of his father and grandfather, a boy on Haida Gwaii practises to become a skillful carver. As he carefully works on a new piece, he remembers a trip to Slatechuck Mountain to gather the argillite, as well as his father’s words about the importance of looking back to help us find our way.

      Written by the creators of Potlatch as Pedagogy, this book brings the Sk'ad'a Principles to life through the art of Janine Gibbons.



      Trade Review

      A quiet, beautiful meditation on how traditions are kept alive by passing them down from one generation to the next, by remembering the ways things were so we can more clearly see the way things can be. Shaped by youth, under the watchful guidance of Elders, like etchings in argillite.

      -- David A. Robertson

      Davidson and Davidson's story is a snapshot of a memory that cohesively and effectively expresses a childhood embedded in love, in family, in tradition, and in art. The artwork is beautiful and thoughtful, often requiring second and third looks to pick up hidden details as the colours and flow of the images draw the eye over the pages. Highly recommended.

      * CM Association *

      The concept of intergenerational learning is woven into the books in both obvious and subtle ways.

      * Quill & Quire *

      Among OLA's First Nations Communities READ Longlist, Children's Category

      * Ontario Library Association (OLA) *

      Among CCBC's Best Books for Kids and Teens

      * Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) *
      Among IBBY Canada's 2020-2022 From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Book Collection * IBBY Canada *

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