Description
Alego is a beautifully illustrated children's picture book written and illustrated by Inuk artist Ningeokuluk Teevee. The bilingual book is written in Inuktitut syllabics and English and is translated by Nine Manning-Toonoo. The gentle story recounts the experiences of a young child as she and her grandmother go for a walk along the shore to gather clams for the family's supper. During the experience Alego finds many new and interesting animals and creatures that live the tide pools along the shore and grandmother teaches her the names of the creatures. As they look for clams they find sculpin, a starfish, a creep-crawly thing with long legs, and a snail. Grandmother's gentle manner with her grandchild shows the easy nature of introducing the young girl to this gathering experience as they appreciate their environment. Just before the tide returns, grandmother and Alego return home for a wonderful meal with grandfather as they all enjoy hot tea and clams. The artist's illustrations show a modern Inuit grandparent and child relationship as the two experience their environment. The young girl is taught to locate clams and identify other animals along the shore and in addition the girl is introduced to the changing tides of their coastal community. The colour illustrations are simple line drawings that any child will appreciate. The inside cover includes a helpful map of this Arctic community and a glossary of Inuit terms introduced in the story. Ningeokuluk Teevee's pencil drawing illustrations was nominated for the 2009 Governor General's Literary Award for Children's Book Illustration. Makes a great read-aloud picture book. Primary Spring 2012. ATOS Reading Level: 2.9; Reading Level: 2.9