Description
Akilak's Adventure is a children's picture book set long ago when an Inuk grandmother and her granddaughter lived by themselves a day's walk from their relative's camp. Grandmother twists her ankle and is unable to walk to the neighbour's camp. So she sends her young granddaughter, Akilak, on a day's journey for some food. Akilak is uncertain about the journey but grandmother convinces the girl she is capable and the land will not run away; but will be reached eventually. Akilak's Adventure begins when Akilak must travel a great distance to another camp to gather food. She thinks she will never be able to make it. With a little help from her grandmother's spirit, and her own imagination to keep her entertained, Akilak manages to turn a long journey into an adventure. As soon as the girl sets out she meets up with a young caribou also on her own. The caribou wants to spend time alone before it comes time for the herd migrates to another territory. Soon Akilak finds she is nearing her relative's camp and the caribou leave the girl in good hands. The girl knows she has safely reached the end and instead of being a journey, the walk has turned out to be an adventure. Grandmother's wisdom has helped the girl make the time spent a true adventure. Inuk author Deborah Kigjugalik Webster has written an engaging book for primary level students and those who do not know about the environment and culture of the Inuit. Deborah Kigjugalik Webster grew up in Baker Lake, Nunavut, where she loved to learn about her Inuit culture and heritage. She has a degree in Anthropology from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, and works as an Inuit heritage researcher and author. Illustrator Charlene Chua has created cartoon-like images that will appeal to young readers. Highly Recommended. Akilak's Adventure has been selected in the Children’s Category Longlist for First Nation Communities READ 2018