Tikta'liktak: An Inuit-Eskimo Legend – An Arctic Survival Story About a Young Hunter's Journey Home for Kids

by James A. Houston

“A young hunter is trapped on an ice floe and marooned on a barren island. . . . The Eskimo survives freezing weather, an attack by a polar bear, and the long journey that brings him safely home. . . . The author’s distinctive drawings help make this a memorable book.”-- The New York Times Book Review

Genres: Fiction, Canada, Adventure, Childrens, Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Survival

64 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1965

About the author

James Archibald Houston

Reviews

[Amy Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept falling asleep while I read this--one of my geography pre-reads for next year's homeschooling. This would be good for 2nd-4th graders (or a quick read for up to 6th grade) on the peoples of the far North in the Arctic regions--Robinson Crusoe type tale that includes Arctic foxes, seals, walruses, polar bears--but also some mention of worship of spirits.

[Lorena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good but the first half of the book he is so pesimist that it was a bit hard to feel bad for him. It picked up ok, but both my daughter and I were glad when the book was over.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

James gave this 5*, but the girls both gave it 4*. I wish it had been organized with chapters, because it is far too long for a picture book. It is a really good story of survival when a young Inuit man is accidentally separated from his family on the mainland when hunting and the ice floe breaks away and takes him to an island. He has to find food and water on this desolate island, and nearly dies. His grit and determination, skill and innovation make it possible not only to survive but also to make his way back to his family.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boys loved listening to me read this to them. We read the whole book one evening because they wouldn't let me stop. I felt like it was a great way to expose them to Eskimo culture. They learned a lot about survival and using animal parts for so many different things. It had courage and gratitude and love of family. It spoke of being blessed and helped by the spirit. It had beautiful descriptions or nature. Of course it was heart warming family love mixed in. But for my boys it was mostly the survival and adventure.

[Dottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

George - 5/5. Favorite character - Tiktalitak, because he was extremely resilient. Favorite part - when he had the big fight with the polar bear.

Jillian - 5/5. Favorite character - Tiktalitak, because he never gave up. Favorite part - when he got home finally.

Dottie - 5/5. Favorite character - Tiktalitak, because he was so clever and resourceful. Favorite part - when he made the raft by making seal balloons.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great adventure survival story set in Northern Canada or Alaska of a young man or boy who is hunting for his family and after an outcropping of ice breaks off, gets stranded on a desolate island in frigid weather. Ideal ages 8+ I think

[Jamey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book (63 pages) is the story of a young Eskimo man who became separated from the mainland. It chronicles his survival on an ice island, and his journey home. Complete with illustrations, this book is both interesting and an informative look into the life of the Inuits.

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful survival story about a young man, "not yet twenty," whom decides to fight for his life instead of laying down to die. A quick and fun read that I enjoyed very much.

[Andy Morehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good short story. We learned a bit about Eskimos too.

[Jamie Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read aloud with beautiful illustrations for my boys about an Inuit Indian.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very appealing for boys 8-10. Survival story and glimpse into a very different way of life.

[Robyn Klepfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-moving and engaging.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the artwork. The retelling of the story is excellent, especially the focus on family.

[Sarah Messenger · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best thing about this book is its illustrations, which are plentiful and on almost every page.

[Kristi Duncan-priest · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this one as much as The White Archer: an Innuit-Eskimo Legend, however it was a very enjoyable read. It is so intriguing to me that people can survive/thrive in that environment.

[Malina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud to kids. They loved it. Quick read with fun pictures and a classic survival story.

[Moriah Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit graphic with the hunting but great illustrations and a great adventure story!

[Bryan Spahr]

read for school in 3rd grade

[Cws]

AI J398.2