Atuk: A Story

by Mischa Damjan, Józef Wilkoń

""A fierce Inuit hunter, embittered by his boyhood loss of a beloved dog, is made gentle by discovering the futility of hate. Atuk mourns for years after Taruk's death, until he is finally strong enough to kill the wolf who killed the dog--only to realize that his vengeance is meaningless since it doesn't bring Taruk back. . . . A moving piece of story-making"".--Kirkus. Full color.

Genres: Animals, Picture Books, Childrens, Nature, Geography, Friendship, Family

32 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1945

Reviews

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presented in its portrait format, this is the story of a young Inuit boy's struggle to cope with a loss fueled by an anger. Having lost his beloved pup to jaws of a wolf, Atuk swears that when he is physically capable enough, he will exact revenge. For years he waits patiently and trains for this great task. Yet when the moment comes, he finds that retribution was never the answer.
Atuk realises that allowing vengeance to drive who your goals is wasteful and that there is something bigger, greater out there. What teaches him this? The very wilderness that took his dog.
This is a beautiful, deep book with deep pastel illustrations by Wilkon which reminded me of a wild John Burningham.

[Eve Leuzinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A journey of a boy's feelings of revenge when his dog is killed by an Artic Wolf but when this doesn't produce the feelings he initially expected Atuk is forced to consider the consequences of his actions.

The longer parts of narrative and sophisticated language make this picture book ideal for children in KS2 and perfectly shows to older children that picture books aren't just for small kids. The narrative here, tells a delicate story of a young boy's method of coping with grief through revenge and then his associated questions of guilt and loneliness, when he realises that by killing the wolf he has not achieved any healing and has instead made himself a feared creature in his homeland. The detailed description of the setting as well would provide great opportunities for discussions between children and teachers about the Tundra habitat that can be a bit harder to display to children than some others i.e the rainforest.

Also, the book presents a clear view of the Inuit culture and lifestyle- a reality that is filled with misconceptions and stereotypes! Again creating another discussion and exploreatory topic for children to engage in individually or as part of a whole class project; furthermore combined with other books about different realities and cultures this picturebook would be a great addition to a PSHE lesson on stereotyping and its effects.

Not only is the narrative detailed, but the illustrations are intricate and only a joy to look through. In terms of accessability for EAL or disengaged readers taking the text away and predicting what the text might say would be a great opportunity and could develop some really detailed discussion and justification of why the children believe these decisions have been made. Not only this, but the illustrations build on intricacy and reading beyond the lines often using hidden images or images that convey more a symbolic meaning than what the reader immediately gets from just simply reading the text.

Whilst this picture book may not be my favourite, it is a definte example of how this genre can be stretched towards KS2 and also how a book can include many cross curricular topics and build links in children's learning within the classroom- you could easily teach a unit on the Artic across most subjects using this text. Overall, a lovely story for older readers with careful considerations of feelings and the cycle of emotions.

[Ben Hagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the use of pastels for the illustrations in this book as it really adds detail and depth when in conjunction with the text.

[Daniel Rodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a really interesting look at how people process loss. It looks at the structures of revenge and how despite the fact it seems to be the only way it left the boy feeling more empty than before. Using the Inuit culture as the premise for the story provides an opportunity for children to be exposed to and become more aware of alternative cultures and way of life. An excellent moral tale that is beautifully illustrated..

[Kim L. B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. What a beautiful book. It had all of us (mom and kids) bawling through most of it, but it really was one of the most beautiful children’s books I have read in a long time (and the illustrations were stunning and so fitting). It opened the floor to deep discussions with my elementary school-aged kids. I am grateful to have happened upon this book.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Now the wolf was lying dead before him. But Atuk was not happy.” 🐺 A boy’s struggle with grief. The pictures are beautifully done. I would love to see the original artwork. The little dog Taruk immediately works his way in to atuk’s heart and the readers as well.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing a loved one. Revenge doesn't make you feel better. The peace of companionship. the beauty of nature.
These are all the messages contained in this tale. Beautifully illustrated...who cannot fall in love with the adorable sled dog pup. Children's tale packs more than the simple happy ending. One of my son's favorite books. Wish I could find it more often to give as gifts to others. A true gem from our local library.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

The loss of Atuk's dog and the vengeance he enacts upon the wolf make this picture book, while fascinating and illustrated beautifully, not the best choice for the really young.