The Inuksuk Book

by Mary Wallace

An introduction to the many forms of the inuksuk structure The image of a traditional Inuit stone structure, or inuksuk, silouetted against an arctic sky, has become a familiar symbol. Yet, for many, their purpose remains a mystery. In a stunning new book, artist and children's author Mary Wallace, in consultation with Inuit elders and other noted experts, gives a fascinating introduction in words, pictures, and paintings to the many forms of the inuksuk structure and its unique place in Inuit life and culture.

Genres: Nonfiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1999

About the author

Mary Wallace has spent almost 20 years teaching arts and art education to children and adults. She has written and illustrated over a dozen books for children and has received many awards and nominations, including a National Outdoor Book Award for The Inuksuk Book. She lives in St. Thomas, ON

Reviews

[Stven]

An unforgivably disappointing book. The cover shows a photograph of an inuksuk, and the fact that the book fails to deliver a series of photographs of inuksuit is beyond irksome. With this kind of subject, artist's renditions are not an acceptable substitute. Furthermore, there was no attempt to explain how the Inuit ever managed to stack these rocks on top of each other. Thank you for telling us why, but the question of how is also essential.

There is not even any information about the size of these things. Does the photograph on the cover show us a structure 30 feet tall or 3 feet tall? They never say.

A good subject, but an author who did not understand what the reader would want to learn about it.

[Judy]

Plan to built my own in my yard

[Jessica]

Very introductory children's title on inuksuks. For the age level, there should be a little more information. The clear, vivid pictures are nice.