Skeleton Woman

by Villoldo

A great Tidal Wave sweeps down on a small Aleutian village, carrying a young girl named Annuk to the bottom of the sea. Her bones lie undisturbed on the ocean floor until the day a fisherman hooks her on his line and pulls her out of the water. At first terrified by the sight of a skeleton, the fisherman slowly comes to pity Annuk as he imagines her lonely existence beneath the waves.

Genres: Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Kelsie]

While this book may not suit all children (sensitive/easily frightened), I loved this book as a child. The illustrations are beautiful and the story reflects the values and beliefs of a unique, nature/spirit oriented culture. I still have this book on my bookshelf!

[Colleen Clayton]

I'm kind of obsessed with The Arctic and the indigenous people who live there. I wrote a graduate seminar paper about children's literature set in The Arctic and this is one of the books that I came across in my research. I've never forgotten this beautiful and haunting story. It's riveting and deliciously horrifying in that Grimm's Fairytale sort of way. Amazing illustrations. Just a stunning book altogether. If I could give it ten stars, I would.

[Judy]

The Inuit people hold a fascination for me ever since I read "Never in Anger" by Jean Briggs. That people can survive under such harsh conditions never ceases to amaze and intrigue me. This story/myth, addresses death and fear, but shows how calm reasoning can help dispel panic. Like many European counterparts, this fairy tale shows the power of kindness and love to overcome obstacles, even death. Yoshi's art is a valuable addition to the story.