WELCOME TO AUSTRALIAN USED HOMESCHOOL BOOKS!
CULTURAL FICTION - THE ARCTIC REGION, RUSSIA & SCANDINAVIA
The Arctic Region
In The Northland (Sheila K. McCullagh) $3 PB VGC The story of Kalak, a young Eskimo boy’s life in the frozen tundra of the Arctic Circle. Follow the family as they make their yearly trek south to hunt caribou, as they build their igloo and much more! A great cultural insight for younger children with great pictures on every page. 6-9 YO
Inuk And His Sledge-Dog (Otto S. Svend – translated from the Danish) $4 HB EC A gorgeous book for the younger child with lovely illustrations. On his 6th birthday Inuk finds his presents in the snow outside the door: a brand new sledge, and, beside it, a black and white pup. Inuk calls him Milalik – “the one with big feet.” Soon the pup is pulling the sledge, leaping and dancing over snowdrifts. A huge iceberg drifting in from the bay hides the setting sun: it’s time to go home. Inuk wants to go the short way back across the sea-ice, but Milalik scents danger…….. 5-9 YO Recommended!
Atuk (Mischa Damjan) $4 PB EC A fierce Inuit hunter, embittered by his boyhood loss of his 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 giving a real sense of the hardships of life in the far north. 6-9 YO http://www.amazon.com/Atuk-Mischa-Damjan/dp/0735817960
The Iceberg Hermit (Arthur Roth – author of Avalanche) $3 PB GC Shipwrecked in 1757 on an iceberg in the Arctic seas with only an orphaned polar cub for companionship, seventeen-year-old Allan begins a seemingly hopeless struggle for survival. Based on a true event. Very gripping and educating! Recommended! 10+ http://www.amazon.com/Iceberg-Hermit-Point-Arthur-Roth/dp/0590441124
The Pole-Seekers (Meredith Hooper – author of Watkin Stench) $6 PB VGC The year is 1901 and as men begin their journey to the South Pole, a company of rats on board their ship are about to do the same. This extraordinary children's story tells of the first expedition to the Antarctic from a rat's point of view. This is a really interesting take on the Antarctic expeditions, as the story parallels some of the events of the early days of polar exploration. It's interesting that rats - who are so versatile - can't live on Antarctica. 9+ http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0340757345/ref=dp_image_text_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
Endurance: Life In The Ice And Snow (Rigby Heinemann) $3 PB VGC A collection of poems, excerpts from renowned stories and facts about life in the polar regions, the animals and resources of the areas, the early exploration by various such as Scott and Mawson and the future of these regions. A great book that could be used a the basis for a unit study of this topic. Recommended! 8-11 YO
A Small Tall Tale From The Far North (Peter Sis) $5 HBDJ VGC Sis draws on boyhood memories for this imaginative yarn about a maybe-real, maybe-fictitious Czech explorer, Jan Welzl. As the tale begins, Welzl breaks free from a drab existence and lights out for the Far North, where he encounters treacherous storms, a mysterious golden mountain on the horizon, northern lights, and kindly Eskimo hunters who teach him their traditions and a host of survival skills. When gold diggers arrive and threaten his newfound friends' peaceful existence, Welzl outwits the intruders. At times recalling Da Vinci's sketches, Sis's handsome pen-and-ink washes are filled with maps, intriguing borders, eclectic details and a pervasive sense of the fantastical that provides just the right balance for the story's nostalgic tone. Vignettes dropped onto antique-like papers suggest the look of an old picture album. 6-11 YO http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/0679843450/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_2?ie=UTF8&index=2
When Grandma And Grandpa Visited Alaska They… (Bernd and Susan Richter) $5 PB VGC Explore Alaska from a cruise to a bus trip through Denali Park, from viewing sea otters to watching grizzly bears. Bright, colourful illustrations. 5-10 YO http://www.amazon.com/When-Grandma-Grandpa-Visited-Alaska/dp/0966349504
Andy: An Alaskan Tale (Susan Welsh-Smith) $4 PB GC Andy is a true story of an Old English Sheep Dog who is brought to the Eskimo village of Noatak in Alaska in the Northwest Arctic, to live with the two teachers of the village. Local people have never seen a dog like Andy and the story of his acceptance by the community, and of all his escapades, unfolds with humour and fascination. Imaginative illustrations lend animation to an already lively story. 4-9 YO http://www.amazon.com/Andy-Alaskan-Cambridge-Books-Children/dp/0521355354
Tarin Of The Ice (Sheryn Dee) $5 HBDJ VGC The story of Tarin and his people who live in Antarctica where life is harsh but the Ice-people are especially adapted to survive the freezing conditions. Tarin loves his people, but starts to believe that there must be something other than ice and water forever and that he should set out to find out. A compelling adventure story. 9+ http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Tarin-of-the-Ice-Sheryn-Dee-1987-1st-ed-HC-DJ-VGC_W0QQitemZ320214915173QQihZ011QQcategoryZ153103QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262
Laska The Polar Bear (Derek Hall – WALKER BOOKS) $3 PB EC This picture book with gentle, gorgeous illustrations features a baby polar bear involved in his daily activities, learning early lessons in survival. Laska, the polar bear takes his first trip outside the den. While his mother is hunting, the ice flow he is on breaks up and he must make a dive for the shore. His mother grabs him, then they find a warm place to sleep for the night. Beautiful illustrations, large print, and accurate descriptions of animal behaviour make this book excellent for early science learners. 4-9 YO
Stories From Other Lands “Kimo And The Bear” (Jane Carruth) $4 HB VGC Nine year old Kimo lives in Greenland and for a long time thought that everybody in the world had yellow skins and black, shiny hair. As he grows he learns more about the outside world as he goes about traditional Inuit life in his village on the alpine tundra. Lovely illustrations 5-9 Y
He Who Listens – An Inuit Story From Alaska (Avelyn Davidson) $2 PB VGC Join the hunter as he hunts for seals in Alaska. Great early reader showing much of the landscape and lifestyle of this region. 4-8 http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=10224156&matches=4&author=Davidson%2C+Avelyn&browse=1&cm_sp=works*listing*title
Ootah’s Lucky Day (Peggy Parish) $3 PB GC (Tape residue on inturn, ex lib), $4 HB GC (Ex lib) The story of an Eskimo boy and his life in an igloo and hunting with his father’s dog sled teams. Although everyone thought Ootah too young to hunt, he brought home a walrus when the rest of the hunters returned empty-handed. Great pictures and culture study in an early reader. 6-8 YO http://www.paperbackswap.com/book/details/77018-Ootahs+Lucky+Day+An+I+CAN+READ+Book
Grishka And The Bear (Rene Guillot) $3 HB GC (Ex lib) It was a sad day for Grishka, a boy who lived in the frozen tundra of Northern Siberia, when his father was sent into banishment by the tribe, falsely accused of breaking the contract that the tribesmen made each year with the bears. His father had always been a friend of the bears, and Grishka carried on the tradition of friendship when he brought a tiny bear cub back with him from a hunting expedition. 6-10 http://www.amazon.com/Grishka-Bear-Rene-Guillot/dp/0200000004
One Day In The Alpine Tundra (Jean Craighead George) $4 PB EC The Teton mountain range of Wyoming is the setting for this lightly fictionalized treatment, which perceptively describes the mammals, plants, climate, and geological features unique to the area directly above the tree line. Detailed drawings are as informative as the text. 7-10 http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Tundra-Jean-Craighead-George/dp/0064420272
The Secret Of The Seal (Deborah Davis) $4 HB BRAND NEW (but corner of back dust jacket torn off) A young boy called Kyo leads an isolated life in a small Eskimo settlement. One day, he takes his harpoon out onto the frozen bay, hoping to kill his first seal. But when he finally meets his quarry and sees the seal’s trusting face, Kyo knows he’s met a friend. 6-10 http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Seal-Deborah-Davis/dp/0679865667
The Meeting Post (Lee Kingman) $4 HB EC Frightened Matti is sent south to school for the very first time in his life from the remote outpost where he lives with his grandmother. At school, Matti’s Lapland life changes dramatically and the eight-year-old Lapp boy is unable to believe he'll ever get over his homesickness, but his grandmother will be right at the meeting post when he comes home. 5-10 YO
Arctic Adventure (Willard Price) $3 PB VGC (Ex lib) Hal and Roger Hunt, sons of a world famous zoologist, are sent to Greenland on a daring expedition. Their father wants them to collect as many arctic animals as they can get intending to sell them to the zoo which can take the best care of them. With a boy they met named Olrik, and the polar bear, Nanook, they tamed, they set off for the ice cap in pursuit of the rarest creatures of the Arctic. But the ice cap holds many dangers...8-12 YO http://www.oztion.com.au/buy/auction.aspx?itemid=3483566
The Winter Camp (Kirkpatrick Hill) $3 PB FC (Light tanning and minor cover wear) When Toughboy and Sister go to live with Natalie, the old Athabascan Indian, they know their life will be different. The cold was out there, waiting to get them! But right from the start Natalie is determined to teach the children the “old ways.” Surviving the severe Alaskan winters takes special skills and Natalie is determined that Toughboy and Sister will acquire them. 9+ http://www.amazon.com/Winter-Camp-Kirkpatrick-Hill/dp/0140370765
Far North (Will Hobbs) $4 PB EC From the window of his small float-plane, 15 year old Gabe Rogers is getting his first look at Canada’s magnificent North-West Territories with Raymond, his boarding school roommate. Below is the spectacular Nahanni River – wall-to-wall white water racing between sheer cliffs and plunging over Virginia Falls. The pilot sets down on the lake-like upper river, only to discover the plane won’t restart and is drifting helplessly toward the falls! Stranded in Deadmen Valley, they are trapped in a frozen world of moose, wolves and bears and with a brutal subarctic winter approaching, the boys come to depend entirely on each other for their very survival. 10+ http://www.willhobbsauthor.com/bookspages/farnorthpage.html
Aleutian Sparrow (Karen Hesse) $5 HBDJ BRAND NEW
It's 1942 in Alaska, just seven months after the Japanese navy destroyed Pearl
Harbour.
They have now just attacked the Aleutian Islands. Before this, the Aleut people
had lived happy and successful lives. But now, all lives are on hold as they are
sent to relocation centres
in South Eastern
Alaska.
Throughout her life, Vera has lived close to the sea with her family. But when
the Japanese attack her home, the entire population is evacuated and crammed
into crowded barracks. Everyone is stripped of their own lives. People now have
to endure horrible conditions, look for food and work, and pray that the
Japanese will surrender. Will things ever get better? Will the Aleut people be
able to return to their normal lives? 11+
http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/0689861893.asp
Russia
Prince Ivan And The Firebird (Cherry Gilchrist) $6 HBDJ EC (Ex lib) Artwork as vivid and ornate as a Faberge egg, combined with a smooth-as-silk text, keep this from becoming just another retelling of a classic tale. When the youngest son of a king sets out to find the firebird which has been stealing golden apples from his father's tree, he meets a grey wolf who helps him with his quest. Gilchrist draws on 19th-century Russian writer Afanasiev's version for her elegant rendition, maintaining his dark undertones in this story of sibling treachery and mystical adventure. Artist Troshkov accentuates these themes, using a midnight-hued canvas for his distinctly Russian, intensely coloured illustrations. 6-11 YO http://www.cherrygilchrist.co.uk/pages/prince-ivan.html
The Three Wonderful Beggars (Sally Scott) $5 HB VGC adaption of the Russian tale, The Three Wonderful Beggars. After predicting that hard-hearted Mark the Rich will lose his fortune to the young Vassilil, three beggars save Vassilil from Mark’s repeated attempts to kill him. Those who share this title will experience the harsh and crude life of so many Russian peasants, the rich textures in design indicative of Russian art, and the classic Ukrainian lesson of just, though unusual, punishment. 6-10 YO
Stepka And The Magic Fire: A Russian Easter Legend (Dorothy Van Woerkom) $6 HB GC (Minor cover wear) The charcoal-burners' fire brings new life to a poor Russian family on Easter eve. New fire is used to light the Paschal candle on Easter Saturday. It is an important symbol where light from the new fire banishes the darkness of Lent, the same as the coming of Jesus banishes death and sin in believers. Wonderful illustrations. 5-10 YO http://www.amazon.com/Stepka-magic-fire-Russian-Easter/dp/0570034256
The Gossipy Wife (Amanda Hall) $4 PB VGC Ivan is able to turn his wife's gossipy nature to advantage and outwit their greedy landlord. It is no good asking her to keep quiet about his find -- a chest of treasure -- but who is going to believe even Katrina when she insists that she has caught a land pike and a water hare, and that it has been raining pancakes? This lively adaptation of a traditional Russian tale reads aloud well and is aptly illustrated in peasant style pictures which are enhanced by use of grain, pattern and texture as well as close attention to detail: I particularly like the barrel doll endpapers. 5-10 YO
The Firebird (Demi) $6 PB VGC (Ex lib, binding taped, but very sound) A lush, appealing adaptation of the famous Russian folktale. When Dimitri finds a feather from the fabled Firebird, evil Tsar Ivan orders him to capture the bird. He is also commanded to fetch the beautiful fairy princess Vassilissa, to retrieve her wedding dress from a golden cask at the bottom of the sea, and eventually to jump into a vat of boiling water. In the end, Tsar Ivan gets what he deserves and Dimitri wins Vassilissa's hand in marriage. Echoes of the fine craft of Cloisonne and the intricacies of Faberge are evident in the magnificent gilded illustrations. 6-10 YO. http://www.amazon.com/Firebird-Demi/dp/0805078118
Babushka And The Pig (Ann Trofimuk) $5 HBDJ VGC The charming Russian story of Babushka, a lonely old woman living in Ukraine. She encounters a sly gypsy who produces a tiny piglet and reassures her that it will grow no larger. She cares for the piglet and is happy because she has something to do, even though the pig grows larger and larger and gets into all sorts of mischief. Full of Russian scenes and culture! Great fun. 5-9 YO
Zlateh The Goat And Other Stories (Isaac Bashevis Singer, illustrator Maurice Sendak) $6 HBDJ EC (Ex lib) With wit and whimsy, Maurice Sendak illustrates seven tales about the legendary village of fools, Chelm, written by Isaac Bashevis Singer. Silly, outrageous, and sometimes poignant, the stories (translated from the Yiddish) reflect the traditions, heroes, and villains of middle European folklore. Retellings of seven traditional Jewish tales including "The Snow in Chelm," "The Mixed-Up Feet and the Silly Bridegroom," and "The Devil's Trick." Selected by the New York Times Book Review as one of the Best Illustrated Children's Books of 1966. Somehow, though, possibly because ignorance is bliss, fools always come out on top in these wonderful stories, making for terrific read-aloud, laugh-aloud fun for the entire family. 6-12 YO NEWBERY HONOR MEDAL http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/isaac-bashevis-singer/zlateh-goat.htm
Trubloff: The Mouse Who Wanted To Play The Balalaika (John Burningham) $3 PB GC Trubloff, the mouse, dreams of becoming the greatest balalaika player in the whole country. So one night when his family is asleep, he runs away with a band of gypsies who promise to teach him to play. Trubloff’s poor family is overcome with worry, but in the end it is Trubloff’s gift for music that saves them from an awful fate. 4-9 YO http://www.amazon.com/Trubloff-John-Burningham/dp/0099414287 (Cover slightly different)
The Naughty Crow (Irina Hale) $4 HB EC A lovely picture book based on a story told her by the author’s uncle. Constantine and his sister, Marina, who live in turn-of-the-century Kiev in their summer home in the country, find an injured crow and christen it Cra-Cra. As it grows strong and healthy, Cra-Cra begins to follow the children everywhere. But Cra-Cra, less than an ideal pet, wreaks havoc wherever he goes--he knocks over inkwells, pilfers jewellry and destroys a birthday party. The ink-and-watercolour artwork, however, combines delicate lines with intensified hues. 5-9 YO
Baboushka (Arthur Scholey) $2 PB EC Everyone in the village is talking about the new star in the sky, but Baboushka, as always, is busy keeping her house spotless and bright. She offers hospitality to three strangers who are following the star in search of a new baby king. When they have continued on their way Baboushka follows in their footsteps, carrying with her some toys for the baby. But she has left it too late and, so some say, she continues her quest to this day. A charming folk-tale which blends the Bible story of Christmas with the tradition of giving gifts. 4-8 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Baboushka-Arthur-Scholey/dp/0745944566 (Cover different)
The Fool Of The World And the Flying Ship – A Russian Folk Tale $3 HB EC Determined to find a suitable husband for his daughter Princess Alexeya, the Tsar sets a considerable challenge for her suitors. But finding the ship is merely the beginning of the adventure in this charming retelling of a Russian folktale. Lovely illustrations using photographs of hand crafted characters and scenes. Picture book. 5-10 http://www.amazon.com/Fool-World-Flying-Ship-Russian/dp/0374424381 (Older edition)
The Snow Child – A Russian Folktale (Freya Littledale) $2 PB FC Charming Russian tale in a picture book for younger readers of a couple who have no children. An elderly couple's wish comes true when their little girl of snow magically comes to life. Each spring the snow child must leave, but every winter she returns with the first snowfall and comes to life with a kiss. 5-8 YO. http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=6148302&matches=54&author=Littledale%2C+Freya&browse=1&cm_sp=works*listing*title (Older edition)
Even Higher (Retold by Barbara Cohen) $4 HB EC A Ukranian folktale in a lovely picture book displaying Jewish Hassidic culture and lifestyle, especially the peasant villagers. A Lithuanian ``Litvak'' has reservations about the story that the local town's rabbi raises himself to heaven during the Jewish New Year. He hides under the rabbi's bed and recites chapters from the Bible to stay awake. When the rabbi rises from his bed and dons peasant's garb, the Litvak follows him through town in the shadows cast by houses to the forest beyond. The rabbi chops down a tree and carries a bundle of sticks and logs to a poor woman's hut, feigning a business transaction. Ivanov's folk art is full of glowing colours which reflect the gleam in the eyes of the people. The essence of the Eastern European culture is effectively captured. This is a lively, spirited tale just ripe for reading aloud or storytelling. 5-8 YO
Katie’s World Series “Katie’s Russian Holiday” (Karen Mezek) $3 PB VGC While trying to find a missing American teacher in the Soviet Union, Katie foils an assassination attempt on the Soviet president's life. You will catch a glimpse of the culture and customs of Russia through Katie Thompsen secret diary as she travels through the country. A Christian title. (Harvest House) 8-11 YO
The Defender (Nicholas Kalashnikoff) $4 PB EC Nowhere is friendship and human warmth more important than in the cold reaches of the Siberian mountains. In these tiny mountain villages, a neighbour’s help can mean the difference between life and death. But Turgen is willing to risk his place in the community to save the rare wild rams that share his mountain peak. Once respected as a healer, Turgen is now shunned by the superstitious villagers for his unnatural kinship with the wild rams and his determination to protect them from the village hunters. But one village woman refuses to turn her back on the lonely and gentle man. …WINNER OF THE NEWBERY HONOR MEDAL 11+ http://www.amazon.com/Defender-Newbery-Honor-Roll/dp/0802773974
Scandinavia
Master Maid: A Tale Of Norway (Aaron Shepard) $5 HBDJ VGC (Ex lib) An engaging but little-known Norwegian folktale, expertly told and nicely illustrated. Leif, a headstrong young man, leaves home to work for a demanding troll and soon discovers that the tasks assigned to him are impossible. For example, when cleaning out the stable every pitchfork of dung that Leif throws out is multiplied tenfold and flies right back into his face. It is only with the help of the Master Maid, a beautiful young woman who cooks for the troll, that Leif is able to complete his tasks. When the irate troll decides to put him into a stew, the two escape. The troll pursues them and it is the Master Maid who saves the day. Each page of text faces a large, bordered, soft-focus watercolour painting capturing the adventure and magic in a way that should appeal to young children. 5-9 YO http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=4218539&matches=20&author=Shepard%2C+Aaron&browse=1&cm_sp=works*listing*title
Nail Soup: A Swedish Folk Tale (Harve Zemach) $3 HBDJ GC (Ex lib) A charming picture book retelling the old Swedish tale of the tramp who manages to wheedle the ingredients for a rich soup out of a miserly woman who won’t give him a bite to eat. He does so by starting the soup with a nail boiling in a pot of water. Lovely illustrations. 4-9 YO. http://www.childrensbookmarket.com/auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=133908
The Danish Teapot (Naomi Mitchison) $3 HB FC Erik and Kirsten are on holiday with Mormor, their grandmother in Denmark. They are having a wonderful Midsummer’s day with the traditional Danish bonfire tonight when, disaster strikes! They break Mormor’s precious teapot! In their efforts to make amends they give Mormor something that is worth far more to her than they could possibly have guessed! 7-11 http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/naomi-mitchison/danish-teapot.htm
Red Ribbons And Mr Anders (Elizabeth Wilton) $4 HB VGC The tale of the village in Denmark where the storks came to nest on the chimneys of the houses each spring. This year the storks don’t come and everyone is worried. Gorgeous drawings depicting town life in old world Denmark. Picture book 6-9 YO