Because of GR Amy's review.
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Gosh, I wish she'd warned of the poor design. ?áCursive writing in parts, and when the font is normal it's colored blue on a mostly gray background. ?áAlways a small or even smaller font. ?áThe images are meant to show the snow and more snow and loneliness of the far north - which means the colors are muted, the people, animals, homes often tiny. ?áI went outside to get the best light, and took off my glasses, and held the book to my nose, and gave myself a headache, just to get through it. ?áAnd I do not feel as though the effort was worthwhile. ?áI guess if you really like reading antique illustrated journals, ships' logs, letters home, you might like it better than I did. ?áOtherwise, don't bother. ?áI'm going to stop trying to read Sis, no matter how enthusiastic the recommendations for him. ( )

Northern regions have always held great appeal for me, so this tale is one that I enjoyed greatly. The spirit of adventure and hardship, self-reliance and new community, and a little twist at the end make this a satisfying read on many levels.

Curricular connections: The depiction of the Eskimo dwelling and village could serve as inspiration for teaching about native cultures throughout the world. ( )

Peter Sis illustrates the tale of a Czech folk hero, Jan Welzl, who explored the far Arctic North and survived only though the help of the native peoples. Extraordinary illustrations that make this book, a mixture of fable and fact, a feast for the eye and mind of readers of all ages. Technically Peter Sis is a "children's author," but the wealth of illustrative detail makes me wonder whether any child other than one who will become an artist can fully appreciate his work. I love to imagine my grandchildren (all still babies) bending over this book in fascination as they discover detail after detail, each enhancing the lovely story. ( )

A fantastic book about the Czech explorer, Jan Welzl, who traveled to the North during 1893. Inspired by childhood tales, Sis crafted this book based upon his interpretation of this populas Czech children's tale.