I have long been a fan of Beowulf, as I teach it in my 7th grade classes in conjunction with hero study. I love this version of Beowulf. The author answers some historical questions I have always had about the story. He has done extensive research into other versions of the Beowulf story,(including a favorite of mine by Rosemary Sutcliff.) Katz makes this a "human" and tender tale beneath all the fierce and terrible battles. The reader gets glimpses into motives of many characters - - even Grendel and the Sea Hag. The illustrations are abundant and beautiful. This is definitely worth having in a teacher's collection. It's a must for home collections that appreciate beautiful books.

The colors in this Eskimo village in the Far North are warm, rich and soothing. They give you the impression of a soft darkness, illuminated by the Aurora Borealus. Tiktala, a young girl who expresses a desire to be a great sculptor of soapstone, goes on a quest to find her spirit guide. She is transformed by the spirits into a Harp Seal and learns what it is like to live as one, in the beautiful and dangerous wild.