The Old Ways

by Susan Margaret Chapman, John Mantha (Illustrations)

Simon enjoys school, TV, pizza, and video games. So when his grandmother tells legends of the sea goddess, Sedna, and his grandfather invites him to build an igloo, Simon's heart sinks.
"Sorry Ananaksaq, my show is on. Sorry, Ataatga, maybe another time," he responds.
Secretly he thinks his grandparents are stuck in their old ways.
Secretly his grandparents hide their disappointment and wait for "another time."
Soon enough, that other times comes. When he and his grandparents prepare to visit relatives in Igloolik, Simon thinks it is ridiculous to heap oil lamps, extra fuel, tools, food, snowshoes, and caribou skins onto their sled. But when a blizzard closes in, and the snowmobile breaks down, Simon begins to understand the value of traditional ways.
As the storm rages, they manage to stay snug and fed thanks to the igloo Ataatga builds and the supplies Ananaksaq has provided. When the weather clears, Ataatga snowshoes off in search of help, and that is when Simon learns the true value of Ananaksaq's stories.
Finally, the hum of engines signals rescue. The family is reunited and makes it safely to Igloolik. But that night, Simon has a special request. "Ataatga, I would like to learn more about the old ways. Tomorrow will you show me how to build an igloo?
"
Carefully researched and beautifully illustrated, "The Old Ways "brings the sparkle of sun on fresh snow to the traditional wisdom of the elders.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2014

Reviews

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those classic conflicts between the old ways and the new. A young Inuit boy isn’t interested in the stories and skills of his grandparents until they are stranded on the ice. It is a lovely read and the softly realistic illustrations compliment the text.
I’m nervous about this book because I don’t know who the author and illustrator are, and I’m always concerned about who is writing books about First Nation’s people. I’m mindful of Jacquelin Woodson’s comment when she was here in Vancouver last fall. ‘How can I tell my story when your foot is on my throat.’
In the dedications it gives thanks to Ataguttaluk Elementary School in Igoolik, Nunavut. (The school name is actually spelled Ataguttaaluk) If it was written in cooperation with these students, I might be more comfortable with it, even if the author and illustrator are not themselves First Nation people.

[Jim Gallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Old Ways” by Susan Margaret Chapman is a delightful, true story about a boy and his grandparents in the Canadian North. At the beginning the grandson thinks his grandfather’s old ways of doing things are useless and boring, but later he realized the “old ways” of doing things can be very helpful and fascinating, especially during a blizzard. This book would appeal to children ages 4-6. The content is interesting and the illustrations are beautiful. I highly recommend “The Old Ways.”

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! Great illustrations, too! I read it to my grand daughter who is 6, and while she liked the book, I don't think she figured out a correlation to most any child and grandparent in this day and age.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a first read. The illustrations are nice and have an almost Rockwell sensibility to them. And the story is a charming tribute to grandparents, culture, and tradition. A good read for today's kids who are overly obsessed with technology.