The Gift of the Inuksuk Canadi

Unique and as beautiful as a snowflake or footprint, an Inuksut (inNUKshuk, ) is one of the stone figures that can be seen dotting the Canadian Artic region. Many made by ancient hands, the Inuksuit (inNUKsweet) purposes are varied, from earthly uses such as navigation and message centers to those of the spirit, as sites of reverence. Author Mike Ulmer explores the connectedness of all Artic life in his tale, "The Gift of the Inuksut."

Author Mike Ulmer keeps an Inuksuk at home--it reminds him of the way the Inuit People of the North live a simple life and consume only what they need. His tale expresses this belief in a warm and simple manner that readers of all ages will appreciate and enjoy. Artist Melanie Rose's charming and lively oil paintings bring great variety and surprising bursts of color to this unique northern story.

Mike lives in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada with his wife Agnes Bongers and their three daughters: Sadie, Hannah and Madalyn. When he is not learning about Inuksuk, Mike writes a sports column for the "Toronto Sun "newspaper. Among Mike's books are "M is for Maple: A Canadian Alphabet" and "H is For Horse: An Equestrian Alphabet."

Melanie Rose lives in Mississauga, Canada with her son Liam, and their two cats, Mickey and Meesha. Melanie teamed up with Mike previously on "M is for Maple: A Canadian Alphabet." She has also illustrated" Z is for Zamboni: A Hockey Alphabet" and" K is for Kick: A Soccer Alphabet." She is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art.