  | Good hide Author: Iceberg, Karina | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
In Alaska, fall is moose season. When the hunt is over, the community comes together to transform the raw moose hide into something truly special, step by step, with the work of many hands.
| Illustrator: | Donovan, Natasha |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (02/01/26)
Booklist (01/01/26)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 10/27/2025 An Indigenous community works together to tan a large hide by hand in this captivating portrait of joyful collaboration. Making her picture book debut, Aleut-Alutiiq author Iceberg employs animated, sometimes humorous language, enlivening a step-by-step set of instructions into a jubilant account that starts with giving thanks and ends with using the final material. After Auntie leads a blessing, the large group scrapes the hide ("till our hands are raw"), soak and stretch it ("Pull, tug!"), beat it on each side ("We’re back, drumming"), and layer on both urine ("Next, we pee on it!/ PEE! Yep, all of us!") and a stew made of the animal’s brain ("Plop the brain in the pot-/ let’s get it nice and hot"). Pencil and digital illustrations from M?tis artist Donovan (Borders) employ saturated colors as the smiling contemporary group, wearing warm layers, take part in the multistep process. Together, text and image offer a sense of communal care as "from these hands, old to new,/ a tradition of love passes through," resulting in "a good hide." An author’s note offers further context. Ages 4-8. (Jan.) - Copyright 2025
Booklist - 01/01/2026 An intergenerational Indigenous Alaskan community works together to tan a moose hide in Iceberg’s (Aleut/Alutiiq) picture-book debut. A child narrator conversationally outlines the many steps involved. Respect and gratitude for the animal are highlighted throughout, from the opening blessing through the using of every part of the moose. The lengthy and physically rigorous process of preparing the hide includes scraping (“till our hands are raw”), soaking, stretching, and “drumming, beating bone on each side.” The methods used to soften the hide are enthusiastically explained: “We pee on it! PEE! Yep, all of us!”; “Here’s the best part—making brain goo!” After fire smoke tans each side, nature contributes needed rain, and wind helps the hide dry. Donovan’s (Métis Nation of British Columbia) dynamic illustrations depict people of all ages actively taking part in a shared communal effort: “From these hands, old to new, a tradition of love passes through.” An author’s note provides further cultural context and information about the tanning techniques. A fascinating glimpse into a time-honored Indigenous practice. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.
