Houses of Hide and Earth

Andrew Vaisius is a Winnipeg daycare director.

The third book in Shemie’s Native Dwellings series repeats the layout
and lovely artwork used in both Houses of Bark and Houses of Snow, Skin
and Bones. The series is noteworthy for its accessibility to children of
many ages, and this third instalment is no exception. Shemie has sifted
tomes of research into wonderfully animated text and artwork. She
doesn’t overburden the reader with too much factual detail or
cluttered drawings, but simplifies her approach in a most pleasing way.
This is a book that can spark curiosity in an older reader—the
reference material is carefully included for extended study—and
satisfy a younger one with clarity of information and accompanying
pictures.

I might add, on a personal note, that as a practical guide it works
well too. Our day-care centre was loaned a canvas tipi for a week, and I
remembered the method of construction quoted by Shemie. The tipi was
raised, splinted with balsam sticks, and explored thoroughly by children
and staff alike.