by Penelope Dyan (Author), John D. Weigand (Photographer)
Ketchikan, Alaska is the fifth most populous city in the state of Alaska with a population of only 8050 as of 2010. Ketchikan is a small town with a big heart and a dedication to preserving its very unique past. An entire museum, the Totem Heritage Center, is devoted to the story of totem poles, explaining the importance these works of art have and continue to have on the native people of Alaska. And as you will learn at the museum, totem poles were placed outside homes, and in some places still are placed outside homes, to tell the story of the people and their ancestors. It was one way ancient peoples communicated with one another and left their history behind, much like a scribe, for those you would come after them. Ketchikan is named after the Ketchikan Creek that flows through the town. And as you will see in this book there is a shopping place called Creek Street that not only has historical significance of a somewhat sordid nature, but it is also built right over Ketchikan Creek, an old historical area preserved for us to enjoy. Written by the award winning author, attorney and former teacher, Penelope Dyan, with photography by John D. Weigand, this book is sure to delight any child as he or she practices reading skills through word recognition, repetition and rhyme. There is also a Bellissimavideo music video on YouTube that goes along with this book to make learning even more fun