Source: From Netgalley and Vanita Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.
Publisher: Vanita Books
Publication Date: May 1, 2018
Rating:
Goodreads Synopsis:
The Arctic region of North America is a land of long days, icy cold, hardy people and peculiar creatures. The Inuit people there have made traditional use of remarkable folk tales to find truth and explain the mysteries of an astonishing world.
In Fish-Boy, An Inuit Folk Tale, Vanita Oelschlager retells a tale passed down by a wise old Inuit. It's an origin story involving a little magic and a very odd boy with a large heart for friendship. On a journey with his new father, he must confront misfortune and the malice of cold hearted villagers. But he has a way.. and a lesson for all in the virtues of kindness and hospitality.
Review:
Fish-Boy is an Inuit tale told by an elder to youth while on a trade route to exchange deer hides for white bear hides. The story is about a fisherman who while out fishing finds a boy who has no arms and is part fish. The boy helps him fish and they are famous in their village and beyond. When they start to leave their village they are blamed for bad things happening and then even shunned. The story has a few lessons that it tells, to be hospitable, to value elders, to practice kindness and be inclusive and overall to be respectful. I think these are all good values for youth books to have and this book was a wonderful example.
Along with this magnificent folk tale, there are stunning illustrations that go along with it. The are bright and in a watercolor-esq style that is perfect for this tale and they really are breathtaking. I think they fit perfectly.
Overall I thought this was a great book and it was a folk tale that I was not familiar with. I love learning about other cultures and this book helps with that as well.
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