Fish-Boy: An Inuit Folk Tale by Vanita Oelschlager is an interesting tale and a good introduction to Inuit Folklore.
While I loved that this was a cultural story, there were some issues for me with some of the language. Calling someone "lame" is antiquated and insensitive. And insinuating that a child has to prove his worth to be considered a good child didn't settle well with me. I understand that some folktales are more harsh than our current standards, but I still feel like this book could have benefited from more sensitivity.

In addition, the story is long, and has some more mature themes, so I'd say this is for an older child.

I do love to see more diversity being published in children's books, though. And the illustrations are simply gorgeous!

Folklore has such strong roots in Irish culture that the book instantly called out to me when I read the blur. I used it in a lesson and we compared our own native folktales, many of which involve magic and happening that could not happen in the real word to this tale of Fish boy told by Teragloona to a young Inuit boy. The illustrations are just superb and the language is beautiful. Children all over the world will enjoy this tale. I can see myself referring to it again and again for many years to come.

I'm not really sure how to rate this book. I loved that it was a cultural creation story about puffins from the Inuit peoples. It's great to see more diversity being published, especially for children's books. I also thought the art was beautifully rendered. However, I had some issues with this story as well. One of the characters is described as "lame" which is an antiqued term that is now considered ableist. Then when Fish-Boy comes into the story he lets this man know that he does not have parents and would like this man to be his father. Then the man replies with I don't need a son who cannot provide me with anything. I hated that this is how a parent-child relationship was described. Children should not have to provide anything to their parents. They should be loved unconditionally but Fish-Boy is made to prove himself as useful. I felt like this book needed sensitivity readers.

Review: Fish-Boy is a thoroughly charming children’s book but interesting for adults as well. I found the illustrations beautiful and engaging. As they should, the illustrations drew me into the story and made me want to know more. The story is told in the first person by a young inuit boy on a fishing trip with his elders. When they come across an enormous flock of sea parrots, the boy asks about the birds, and he is told the tale of the Fish-Boy. This is where the book's title comes from. As the tale unfolds, the illustrations continue to drawn one into the narrative and arrive at a delightful ending. This is a very beautiful book, well suited to reading aloud. It’s well written and illustrated and would make a wonderful gift. It should be on the shelves of school and public libraries. I would rate it 5 stars out of 5 stars.

My students loved this book. They had no clue what the indigenous population was, so I used this as a cultural moment as well as learning about past tense.

The panels were rich with colors and beautiful illustrations. A good introduction to Inuit Folklore, it was a nice read

Actual rating: 3.5 / 5

The art style of this was beautiful. It is kind of like splodges or rich watercolour and the way the text slotted in, sometimes woven around the paintings, was perfect. It is certainly a visually stunning book.
The story was very peculiar. I love anything to do with even the barest hint of mermaids so seeing this concept from the origins of the Inuits was really cool. It's fascinating seeing other cultures' versions of a similar thing.
This took an unexpectedly savage turn, but I should have known that, as a lot of folk tales are quite dark.
The glossary at the back aimed for young readers would be very beneficial, as it certainly was for me, especially as it was presented in a creative and illustrated way.

What a beautiful book. I absolutely adored the illustrations, particularly the use of colour. I also enjoyed the story, which was a wonderful introduction to Inuit Folklore as well as a fascinating story, with a helpful glossary at the back.

Fish-Boy is a lovely picture book of an Inuik folktale. The illustrations are gorgeous, some of them a stunning full page ones. I particularly loved the underwater illustrations with all the lovely shades of blue. There's a very helpful dictionary in the end of the book as well, so I think it'll be a good way to introduce Inuik folktales to everyone who's not familiar with them. It is a gorgeous book with a classic educational story.

I loved reading this folktale (it seemed like a fairytale almost!) with all the amazing illustrations and the upbeat storyline. The characters are endearing, so truly so!
A man who makes his living by catching fish alone adopts a boy (want to read an endearing and unforgettable mermaid tale as soon as possible? Go for this one!) and is doing well after that. But life becomes difficult with all the hype regarding his son who is the fish-boy with no arms. Basically this folktale tries to explain why sea-parrots skim and sing over the ocean.
One heck of a folk tale!
I would like to know more about Inuit folktales now as I absolutely loved reading this one with all its amazing artstyle and story telling.
The only thing I couldn't come in terms with was about the book being so short!

Thanks #NetGalley for the copy of #FishBoy

A lovely picture book about an Inuit folk tale with beautiful illustration work--very informative too.

I did not enjoy this book. It didn’t hold my attention, and I could not follow along. The illustrations were good, but I didn’t like the story.

An interesting tale about puffins and the Inuit people. A great folk tale told with great illustrations.

It is a folk tale.
Folk tales have longevity and stickiness. They stick to consciousness long after their origin.
And they generally carry an eternal message.
This is such a folk tale from islands situated between Us and Russia.
Artwork is great. Illustration carry the weight of the story and suit the culture and background.
Story is enjoyable and has lots of lessons for little tots.
It teaches new words as well as moral lessons learnt from tale.
A wonderful book for kids.
A nice Inuit folktale.
Thanks netgalley and publisher for review copy.

Interesting experience of an Inuit folktale, the fish-boy is not your usual hero. The illustrations brought the icy landscape to life in a unique way. Overall, an interesting glimpse into another culture.

When I learned that this book was about an Inuit folk tale, it became obvious that I had to read it.

I know almost nothing about the Inuit and I also love folk tales and mythology, so this is basically a match made in heaven.

The folk tale itself is quite interesting, it explains how things came to be and also has a moral message.

That, allied with the beautiful sceneries created makes up a unique experience I wish I had sooner.

I can’t wait to learn more about this people and read more of what this author has to offer.

Rating: 4 stars

An excellent telling of a traditional Inuit tale. The illustrations lend an authentic touch to the story of a magical boy and how he brings magic to a community. My children and their friends all give the book 5 stars.

This was my first book of Inuit folk tales. This book is full of colorful tales and beautiful heritage. During a trade expedition to the islands, these tales are told as we learn of the heritage of fish-boy and how the sea parrots came to be so many around little island Ignaluk. I loved this book and will read it again to my grandson. The artwork is stunning and the way it's laid out is done perfectly!

Thank you to Netalley for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley

Fish-Boy is a children’s book about an Inuit folklore highlighting friendship and family. An entertaining read perfect as a bedtime story to kids. The vivid colors of the illustrations make you feel like a part of their world.

I always feel weird reviewing a folk tale because it's a culture's story but I enjoyed this one. This was even more enjoyable though because of the gorgeous, textured illustrations, that caught my eye from the start. I was bored by the last few pages, but those illustrations made me keep trucking through. It was a unique story that shows a bit of a culture that is not heard about frequently in my country.

#Fishboy #Netgalley