Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me A Story

While its a bit out of the ordinary to review kids books, I couldn't help gush over Grandfather Bowhead Tell Me a Story written by Aviaq Johnston and illustrated by Tamara Campeau.

When I sat down last night to read this to my daughter she literally scolded me to slow down so she could examine the flawlessly beautiful artwork in this book for longer.

This book is laid out much like those favorites from my 90s childhood, where the grandchild is asking some variant of the same question and the grandfather answers in a sweet manner in which makes the young whale feel loved. This is an all around feel good book with the most beautiful illustrations I have seen in years.

Five Stars from me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thanks to @netgalley and @inhabit_media for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me a Story, written by Aviaq Johnston and illustrated by Tamara Campeau, pairs a sweet, gentle story of a grandfather bowhead whale and his beloved grand-calf, with breathtakingly gorgeous and richly detailed illustrations of the Arctic sea and its inhabitants.

The Inuktitut pronunciation guide at the end of the book is helpful, if brief, and the whole book is a warm, soothing, and lovable read-aloud story with beautiful art.

Thank you to Inhabit Media and NetGalley for the advance review copy!

Without even starting this book I am in love with the illustrations.

This book is beautiful and sweet. This story follows a conversation between Grandfather Bowhead and Little Arvaaq. You can just feel the love pour from the pages as you read. This heartwarming story paired with such stunning illustrations makes this a perfect bedtime story to share with a loved one. I truly enjoyed reading this and hope to share it with my child.

Thank you to Netgalley and Inhabit Media for the e-ARC

This would be best to book to read as a bedtime story. This story would also work well in the classroom when talking about family or the ocean. The grandson whale is constantly asking his grandfather for a story. The pictures make you feel like you are slowly moving through the water with them. I would recommend this book to anyone with little kids. Its the sweetest thing and the pictures will make you want to go on vacation.

What a sweet book showing a grandfather’s love. It’s interesting to see all the things the grandfather has experienced and the illustrations are beautiful.

Reading this book is like taking a slow walk/swim with a grandparent, which is the perfect pace to take in the glorious Arctic illustrations and the depths of this grandfather's love for his grandchild. This Canadian author introduces readers to two Inuktitut words, which she not only explains how to pronounce, but also provides a website for readers who want more Inuktitut pronounciation resources. This book will be a lovely addition to children's storytime collections.

This sweet tale is a conversation between a grandfather bowhead whale and his adorable grand-calf. The little one is full of questions regarding the elderly bowhead's life and all are patiently, and lovingly, answered. Here are a few examples:

"Grandfather Bowhead tell me a story of all the wonderful things you have seen.
Well, Little Arvaaq. in all my two hundred years I've seen the northern lights running across the vast sky.
but they do not compare to the wonder of your very first breath."
"Grandfather Bowhead, tell me a story of al the giants you have seen.
Little Arvaaq. I've seen icebergs the size of mountains floating across the sea.
but they do not compare to the giant you are in my heart."

The illustrations are beautiful and greatly enrich the storyline. The wee reader is invited into a magical underwater Arctic sea habitat where the bowhead whales reside. The book is tender, loving, and a perfect read-aloud for bedtime. I highly recommend this amazing book read with lots of hugs and snuggles.

This is such a sweet book. This story is about a baby bowhead whale who (as small children typically do) asks his grandfather question after question and his grandfather patiently answers. The repetition and sweet, lovely content would make this the perfect book to read as a bedtime story. The illustrations are also just absolutely gorgeous! This was just overall such a sweet, lovely little book.

This was such a stunning picture book! I was entranced from the first page right up until the last one.

This story was so sweet but also so informative. It’s the perfect way to teach children about all of these different sea creatures but in a simple, steady way that they will easily understand.

The art was also absolutely incredible! It was so colourful and really captured every creature’s features perfectly.

I adored this! I definitely recommend this as something to read to your children!

5/5⭐️

Wow, the illustrations in this picture book are as clear and precise as any photograph!

The story told within this picture book is wonderful, this book would make a great present for a new grandchild from their grandparents. I love how Grandfather Bowhead uses every story telling opportunity to remind Arvaaq how much they are loved and cherished.

I also love how the author shares information about the Inuktitut language and Bowhead Whales at the end of the book.

Highly recommend this book!