TITLE: Fish-Boy: An Inuit Folk Tale
AUTHOR: Vanita Oelschlager
PUBLISHER: Vanitabooks LLC
ISBN: 978-1938164200
PODCAST EPISODE: None
REVIEWER: Hilary Wilson
The wise old Inuit man, Teragloona, said to me, “Soon we will go to the two islands the white trader calls ‘Diomedes.’” So begins the story of Fish Boy: An Inuit Folk Tale as told by Vanita Oelschlager. This 2017 book, with art by award-winning illustrator Mike Blanc, was published by Vanita Books LLC. All net profits from purchases of books from Vanita Books are donated to the Oak Clinic, which supports those living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Fish Boy is a retelling of a piece of Inuit folklore – this particular story being the origin of the large number of Atlantic puffins (called sea parrots in the story) that can be found in the region. The framing story starts with Teragloona telling the story to a child after they travel to trade at a nearby island. The story is told in an accessible way, with a little glossary at the back of the book explaining the translations for some Inuit terms used within the book. The book is respectful to the culture from whence it came, and also aware of new lessons that can be learned from the old story.
The story within the story, that of Kitmesuk and Fish Boy, is of particular note due to how it frames disability. Kitmesuk cannot walk the long distances required for hunting, so instead he makes his living fishing. Although he is a very skilled fisherman, on this day he is not having much luck as something has scared the fish away. The fish are frightened, because there is a little boy swimming in the waters. The boy, who calls himself Fish Boy, has a long fishtail with little feet at the end and no arms - and he wants Kitmesuk to be his father. Kitmesuk is reluctant - he can’t teach a boy with no arms to fish - but they come to an agreement when Fish Boy reveals he can help show Kitmesuk where to find the biggest fish each day. Together, they become famous across the region for all the good fish they bring in.
The village’s neighbors become interested in Fish Boy, but also jealous of the success that he and Kitmesuk have found. What follows is a lesson in the importance of hospitality and acceptance. Although Fish Boy has no arms, he is an inspirational figure, as is Kitmesuk himself. The folkloric origin for the puffins that scatter across the waters and islands is a lesson in the importance of kindness to others, presented in easy to understand terms. In the form of this children’s book, it is also a way to learn about other cultures and geography - two maps are found between these pages with the names of the islands in the original language as well as what they are now called.
The illustrations in this book are gorgeous. There’s a fluid quality to them, much like the icy climes the story takes place in. The attention paid to accurate clothing and tools among the people is breathtaking, and the textures of the furs are painstakingly painted. This is a fun read, and with the activities in the back of the book, it would be easy for it to be the start of a child’s storytelling career. These folktales persist for a reason, and Fish Boy only continues to grow in relevance with his message of kindness, acceptance, and hospitality.
AUTHOR: Vanita Oelschlager
PUBLISHER: Vanitabooks LLC
ISBN: 978-1938164200
PODCAST EPISODE: None
REVIEWER: Hilary Wilson
The wise old Inuit man, Teragloona, said to me, “Soon we will go to the two islands the white trader calls ‘Diomedes.’” So begins the story of Fish Boy: An Inuit Folk Tale as told by Vanita Oelschlager. This 2017 book, with art by award-winning illustrator Mike Blanc, was published by Vanita Books LLC. All net profits from purchases of books from Vanita Books are donated to the Oak Clinic, which supports those living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Fish Boy is a retelling of a piece of Inuit folklore – this particular story being the origin of the large number of Atlantic puffins (called sea parrots in the story) that can be found in the region. The framing story starts with Teragloona telling the story to a child after they travel to trade at a nearby island. The story is told in an accessible way, with a little glossary at the back of the book explaining the translations for some Inuit terms used within the book. The book is respectful to the culture from whence it came, and also aware of new lessons that can be learned from the old story.
The story within the story, that of Kitmesuk and Fish Boy, is of particular note due to how it frames disability. Kitmesuk cannot walk the long distances required for hunting, so instead he makes his living fishing. Although he is a very skilled fisherman, on this day he is not having much luck as something has scared the fish away. The fish are frightened, because there is a little boy swimming in the waters. The boy, who calls himself Fish Boy, has a long fishtail with little feet at the end and no arms - and he wants Kitmesuk to be his father. Kitmesuk is reluctant - he can’t teach a boy with no arms to fish - but they come to an agreement when Fish Boy reveals he can help show Kitmesuk where to find the biggest fish each day. Together, they become famous across the region for all the good fish they bring in.
The village’s neighbors become interested in Fish Boy, but also jealous of the success that he and Kitmesuk have found. What follows is a lesson in the importance of hospitality and acceptance. Although Fish Boy has no arms, he is an inspirational figure, as is Kitmesuk himself. The folkloric origin for the puffins that scatter across the waters and islands is a lesson in the importance of kindness to others, presented in easy to understand terms. In the form of this children’s book, it is also a way to learn about other cultures and geography - two maps are found between these pages with the names of the islands in the original language as well as what they are now called.
The illustrations in this book are gorgeous. There’s a fluid quality to them, much like the icy climes the story takes place in. The attention paid to accurate clothing and tools among the people is breathtaking, and the textures of the furs are painstakingly painted. This is a fun read, and with the activities in the back of the book, it would be easy for it to be the start of a child’s storytelling career. These folktales persist for a reason, and Fish Boy only continues to grow in relevance with his message of kindness, acceptance, and hospitality.