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xosharkc's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
3.25
3.25 - Mediocre
Lacks a narrative and only states descriptions rather than incorporating it into a story. Dynamic illustrations. Abrupt ending. Leaves unanswered questions such as how/why the people and animals transformed. No moral or lesson and therefore lacks substance. Interesting concept of language having power. Absence of purposeful and impactful writing.
Lacks a narrative and only states descriptions rather than incorporating it into a story. Dynamic illustrations. Abrupt ending. Leaves unanswered questions such as how/why the people and animals transformed. No moral or lesson and therefore lacks substance. Interesting concept of language having power. Absence of purposeful and impactful writing.
thisbookishcat's review
adventurous
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The art: BEAUTIFUL.
The premise: Inspiring.
The execution: Missing something?
I loved this, and if I were still teaching, I would absolutely use this with my students to help inspire them and spark their own creativity. However, based on how the poem ends, I feel like there's something missing in translation. I even read it out loud to see if that changed something, but it didn't. I feel like there's one sentence missing at the end.
That being said, I really enjoyed this and if you have young kids or are a teacher for young children, I'd recommend this.
The art: BEAUTIFUL.
The premise: Inspiring.
The execution: Missing something?
I loved this, and if I were still teaching, I would absolutely use this with my students to help inspire them and spark their own creativity. However, based on how the poem ends, I feel like there's something missing in translation. I even read it out loud to see if that changed something, but it didn't. I feel like there's one sentence missing at the end.
That being said, I really enjoyed this and if you have young kids or are a teacher for young children, I'd recommend this.
recollections's review
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
2.0
the ending is quite abrupt and I would have preferred if this was an Innuit author's own voice or story since I do not trust people from outside of a culture to do them justice. Loved the illustrations though!
hipstamom's review
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Just a beautiful picture book for young readers. The artwork is just stunning! I would recommend this book for pre-K through 1st grade.
cweichel's review
1.0
I got this from netgalley. I was taken in by the illustrations. Honest, they are spectacular.
It's just that I have so many reservations about this book now that I have read it.
First, It is both written (translated) by white men.
I have to wonder why there was no inuit input, at the very least as the illustrator.
So what this feels like to me is essentially appropriation of another culture's story.
I wouldn't purchase it for my library.
It's just that I have so many reservations about this book now that I have read it.
First, It is both written (translated) by white men.
I have to wonder why there was no inuit input, at the very least as the illustrator.
So what this feels like to me is essentially appropriation of another culture's story.
I wouldn't purchase it for my library.
thebespectacledbookworm's review
4.0
I liked this book. It was very simple, and the illustrations were lovely. I do wish that the book had been written and/or illustrated by someone with Inuit heritage, but that is not a reflection of the quality of the book/story. It is a lovely telling of a traditional Inuit oral story.
effy's review
3.0
The artwork of this book is absolutely stunning and the fact that it has been lovingly adapted from Inuit drawings adds to the magic of the book.
This isn't your average children's book as the words are sparse and the "story" is minimal. I will admit to not really understanding it until I read what others had said about it and I think therein lies the value: this book shares something of a culture that we might not have come across before or at all.
This isn't your average children's book as the words are sparse and the "story" is minimal. I will admit to not really understanding it until I read what others had said about it and I think therein lies the value: this book shares something of a culture that we might not have come across before or at all.
librarianryan's review
5.0
Super simple story about people being animals and animals being people in historical Inuit culture. The illustrations are amazing! They are so bright and colorful. Tribal, but vibrant. I could hang any of these illustrations on my wall and stare at them for hours. My favorite is all the animals in the boat.
anushanarasimhan's review
4.0
I don't know about you, but I thought the magic words were "Please", "Thank you" and "Sorry". But no, apparently all words are magical. This book would teach children (and adults) to think things through before speaking because words have consequences. I love a children's book that is not only entertaining but also teaches morals.
As for the art, that was the first thing that caught my eye. The illustrations are spectacular. Even if you don't like children's books, I'd still recommend this one because the art is simply stunning.
Note - I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review in any way.
As for the art, that was the first thing that caught my eye. The illustrations are spectacular. Even if you don't like children's books, I'd still recommend this one because the art is simply stunning.
Note - I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review in any way.
apolasky's review
5.0
Thank you Netgalley and Vanita Books for the ARC!
I wish it were longer, but the length of the poem determines the length of the book. This beautiful work of visual and literary artistry will surely be enjoyed by both children and adults.
The fact that us, humans, and animals are one and the same is a lesson everybody should learn.
4.5 stars
I wish it were longer, but the length of the poem determines the length of the book. This beautiful work of visual and literary artistry will surely be enjoyed by both children and adults.
The fact that us, humans, and animals are one and the same is a lesson everybody should learn.
4.5 stars