‘Fish-Boy’ is a retelling of an Inuit folk tale, bringing readers into the mystical world of the Arctic, where humans and nature are deeply interconnected. The story follows the titular character, Fish-Boy, a creature who is part fish, part boy, as he interacts with the Inuit people and teaches them lessons about respect for nature and the importance of community.

Plot: ★★★☆☆
The plot is straightforward, following the traditional structure of a folk tale. While it effectively conveys the themes of respect for the natural world and the importance of kindness, the narrative can feel somewhat predictable. The pacing is steady, but the story may not offer enough depth to fully captivate all readers.

Character: ★★★☆☆
Fish-Boy is a unique and intriguing character, embodying the mystical elements of the folk tale. However, his character development is minimal, as is typical in traditional tales. The supporting characters, mostly members of the Inuit community, serve their roles well but remain relatively flat, lacking the depth that might make them more relatable or memorable.

Illustrations: ★★★★☆
The illustrations are a standout feature of this book, beautifully capturing the cold, vast landscapes of the Arctic. The artwork complements the story well, enhancing the mystical and cultural elements of the narrative. The visual style is both engaging and appropriate for the folk tale, drawing readers into the world of ‘Fish-Boy’ with its rich colours and detailed depictions.

Engagement: ★★★☆☆
The story may engage readers who have an interest in folklore and tales from different cultures. However, the simplicity of the narrative might not hold the attention of all readers, especially those seeking more complex or dynamic stories. The cultural elements and the moral lesson at the heart of the tale do provide some depth, making it a good educational tool.

Readability: ★★★☆☆
The language is clear and accessible, making it suitable for young readers. However, the story’s traditional structure and somewhat formal tone may make it feel less immediate or relatable to contemporary audiences. The pacing is steady, but the lack of narrative surprises might affect its readability for some children.

Enjoyment: ★★☆☆☆
While Fish-Boy has its strengths, particularly in its illustrations and cultural significance, it may not be the most enjoyable read for all audiences. The simplicity of the plot and the minimal character development could limit its appeal, particularly for readers who prefer more engaging and dynamic stories.


‘Fish-Boy’ by Vanita Oelschlager is a retelling of an Inuit folk tale that brings cultural and moral lessons to the forefront. While the story may not fully captivate all readers, its beautiful illustrations and the cultural significance of the narrative make it a valuable addition to collections focused on folklore and multicultural stories. The book serves as an introduction to Inuit culture and the traditional values of respect for nature and community, making it an educational, if not always thrilling, read.

Fish Boy is a great adventure book for older children. The story of Fish-Boy was telling by a wise old Inuit man. I loved the story and the illustrations. Thanks for letting me see and read this book from NetGalley and the publisher!

What a wonderful story! So very interesting! No loved learning the history of why there are so many sea-parrots in that area. The illustrations were simply beautiful and so well done. The Goddard was a really nice touch as well.

Fish-Boy is the retelling of an origin Inuit myth told within a modern story. We have a little boy, who looks very much like the fish-boy and old Teragloona go on a journey. Teragloona tells the little boy The Fish-Boy story along the way.
This is a heartwarming, interesting tale with uniquely designed pictures.
I enjoyed this plenty and this is one of the few Inuit stories that I have read so far. I will surely read it again with my child.
Illustrations: 4.5 (the expressions of the boys face and the sea parrots were amazing)
Characterisation: 4.5
Plot: 4.5
Prose: 4.5
Mood: 5
The net profits are donated to charities "people help people help themselves" - I will purchase this book.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I a beautiful picture book and retelling of an Inuit Folk Tale. A lot of text so probably more appropriate for older kids.

Thank you, #NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of #Fish-Boy by Vanita Oelschlager! #review #NetGalley

<b>4.25/5*</b>

Long Story Short: A sweet tale within a tale that emphasizes the values of hospitality and respect for others.

The readers learn the story of Fish-Boy at the same time as the narrator, an unnamed Inuit boy sailing with his people to the Land of the Fathers of the Fathers’ Fathers. It is laid out as an ancient folktale explaining the reason behind the huge flocks of sea parrots over the ocean. I would enjoy learning more about these sailors, but the book's main focus is, of course, the Fish-Boy.

Without spoiling his adventures, I want to note awareness and appreciation for the nature and environment which transpire through every Oelschlager’s word. A care that materializes and is enforced by Blanc’s illustrations. His images stand beautifully against each page, catching every moment in a distinctively coloured way.

This setting is also enhanced by the explanations and suggestions at the end, making Fish-Boy the perfect introduction to the Inuit culture for any curious child.

Fish-Boy is an Inuit folktale that serves great lessons on community, acceptance, and compassion. The illustrations were beautiful and made me stop more than once to just take in. The story was told layer by layer and got deeper with each new event that occurred. I enjoyed the backmatter which told of the language being used and a little of the history of the story.

This is an inuit tale and told in such fashion.
It's beautifully illustrated and fun for children, though some (especially if they are older) will need some help contextualising in order to fully understand it.

Fish Boy is an Inuit origin story involving magic and a boy that is half fish. It is a fun tale that explains how sea parrots (puffins) came to be in the arctic. The story teaches us about the importance of kindness.

Being Indigenous myself, I very much enjoy Indigenous teachings and stories. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I think my 6 year old would enjoy it as well!

It’s so important to pass down Indigenous teachings to the younger generations, and I think this book does a great job of that!

The art in this book is gorgeous and does a great job of illustrating the story.

I’d recommend this book for kids over the age of 5, parents, and teachers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Fish-Boy is an Inuit folk tale about a young boy who is being told of the story of Fish-Boy by a wise old Inuit man. I loved the whole “tale within a tale” element in this and the illustrations were perfectly executed.

There’s so much magic splattered throughout and I enjoyed the setting of this story. I’m sure many children will absolutely love reading this book and understanding the theme of this story!

🐠 ❄️ 🐟 🐠 ❄️ 🐟 🐠 ❄️ 🐟 🐠 ❄️ 🐟

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with access to read this book!

A fun and well-illustrated picture book that provides a lot of information about living in the Arctic Region of North America with the use of an Inuit folktale. Really engaging and accessible.

I love folk tales, and I always used to make sure I got a variety from around the world when I had the opportunity to choose books for the kids at daycare. This one is nice because it's an Inuit tale I have never heard of, so I got to learn some things, including some new words. The illustrations were lovely, soft and bright, and I appreciated the lessons. The fish boy asks for help and those who help him get rewarded for their kindness. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

Calming illustrations. Easy-to-understand themes of kindness, rejection and inclusion. Resilient characters that propel the story forward. Stands up against prejudice where consequences are established. Message is masterfully interwoven with the plot. Detailed narrative flows wonderfully and leaves impressions of curiosity. A lovely folktale full of delightful moments that teach valuable lessons. Overall, a good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

I thought this book was very charming and it reminded me of books by classic authors from my childhood such as Jan Brett. I also enjoyed that this book teaches children about lifestyles that are probably different than their own (unless they live in a predominantly cold region). The illustrations were very chaming and I thought the story was easy to follow.


Connect with Me <3

My blog is https://bookreviewsbyjules.blogspot.com/


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/44083250-julia (follow me and/or send a friend request!) - This is how I keep track of all of the books I read each year. I also crosspost all of my NetGalley reviews here.

Instagram/bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookreviewsbyjules/ (I try my best to follow back all Book accounts back in 48-72 hours)

2nd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookreviewsbyjules_/ (This account is used as a backup Instagram because my original bookstagram account which I created in 2022 has been getting action blocked quite frequently (I was hacked in February 2024 and lost access to my account for about 5 days, and I think that has something do with why I have been having issues with my account. I have reported the issue to Instagram several times). I try to post on Instagram at least 3x a week. I post many NetGalley ARC books on Instagram, but I also enjoy talking about previously released books that I love. With the exception of NetGalley books, I enjoy both listening to and reading all the books I read.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556223311374

Substack: https://bookreviewsbyjules.substack.com/ (feel free to subscribe!)

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookreviewsbyjules?lang=en

StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/bookreviewsbyjules

Fish-Boy: An Inuit Folk Tale" by Vanita Oelschlager is a captivating journey into the rich cultural tapestry of the Inuit people, beautifully brought to life through stunning illustrations and a timeless narrative. Drawing upon traditional folklore, Oelschlager weaves a tale of courage, friendship, and the enduring bond between humans and nature.

Set against the backdrop of the Arctic landscape, the story follows Fish-Boy, a young orphan who discovers his extraordinary connection to the sea. With lyrical prose and vivid imagery, Oelschlager transports readers to a world where mythical creatures dwell beneath the icy waters and the line between reality and imagination blurs.

At its heart, "Fish-Boy" is a story of self-discovery and acceptance. Through Fish-Boy's adventures, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing one's identity and finding strength in one's uniqueness. Oelschlager skillfully infuses the narrative with themes of resilience and determination, inspiring readers to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its celebration of Inuit culture and traditions. Oelschlager pays homage to the indigenous peoples of the Arctic region, honoring their wisdom, customs, and connection to the natural world. Through Fish-Boy's encounters with mythical beings like Sedna, the sea goddess, readers gain insight into Inuit mythology and folklore, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

The illustrations in "Fish-Boy" are truly breathtaking, capturing the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape and the magical creatures that inhabit it. Each page is a work of art, filled with intricate details and vibrant colors that transport readers to Fish-Boy's world. The artwork complements the narrative perfectly, enhancing the story's emotional depth and sense of wonder.

Overall, "Fish-Boy: An Inuit Folk Tale" is a spellbinding tale that will captivate readers of all ages. With its timeless themes, evocative storytelling, and stunning illustrations, it is a testament to the power of folklore to inspire, educate, and enchant. This book is a treasure to be cherished and shared, offering readers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Inuit people and the magic that lies beyond the frozen horizon.

Rating: 5/5

This was my first introduction to Inuit folktale. I loved the illustrations and the setup of an elder retelling folktales to the younger generation. These folktales have been lost in time and I'm so happy more titles are being published that bring recognition to the tales historically passed down orally from generation to the next. I'm looking for more like this and so happy to give a 5 star rating to Vanita Oelschlager's Fish-Boy.

Fish-Boy is a beautiful story in so many ways. The illustrations are beautiful and eye catching, they seem to get better with each page. The story is an Inuit legend that teaches an important lesson. I would recommend this picture book for children's personal libraries, classroom/school/public libraries as well as it is important that we share these with our children as part of our learning about our First Nations people and their gifts.

Thank you Net Galley, Vanita Oleschlager, Mike Blanc and Vanita Books for the opportunity to enjoy this picture book prior to its release on May 1, 2024.

#NetGalley #VanitaBooks #FishBoy

The illustrations in this book are amazing! And well.. who doesn't love puffins?! That's always a plus!
It's a great and educational book on native stories, which I think is super interesting and important. I will definitely look up more about this story.

Fish-Boy is apparently an Inuit Puffin-creation story retold by Vanita Oelschlager, but there isn't a clear indication of who "owns" the story in the sense of cultural knowledge, which is something I'd like to see before recommending this for a school library.

Additionally, the text-to-illustration balance is slightly off, which causes it to feel as though it's straddling age/interest levels unsuccessfully.

the illustrations of this book were really well done and pretty and i think the representation is super important!!