Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me a Story

by Aviaq Johnston, Tamara Campeau (Illustrator)

Richly illustrated and lovingly told, this book is a warm and inviting read, perfect for sharing with any little one. Bowhead whales are the longest-living mammals on the planet, living over 200 years. In this heartwarming story, a grandfather bowhead recounts to his young grandchild calf all the beautiful, amazing, and surprising things he has seen in his lifetime, all while assuring the little calf that there is nothing more wondrous than the love a grandfather has for his grandchild.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Family, Nature, Love, Canada, Female Authors

28 pages, Hardcover

Published April 6, 2021

About the author

Aviaq Johnston is a young Inuk author from Igloolik, Nunavut. Her debut novel Those Who Run in the Sky was released in the spring of 2017. In 2014, she won first place in the Aboriginal Arts and Stories competition for her short story “Tarnikuluk,” which also earned her a Governor General’s History Award. Aviaq is a graduate of Nunavut Sivuniksavut, and she has a diploma in Social Service Work from Canadore College. Aviaq loves to travel and has lived in Australia and Vietnam. She spends most of her time reading, writing, studying, and procrastinating. She goes back and forth between Iqaluit, Nunavut, and Ottawa, Ontario.

Reviews

[Mrs Heidrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this gorgeously illustrated that may introduce kids to a type of whale they're not as familiar with and the relationship between grandfather and grandchild as well. A beautifully told story of all of the grandfather's adventures, but at the same time connecting to the grandchild and letting them know that they are more important than even those amazing things. It's also a bit of a love letter to the ocean and all of the stunning parts of that.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me a Story is a wonderful story of love between grandparent and grandchild featuring two generations of bowhead whales. The grandchild asks for stories about specific things he has seen or wonders about, such as beluga whales, narwhals, Artic char fish, and walruses. The grandfather tells him about those things but compares them to his love for his grandchild. The story was simple and the text was wonderful. It was well paced and easy to read aloud. The story shares basic information about ocean life and the north, but the real focus is on the love between the two whales. We loved the illustrations. They were full page and detailed and we were able to talk about what we saw. The colours used made it feel like you were right there in the ocean and were soothing. We did read this as a bedtime story, so that was perfect. The back pages have information about bowhead whales and Inuktitut pronunciations for words that were in the story. All three of my grandchildren enjoyed this story to varying degrees. This is one I know we will read again.
The publisher provided a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little bowhead whale asks their grandfather to tell them a story about all the amazing things the grandfather has seen in the ocean. The grandfather tells about the wonders of the sea, but adds that he has not seen anything more wonderful than his own sweet grandchild.

This book is so sweet! I got very emotional while reading it, thinking of the precious little children in my life who I love. There are some really cool facts about marine life, and the grandfather tells about beluga whales, narwhals, Artic char fish, and walruses.

The illustrations are beautiful, and really bring the reader right into the ocean. The deep blues and purples create a soothing atmosphere in the artwork.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me A Story by Aviaq Johnston is a picturebook. Bowhead whales are the longest-living mammals on the planet, living over 200 years. In this heartwarming story, a grandfather bowhead recounts to his young grandchild calf all the beautiful, amazing, and surprising things he has seen in his lifetime, all while assuring the little calf that there is nothing more wondrous than the love a grandfather has for his grandchild.

Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me A Story is a sweet picturebook that teaches young readers a little about bowhead whales, and the love grandparents can carry for their grandchildren. The text is well written, and easy to follow, and I liked that there is a pronunciation guide. The art work is extremely well done, and I enjoyed studying it while reading, and I went back for a second, closer look. I think this would be a great book for adults to read with children, grandparents or not, because it shows the health love adults can have for the children in their life while also celebrating nature and this particular species of whale in particular.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bowhead whales are an impressive species, and the rich, atmospheric illustrations in this picture book go far in doing them justice. The jewel-tone colors swirl across the pages and catch readers' eyes, almost making them gasp. The story itself concerns a bowhead calf, Arvaaq, who begs his grandfather to tell him stories of the wonders he's seen during his lifetime, including giants, and some of his his memorable moments. Grandfather Bowhead obliges, but it's clear that none of this is as important as his relationship with his grandchild. Although the book uses Inuktitut terms, the emotions and experiences are relatable to little ones and their elders from any culture. After all, almost every child wants to know more about what things were like when their grandparents or parents were young or hear the stories of their accomplishments and experiences and all the sights they've seen.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inventive spin on one of those loving affirmation gift books. Every time a baby bowhead whale asks its grandfather for something – a tale about this, a memory of that, a reflection on the other – the older character spins it round to say the grandchild was itself the best this, most memorable that and finest other. If you can't say this to your grandkids, and if you want to equate your family with bowhead whales, this is the book for you and no mistake – it has drama in the art, simplicity in its language and warmth in its message. I mean you probably didn't wake up this morning thinking to equate your family to bowheads, or any kind of whale, but at least the option is now there, in relatively fine fashion.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 5 out of 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!

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grandfather Bowhead Tell Me A Story: Thank you to #NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Grandfather Bowhead recounts in all of his 200 yrs of living all the beautiful sights, sounds, amazing things he’s done in the Arctic. Nothing compares to his love and adoration for his grandchild, Little Arvaaq. A lovely story of featuring the relationship of grandfather/grandchild in the form of Bowhead whales which live up to or over 200 years.

[The Book Maven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great combination for a picture book: beautiful illustrations, interesting facts, and a sweet story about a venerable bowhead whale (thought to be the longest-lived mammal on the planet) telling his grandchild about all of the things he's seen and done, and how they don't compare to his relationship to his grandchild. I think grandparents especially will enjoy reading this to kids!

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

GRANDFATHER BOWHEAD TELL ME A STORY is a love story. A love of the ocean. A love for bowhead whales. A love of a grandfather for his child. The grand illustrations capture the wonder of the oceans told through the eyes of the grandfather bowhead to his grandchild. Fascinating facts and heartwarming affection are both seamlessly intertwined into a wonderful read aloud.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids ask lots of questions. Young Bowhead is no exception. He asks various things, and no matter the answer the grandfather gives, it always comes back to the love for his grandchild. The story was lovely and the illustrations devine, and I think many will like this book. I also really like that traditional Inuktitut words are used in the story.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me A Story is a really sweet story that takes the time to appreciate all the wonderful things a bowhead whale, who can live to be over two hundred years old, might have seen in its years, and how those treasures pale in comparison to the love that Grandfather Bowhead feels for his grandchild. It's a sweet story with lovely illustrations, definitely worth the read!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful picture book - from a Canadian Inuk author and Canadian illustrator.

This is my introduction to Tamara Campeau’s art and I was not disappointed: the illustrations are stunningly gorgeous.

The story is heartwarming, about a grandfather’s love for their grandchild. This would make a great gift, a storytime moment shared with a grandkid!

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher Spotlight, Inhabit Media for a free digital copy for my review.

What a sweet story of a grandfather whale telling his grandchild of all the things he has seen and done and how they do not compare to his love for the grandchild. Plus the illustrations are stunning.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the love of a grandfather for a grandchild, told in many short scenes where the grandfather recounts something wonderful he's seen or heard or done and then says it can't compare to his love for his grand child.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Jenn Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful sweet story of a grandfather's love and some arctic animal adventures all mixed into one.

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Alissa Tsaparikos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations show the wonders of the ocean world as a grandfather whale tells tales to his grandsire, always coming back to how much he loves his little grandchild calf.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely art work - beautiful message

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most beautiful sweetest children's picture books I've ever read. 5 billion million stars.

[Willie Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so beautiful and the illustrations are just wow! I absolutely loved it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the illustrations.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't love the story, but the art is BEAUTIFUL.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect story for grandparents to share with beloved grandchildren, stating all the wonderful things they are, beautiful Arctic Ocean setting.

[Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story with even more amazing illustrations!

[Jbondandrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful book with wonderful illustrations.

[Mélanie Truchon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bel éloge d'un grand-père à son petit fils. Les illustrations sont magnifiques!

[Pascal Scallon-Chouinard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dialogue entre un petit-fils et son grand-père qui nous « plonge » dans l’univers d’une baleine, mettant en scène son histoire, ses expériences, ses rencontres et, surtout, toute son affection pour la petite bête curieuse qui lui demande de se raconter. La conversation est empreinte d’une certaine poésie et amène à entrevoir le lien touchant qui unit les deux personnages. Le rythme est lent, parfois lourd, ce qui s’accorde plutôt bien avec le contexte du récit. Les illustrations sont magnifiques et la teinte bleutée constante inspire le calme.

[Marie-Pier Dodier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tout ce que le grand-père a fait est toujours moins bien que ce qu'il fait avec son petit-enfant.