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Magic Words: From the Ancient Oral Tradition of the Inuit
Magic Words: From the Ancient Oral Tradition of the Inuit is a modern translation (1965) of a very old Inuit creation story by nationally known poet Edward Field. As a poem it captures beautifully the intimate relationship this Arctic people have with their natural world.
Magic Words describes a world where humans and animals share bodies and languages, where the world of the imagination mixes easily with the physical. It began as a story that told how the Inuit people came to be and became a legend passed from generation to generation. In translation it grew from myth to poem. The text comes from expedition notes recorded by Danish explorer Knud Rasmussen in 1921. Edward Field got a copy from the Harvard Library and translated it into English.
Magic Words describes a world where humans and animals share bodies and languages, where the world of the imagination mixes easily with the physical. It began as a story that told how the Inuit people came to be and became a legend passed from generation to generation. In translation it grew from myth to poem. The text comes from expedition notes recorded by Danish explorer Knud Rasmussen in 1921. Edward Field got a copy from the Harvard Library and translated it into English.
24 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1998
148 people want to read
About the author
Edward Field
130 books19 followersEDWARD FIELD was born in Brooklyn, and grew up in Lynbrook, L.I., where he played cello in the Field Family Trio which had a weekly radio program on WGBB Freeport. He served in WWII in the 8th Air Force as a navigator in heavy bombers, and flew 25 missions over Germany. He began writing poetry during World War II, after a Red Cross worker handed him an anthology of poetry. But it was not until 1963 that his first book, Stand Up, Friend, With Me, won the Lamont Award and was published. In 1992, he received a Lambda Award for Counting Myself Lucky, Selected Poems 1963-1992. Other honors include the Shelley Memorial Award, a Prix de Rome, and an Academy Award for the documentary film “To Be Alive,” for which he wrote the narration. In 1979, he edited the anthology, A Geography of Poets, and in 1992 with Gerald Locklin and Charles Stetler, brought out a sequel, A New Geography of Poets. He and his partner Neil Derrick, long-time residents of Greenwich Village, have written a best-selling historical novel about the Village, The Villagers. His most recent book is his literary memoirs, The Man Who Would Marry Susan Sontag, and Other Intimate Literary Portraits of the Bohemian Era. After the Fall, Poems Old and New, will be published by the U. of Pittsburgh Press in October, 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
March 13, 2021
Inuit Cosmology, the spiritual narrative of how the world came to be and the place people have in it, is rich and kind, and it has interested me for some time.
Drastically different to the origin myths and legends from Europe and Asia, which we may find more familiar, in the Inuit origin myth there are no mother or father figures and the cosmos is ruled by no one.
In this cosmology, language is how we interpret the world, recreating it. Hence language in itself is an act of creation and our place in the world is defined and created by it. With such emphasis on the spoken world, it’s not difficult to understand that words hold magic—both, literally and metaphorically. Such magic is at the center of this beautiful Inuit folktale: Magic Words.
Recorded and first translated to Danish by Knud Rasmussen during his 1920 expedition to the Arctic Circle, now translated to English by Edward Field and Illustrated by Mike Blanc, Magic Words recounts a time before we’ve forgotten how to speak the true language of the world. A time when word and reality were one.
I loved this folktale poem.
When you read it, take your time enjoying each of the words, feeling their magic course through your eyes, your mind, your tongue, if you read it aloud.
Feel the bear, the caribou, the fish, the rabbit, the wolf… let them be one with you again, rediscovering the magic stored in their names.
Take a moment as the magic and power of your mind awakens with the words.
“A word spoken by change
Might have strange consequences”
You just have to let them be, strange and beautiful, as eerie and colorful as the illustrations filling the pages with its own kind of magic.
Folktales are powerful, they channel the essence of other people, their vision of the world. This one is very effective in that regard, and for that, it can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Short, sweet, simple and complex, as the many magic words it holds inside.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley
Drastically different to the origin myths and legends from Europe and Asia, which we may find more familiar, in the Inuit origin myth there are no mother or father figures and the cosmos is ruled by no one.
In this cosmology, language is how we interpret the world, recreating it. Hence language in itself is an act of creation and our place in the world is defined and created by it. With such emphasis on the spoken world, it’s not difficult to understand that words hold magic—both, literally and metaphorically. Such magic is at the center of this beautiful Inuit folktale: Magic Words.
Recorded and first translated to Danish by Knud Rasmussen during his 1920 expedition to the Arctic Circle, now translated to English by Edward Field and Illustrated by Mike Blanc, Magic Words recounts a time before we’ve forgotten how to speak the true language of the world. A time when word and reality were one.
I loved this folktale poem.
When you read it, take your time enjoying each of the words, feeling their magic course through your eyes, your mind, your tongue, if you read it aloud.
Feel the bear, the caribou, the fish, the rabbit, the wolf… let them be one with you again, rediscovering the magic stored in their names.
Take a moment as the magic and power of your mind awakens with the words.
“A word spoken by change
Might have strange consequences”
You just have to let them be, strange and beautiful, as eerie and colorful as the illustrations filling the pages with its own kind of magic.
Folktales are powerful, they channel the essence of other people, their vision of the world. This one is very effective in that regard, and for that, it can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Short, sweet, simple and complex, as the many magic words it holds inside.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley
November 24, 2017
This is a simple, straight forward story directly from Inuit legend about the power of words. I was interested in the book because I have family through marriage who are Haida natives of Alaska (not Inuit, a different group of people with a different language entirely). The illustrations are captivating and worthy of spending time with this book just taking in all of the artwork. Such a beautiful book and a nice way to introduce a new culture to children.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the complimentary copy.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the complimentary copy.
October 7, 2018
Lovely goodnight story, more for adults than children, because I can see a lot of whys at the end from the little ones' part.
The illustrations are great and that single line on the page is like a whisper. And even being so short, it contains a lot of wisdom in its words, shows a strong bond between humans and nature, love and respect for animals, which I would preach ad infinitum.
I was not familiar with Inuit mythology and this little poem made me curious of more so here are some more info:
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.c...
http://www.native-languages.org/inuit...
>>> ARC received thanks to Vanita Books via NetGalley <<<
The illustrations are great and that single line on the page is like a whisper. And even being so short, it contains a lot of wisdom in its words, shows a strong bond between humans and nature, love and respect for animals, which I would preach ad infinitum.
I was not familiar with Inuit mythology and this little poem made me curious of more so here are some more info:
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.c...
http://www.native-languages.org/inuit...
>>> ARC received thanks to Vanita Books via NetGalley <<<
August 26, 2017
A very short children's book of Inuit oral traditional story which emphasizes the importance of words. It has beautiful art/illustrations, the pictures and words combined have a very calming effect. The book warns us about the power of words, and 'being careful about what you wish for'. This is the first book I downloaded from Netgalley (read now section). Thanks to Netgalley and Vanita Books for the opportunity to read and review this lovely book.
May 15, 2018
This book is ephemeral but powerful; succinctly written. I've been dishing out so many 5 star picture book reviews, but for such good reason. These Inuit tales are beyond learning - beyond ABC and 123 - they are life told with pictures, told with words - told with the heart from a deeply beautiful culture and people.
"Children....more than anyone are responsive to the magical power of words and images"
These illustrious but mystical illustrations are truly something to marvel and gawk at. I can't tell you the story - it's something you need to discover for yourself.
All I will mention is that this is a tale of when animals and humans were one - they spoke the same language, felt the same joys and pains. When words were magical and could breathe life into the world.
I have pondered Fish-Boy and Magic Words more than any 700 page fantasy tome. I recommend this masterpiece to all. The art is entrancing and intermingles wonderfully.
I received this picture book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
"Children....more than anyone are responsive to the magical power of words and images"
These illustrious but mystical illustrations are truly something to marvel and gawk at. I can't tell you the story - it's something you need to discover for yourself.
All I will mention is that this is a tale of when animals and humans were one - they spoke the same language, felt the same joys and pains. When words were magical and could breathe life into the world.
I have pondered Fish-Boy and Magic Words more than any 700 page fantasy tome. I recommend this masterpiece to all. The art is entrancing and intermingles wonderfully.
I received this picture book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
December 28, 2018
***Note: I received a copy curtesy of Netgalley and Vanita Books in exchange for an honest review.
Beautiful little story from the Inuits' oral tradition, about the power of words and the profound connection between humans and animals. The illustrations are simply gorgeous, made me look at them in detail several times.
Beautiful little story from the Inuits' oral tradition, about the power of words and the profound connection between humans and animals. The illustrations are simply gorgeous, made me look at them in detail several times.
January 16, 2021
This short narrative by Edward Field is a retelling of an Inuit oral tradition that has been passed down in that culture for centuries. It is about the way people and animals used to be and the power of words in ancient times. The poem is set in a beautiful children's picture book. The actual story is very short, but the illustrations done by Mike Blanc really make the book! They are gorgeous and truly bring the book and the story to life.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
September 5, 2017
Sparse in words but full of wonder, Magic Words is an Inuit creation story that has been passed down orally and then written as a poem, now translated by Edward Field and accompanied by Mike Blanc's gorgeous illustrations. Aimed at children between 4 and 12 years old, children and their parents alike will enjoy this book.
Magic Words invites us to imagine a time when humans and animals shared one language, when humans could become animals and animals could become human. We're shown the magic of words, the power of speaking something into being.
Just like Vanita Oelschlager's forthcoming book Fish-Boy it was Mike Blanc's illustrations that sparked my interest in this book. I'm no artist but there's something about Mike's style that makes me want to linger over each illustration and I don't know if I can describe this accurately but it is as though there is both a simplicity and depth to his artistry. You can glance at a page and know it's a beautiful image but as you look closer you discover more and more intricacies.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley (thank you very much to NetGalley and Vanita Books for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback. Between Magic Words and Fish-Boy I've had a small taste of Inuit culture but I'm hungry for more and will be on the lookout for future publications by Vanita Books.
Magic Words invites us to imagine a time when humans and animals shared one language, when humans could become animals and animals could become human. We're shown the magic of words, the power of speaking something into being.
Just like Vanita Oelschlager's forthcoming book Fish-Boy it was Mike Blanc's illustrations that sparked my interest in this book. I'm no artist but there's something about Mike's style that makes me want to linger over each illustration and I don't know if I can describe this accurately but it is as though there is both a simplicity and depth to his artistry. You can glance at a page and know it's a beautiful image but as you look closer you discover more and more intricacies.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley (thank you very much to NetGalley and Vanita Books for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback. Between Magic Words and Fish-Boy I've had a small taste of Inuit culture but I'm hungry for more and will be on the lookout for future publications by Vanita Books.
August 17, 2022
When reading a book, whether it be for children or adults, I think it is important to understand that questioning the authenticity of stories is good. This is a case wherein the genuine sentiment & sincerity of the work does not carry out within the book as neither Field nor Blanc is Inuit & though their source material (Danish expedition notes) might have come from a person who worked alongside the Inuit in 1921, to transcribe some of their oral traditions, I very much doubt this to be the case.
This is certainly not the first book in the history of the world which has an author at the stern, steering the plot through a culture which is not their own. I suspect it is safe to predict, it shall not be the last.
The illustrations by Mike Blanc are beautiful, that is not up for debate. However, they are from the perspective of an outsider of the culture, of the reality of the Inuit, therefore they do not hold weight in terms of accurately representing what the first-person point of view would be as an Inuit describing the power of 'magic words'. As an artist, I am certain that Blanc has grown his portfolio from his keen observations & developed his skills to represent a number of perspectives. Having scrolled through his website, I can confidently assume that to be the case. I do not wish to take away from his skills as an artist as I did very much enjoy the effort he put forth in the illustrations.
This did not feel like a piece of literature which could or should be credited to a 'translator', in this case, Field, the author. There are so few lines within this book that it leads to the question; who is this for? A child would most certainly fixate on the illustrations to render some sense to the 'story'. Though, I doubt very much that cherry-picking pieces of a traditional tale can count as a full story. Regardless, the words utilized within this piece do not shed much light on the girth of the belief. We are simply 'translated' that words carry importance & value. Perhaps this is a good thing to know, generally. However, that leads to the question; why not just write a story from your own cultural point of view about the importance & value of meaning what you say & being thoughtful in your speech?
When reading this piece I wondered what the purpose was. As an adult, I understand that the sharing of stories, traditions & practices helps us grow as individuals to well-rounded people in the world. Should this story have sought to achieve that it would have been to its benefit to working with Inuit authors, illustrators & Elders. They should have been at the forefront. For that reason, their absence is acutely felt in this story & I am left feeling a great pang of longing for where their absence resides.
Thank you to NetGalley, Vanita Books, & Edward Field for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This is certainly not the first book in the history of the world which has an author at the stern, steering the plot through a culture which is not their own. I suspect it is safe to predict, it shall not be the last.
The illustrations by Mike Blanc are beautiful, that is not up for debate. However, they are from the perspective of an outsider of the culture, of the reality of the Inuit, therefore they do not hold weight in terms of accurately representing what the first-person point of view would be as an Inuit describing the power of 'magic words'. As an artist, I am certain that Blanc has grown his portfolio from his keen observations & developed his skills to represent a number of perspectives. Having scrolled through his website, I can confidently assume that to be the case. I do not wish to take away from his skills as an artist as I did very much enjoy the effort he put forth in the illustrations.
This did not feel like a piece of literature which could or should be credited to a 'translator', in this case, Field, the author. There are so few lines within this book that it leads to the question; who is this for? A child would most certainly fixate on the illustrations to render some sense to the 'story'. Though, I doubt very much that cherry-picking pieces of a traditional tale can count as a full story. Regardless, the words utilized within this piece do not shed much light on the girth of the belief. We are simply 'translated' that words carry importance & value. Perhaps this is a good thing to know, generally. However, that leads to the question; why not just write a story from your own cultural point of view about the importance & value of meaning what you say & being thoughtful in your speech?
When reading this piece I wondered what the purpose was. As an adult, I understand that the sharing of stories, traditions & practices helps us grow as individuals to well-rounded people in the world. Should this story have sought to achieve that it would have been to its benefit to working with Inuit authors, illustrators & Elders. They should have been at the forefront. For that reason, their absence is acutely felt in this story & I am left feeling a great pang of longing for where their absence resides.
Thank you to NetGalley, Vanita Books, & Edward Field for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
March 26, 2019
This is a very short book. It's not so much a story as an introduction to an idea. It is, however, nicely illustrated. After reading this, I'm curious about other Inuit stories and beliefs. We get some tantalizing hints about shapeshifting and the magic of words, but since there really isn't a story here, that's about all we do get.
So it's a nice introduction to this Inuit idea; I wouldn't really call it a creation story, since the first lines are:
I'm curious to know if there's an actual creation story that happens before that (i.e., where did the earth and the people and the animals come from in the first place?).
Quotable moment:
Thank you to NetGalley and Vanita Books for providing a digital ARC.
So it's a nice introduction to this Inuit idea; I wouldn't really call it a creation story, since the first lines are:
In the very earliest time,
When both people
and animals
lived on earth...
I'm curious to know if there's an actual creation story that happens before that (i.e., where did the earth and the people and the animals come from in the first place?).
Quotable moment:
Thank you to NetGalley and Vanita Books for providing a digital ARC.
July 2, 2017
5★!
What a stunningly beautiful production this is. Mike Blanc's artistic interpretation of Edward Field's sensitive translation of this Inuit poem adds a dimension often missing in lesser works.
This is not a nursery rhyme, or even a rhyme. It could be likened to an Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime story, passed down from generation to generation through an oral tradition.
Many animals are included and there's a lovely list of "Animal Appearances" at the end, so kids can be sure to look for them. Well, not just kids - any reader!
It's very short but unique and would be a great addition to any library.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for a copy for review. I shall treasure it!
What a stunningly beautiful production this is. Mike Blanc's artistic interpretation of Edward Field's sensitive translation of this Inuit poem adds a dimension often missing in lesser works.
This is not a nursery rhyme, or even a rhyme. It could be likened to an Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime story, passed down from generation to generation through an oral tradition.
Many animals are included and there's a lovely list of "Animal Appearances" at the end, so kids can be sure to look for them. Well, not just kids - any reader!
It's very short but unique and would be a great addition to any library.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for a copy for review. I shall treasure it!
June 6, 2018
This is a very short book which is beautifully illustrated by artwork and drawings that bring the Inuit story of creation into being.
Where every tribe /people have an oral tradition that passed on stories most have a creation account of how human beings were formed and lived on a world filled with animals and the interdependence of between both and the spirit world.
The words are but a brief poignant account of the relationships between the wonderful world of nature and the Inuit people.
This would be a wonderful children's book. Certainly, the pictures are a magical element as they depict creatures: Seal ❂ Fish ❂ Caribou ❂ Dog ❂ Fox ❂ Tern ❂ Dall Sheep ❂ Musk Ox ❂ Narwhal.
The words also have a supernatural element for these folk but these ideas transcend all the Inuit hunting and survival in an otherwise bleak world.
Anyone will adore this book and be more at ease with a world where simple ideas enable one to live in peace and safety in a life sustaining environment and perceived world open to you. To be grateful for days of plenty but also wise guardians and stewards of other limited resources.
Where every tribe /people have an oral tradition that passed on stories most have a creation account of how human beings were formed and lived on a world filled with animals and the interdependence of between both and the spirit world.
The words are but a brief poignant account of the relationships between the wonderful world of nature and the Inuit people.
This would be a wonderful children's book. Certainly, the pictures are a magical element as they depict creatures: Seal ❂ Fish ❂ Caribou ❂ Dog ❂ Fox ❂ Tern ❂ Dall Sheep ❂ Musk Ox ❂ Narwhal.
The words also have a supernatural element for these folk but these ideas transcend all the Inuit hunting and survival in an otherwise bleak world.
Anyone will adore this book and be more at ease with a world where simple ideas enable one to live in peace and safety in a life sustaining environment and perceived world open to you. To be grateful for days of plenty but also wise guardians and stewards of other limited resources.
October 3, 2020
This is an Inuit myth about how animals and people used to be one and leave peacefully with each other.
Well, this wasn't what I expected.
I thought it would have much more of a plot, but you know what, I like it for what it actually is.
A myth from a culture most of us are not familiar with, written in a style that mostly appeals to children. I also appreciated the suggested moral of words having real meaning, that was there, besides the more obvious moral, about people and animals living in peace.
Plus, I liked the artwork, it reminded me of some illustrated books I read as a kid.
I received this as a free e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well, this wasn't what I expected.
I thought it would have much more of a plot, but you know what, I like it for what it actually is.
A myth from a culture most of us are not familiar with, written in a style that mostly appeals to children. I also appreciated the suggested moral of words having real meaning, that was there, besides the more obvious moral, about people and animals living in peace.
Plus, I liked the artwork, it reminded me of some illustrated books I read as a kid.
I received this as a free e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2016
Description: Magic Words is a modern translation (1965) of a very old Inuit creation story by nationally known poet Edward Field. As a poem it captures beautifully the intimate relationship this Arctic people have with their natural world.
Magic Words describes a world where humans and animals share bodies and languages, where the world of the imagination mixes easily with the physical. It began as a story that told how the Inuit people came to be and became a legend passed from generation to generation. In translation it grew from myth to poem. The text comes from expedition notes recorded by Danish explorer Knud Rasmussen in 1921. Edward Field got a copy from the Harvard Library and translated it into English.
October 23, 2018
This is a gorgeous book full of lovely Inuit artwork. I l adore how simple the story is. It's written in the way that the story would have been told when passed down orally. This is perfect for a children's book that is (generally) read out loud to children. The simplicity of Magic Words allows for very young children to have a way to learn about Inuit tradition. Not only are the pages brilliantly drawn and coloured, but each page design helps illustrate the limited words on that page. I could easily see a child loving this book so much that they learn the words on every page by heart.
The absolute best part of this book is the magical feeling it invokes. It stretches our imaginations to think of a time when people could be animals. I love the line "nobody could explain this: that's the way it was." As it is the last line in the story it leaves the door open for a conversation with the child about what animal they would want to become and why. I can absolutely imagine a child saying a bird and flapping their wings, or maybe a pig and oinking. The possibilities this story leaves in the mind of a child are endless. I also like that magic is mentioned here in a different context than usual. It's in a more spiritual and less tangible way. It's not a spell or a wand or even a prayer that allowed the Inuit to become animals; it just was. As though the Earth bid it to be and so it was. I like the ambiguity of this statement (and will confess it's in-line with some of my own personal spiritual beliefs).
I would love to see this book in the hands of all Canadian children so they could start having appreciation and understanding towards the Inuit of our country. As a child I knew there was a difference between the Native Americans and Inuit but I'm not sure I really understood what that was. These types of stories are critical to children realizing that everyone has their own culture and beliefs. It's always good for children to have exposure to other cultures than their own; but also who doesn't want to believe in magic?
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
The absolute best part of this book is the magical feeling it invokes. It stretches our imaginations to think of a time when people could be animals. I love the line "nobody could explain this: that's the way it was." As it is the last line in the story it leaves the door open for a conversation with the child about what animal they would want to become and why. I can absolutely imagine a child saying a bird and flapping their wings, or maybe a pig and oinking. The possibilities this story leaves in the mind of a child are endless. I also like that magic is mentioned here in a different context than usual. It's in a more spiritual and less tangible way. It's not a spell or a wand or even a prayer that allowed the Inuit to become animals; it just was. As though the Earth bid it to be and so it was. I like the ambiguity of this statement (and will confess it's in-line with some of my own personal spiritual beliefs).
I would love to see this book in the hands of all Canadian children so they could start having appreciation and understanding towards the Inuit of our country. As a child I knew there was a difference between the Native Americans and Inuit but I'm not sure I really understood what that was. These types of stories are critical to children realizing that everyone has their own culture and beliefs. It's always good for children to have exposure to other cultures than their own; but also who doesn't want to believe in magic?
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
December 19, 2022
Why this book was written is my first Question?
Second, What kind of Inuit culture was reflected with it, as it was written in their marketing plan for Parents and Children to read it together to understand the Inuit culture?
Either there should be some content as in the form of a story even if it has been yet a mythology or there shouldn't be any book at first place. Inuits are much more than just from these made-up stories. Waste of time.
Only thing that amazed me is Artict Mike Blanc. He had done a marvellous job. Amazing color combinations and what an art! 2-Star for his work only.
My NetGalley reviews: https://www.netgalley.com/book/25250/...
Second, What kind of Inuit culture was reflected with it, as it was written in their marketing plan for Parents and Children to read it together to understand the Inuit culture?
Either there should be some content as in the form of a story even if it has been yet a mythology or there shouldn't be any book at first place. Inuits are much more than just from these made-up stories. Waste of time.
Only thing that amazed me is Artict Mike Blanc. He had done a marvellous job. Amazing color combinations and what an art! 2-Star for his work only.
My NetGalley reviews: https://www.netgalley.com/book/25250/...
November 24, 2017
This is a simple, straight forward story directly from Inuit legend about the power of words. I was interested in the book because I have family through marriage who are Haida natives of Alaska (not Inuit, a different group of people with a different language entirely). The illustrations are captivating and worthy of spending time with this book just taking in all of the artwork. Such a beautiful book and a nice way to introduce a new culture to children.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the complimentary copy.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the complimentary copy.
January 4, 2017
Book: Magic Words
Author: Edward Field
Publisher: Vanita Books
Genre: Children’s Picture Books/ Folk Tales/ Creation Stories
Publication Date: September 1, 2013
Rating:
*Thank you to NetGalley and Vanita Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!*
Okay. So before we get into this story can we first marvel at the beauty that are the illustrations in this picture book?
This picture book gives us a modern translation of an old Inuit Creation story that was translated and turned into a poem by poet Edward Field. The poem shows the intimate relationship that the Inuit have with their natural environment, and it shows, among other things, a world where humans and animals can share bodies and souls and where the real and the imaginary can mix together.
I would recommend this book not only because of the beautiful illustrations, but for the poem as well. The poem is lyrical and beautiful and paints an amazing picture of the Inuit culture. In a way I also found the poem to be magical and very peaceful, like a dreamy nighttime story. I would not only recommend this for children, who could find much joy from this book and could learn about another culture, but for the parents as well, who I think could find pleasure in the artwork and in the peaceful flow of the poem.
Author: Edward Field
Publisher: Vanita Books
Genre: Children’s Picture Books/ Folk Tales/ Creation Stories
Publication Date: September 1, 2013
Rating:
*Thank you to NetGalley and Vanita Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!*
Okay. So before we get into this story can we first marvel at the beauty that are the illustrations in this picture book?
This picture book gives us a modern translation of an old Inuit Creation story that was translated and turned into a poem by poet Edward Field. The poem shows the intimate relationship that the Inuit have with their natural environment, and it shows, among other things, a world where humans and animals can share bodies and souls and where the real and the imaginary can mix together.
I would recommend this book not only because of the beautiful illustrations, but for the poem as well. The poem is lyrical and beautiful and paints an amazing picture of the Inuit culture. In a way I also found the poem to be magical and very peaceful, like a dreamy nighttime story. I would not only recommend this for children, who could find much joy from this book and could learn about another culture, but for the parents as well, who I think could find pleasure in the artwork and in the peaceful flow of the poem.
October 6, 2015
Wonderful poetry.
Gorgeous art.
This early tale of the Inuit a based on oral tradition and was first translated almost 50 years ago. Edward Field has done a great job with providing a poetic passage accessible for all ages and Mike Blanc has provided beautiful art to accompany the story.
I think I would have liked it if somehow the book could have signaled that the poem had ended. (Obviously not as part of the text.) The text of the poem reads such that it's not obvious you're reading the last line. It's probably true to the oral tradition, and I'm not faulting that. However, when you turn the page after the last line and you're expecting more, I think it that might be confusing for modern audiences. I don't know what I'm asking for except maybe the book give some kind of indication that the poem is done. It almost seems like there are pages missing.
Otherwise, the book is amazing.
Thanks to NetGallery and Vanita Books for a copy on exchange for an honest review.
Gorgeous art.
This early tale of the Inuit a based on oral tradition and was first translated almost 50 years ago. Edward Field has done a great job with providing a poetic passage accessible for all ages and Mike Blanc has provided beautiful art to accompany the story.
I think I would have liked it if somehow the book could have signaled that the poem had ended. (Obviously not as part of the text.) The text of the poem reads such that it's not obvious you're reading the last line. It's probably true to the oral tradition, and I'm not faulting that. However, when you turn the page after the last line and you're expecting more, I think it that might be confusing for modern audiences. I don't know what I'm asking for except maybe the book give some kind of indication that the poem is done. It almost seems like there are pages missing.
Otherwise, the book is amazing.
Thanks to NetGallery and Vanita Books for a copy on exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2019
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley
This short children’s book is a translation of an Inuit creation story. The story is told via free form verse, which is quite lovely. The illustrations are stunning. The human characters in the story are quite obviously Inuit, and the artwork resembles Inuit style art. The colors are wonderful but not too bright or overly “hip”. The illustrations include animals. Field has a list of animals in the book at the end.
The other thing that the book has going for it is that it makes use of words. It showcases the power of words in a rather beautiful way.
This short children’s book is a translation of an Inuit creation story. The story is told via free form verse, which is quite lovely. The illustrations are stunning. The human characters in the story are quite obviously Inuit, and the artwork resembles Inuit style art. The colors are wonderful but not too bright or overly “hip”. The illustrations include animals. Field has a list of animals in the book at the end.
The other thing that the book has going for it is that it makes use of words. It showcases the power of words in a rather beautiful way.
May 30, 2018
This is a very short story about the beginnings of the Inuit people, translated in English by Edward Field and illustrated by Mike Blanc. At first reading, it seems almost too simple and brief. But given time to sink in, the story's deeper meanings emerge gradually. It has the potential to feed discussions not limited to the specific Inuit culture, but also to more general topics on the relationship between people and the natural world as well as the "progress" of humanity and human societies.
The illustrations were not of my particular taste - I did find some of them creepy and given that this is considered to be a children's book, I thought that both sketches and colours might appeal more to adults instead. They are of good quality though and I can see and appreciate the illustrator's attempt to remain faithful to the Inuit traditions.
Definitely worth the reading and it is always enjoyable to learn more about cultures we are less familiar with.
*I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
The illustrations were not of my particular taste - I did find some of them creepy and given that this is considered to be a children's book, I thought that both sketches and colours might appeal more to adults instead. They are of good quality though and I can see and appreciate the illustrator's attempt to remain faithful to the Inuit traditions.
Definitely worth the reading and it is always enjoyable to learn more about cultures we are less familiar with.
*I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
August 29, 2019
On the one hand, the art in this short picture book is stunning. It's also interesting to learn an Innuit myth about a time when animals and people could become each other and strange things happened.
On the other hand, the book is translated and illustrated by white men and nobody seems to have worked with Innuit people in any way in publishing it. The text was translated by the author from text written by a Danish explorer a hundred years ago. The words are sparse and the book ends so abruptly that I thought there was something wrong with my copy. There is no information for kids about the Innuit people, how the text was found and translated, the myth, anything. There are a lot of misses here, despite the lovely art and interesting story.
On the other hand, the book is translated and illustrated by white men and nobody seems to have worked with Innuit people in any way in publishing it. The text was translated by the author from text written by a Danish explorer a hundred years ago. The words are sparse and the book ends so abruptly that I thought there was something wrong with my copy. There is no information for kids about the Innuit people, how the text was found and translated, the myth, anything. There are a lot of misses here, despite the lovely art and interesting story.
April 30, 2023
The West is my favorite area of the U.S., so I was thrilled to discover RoadTrip America's Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips.
Join author Rick Quinn as he steers off the beaten path for day-trips that will make you gasp in wonder. Includes full-color maps and photos for easy-to-follow scenic routes. Honey, let’s pack our bags ... we’re goin’ on a road trip! 5/5
Thanks, NetGalley and Imbrifex Books, for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#ScenicSideTrips #NetGalley
Join author Rick Quinn as he steers off the beaten path for day-trips that will make you gasp in wonder. Includes full-color maps and photos for easy-to-follow scenic routes. Honey, let’s pack our bags ... we’re goin’ on a road trip! 5/5
Thanks, NetGalley and Imbrifex Books, for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#ScenicSideTrips #NetGalley
October 14, 2016
Endearing artwork and poetry.
The story stretches the mind. Words really are magical if you think about it. Magical in a way that it could work wonders if used in the right way.
This reminds me greatly of Brother Bear. I liked reading it so much.
(Book source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Vanita Books and NetGalley.)
The story stretches the mind. Words really are magical if you think about it. Magical in a way that it could work wonders if used in the right way.
This reminds me greatly of Brother Bear. I liked reading it so much.
(Book source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Vanita Books and NetGalley.)
December 12, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Vanita Books for accepting my request to read and review Magic Words.
Author: Edward Field
Published: 09/01/13
Genre: Children's Fiction
This is a miss for me. I have the E-book and following the title page, etc., the first page pops up and I backed away. Really it was fish, large and scaly. The author attempted to translate an old tribal poem. Between the illustrations and the words, I didn't see a poem or a reason for the work. I feel like there is a loss in translation.
Author: Edward Field
Published: 09/01/13
Genre: Children's Fiction
This is a miss for me. I have the E-book and following the title page, etc., the first page pops up and I backed away. Really it was fish, large and scaly. The author attempted to translate an old tribal poem. Between the illustrations and the words, I didn't see a poem or a reason for the work. I feel like there is a loss in translation.
July 3, 2017
The art was a delight, but I feel like there wasn't much to this picture book apart from that, and that it didn't have much depth to it. Although obviously all pretty art heals most wounds, so I can forgive and forget.
Thanks to Netgalley to providing me a copy for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley to providing me a copy for an honest review.
September 26, 2021
Colourful, imaginative and and great illustrations.
However, there was no innuit in put. It's their myth yet it is translated and written by white men.
That was kind of a big let down for me.
However, there was no innuit in put. It's their myth yet it is translated and written by white men.
That was kind of a big let down for me.
October 20, 2023
Miigweetch NetGalley and Vanita Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This is an illustrated children’s book based on an Inuit creation story, translated into English in 1965. It tells of a time long ago when people could turn into animals and animals could turn into people. That’s it. There’s no sweeping journey or saga, simply “telling it how it was.” At the end of the book is a short list of the various animals depicted on the pages.
Other reviewers have noted that the story seems incomplete, that they were left wanting more, and I admit that I laughed heartily when I reached the end of the book because I had read their reviews prior, and I could understand at that moment their disappointment. However, I believe that this dissatisfaction stems more from a cultural difference in storytelling and than from any fault of the author or text; I would wager to guess that the aforementioned reviewers are non-Indigenous and coming from a more Westernized storytelling background. Particularly when it comes to “folk tales,” many Western audiences have been primed to expect a clean tidy ending, maybe with a clearly defined moral in the vein of Aesop’s Fables. However, the majority of Indigenous storytelling does not work this way. Every reader, every listener, is considered as an individual, making it impossible for an author to prescribe a takeaway - that is left up the person reading/listening to the story, because all of our life experiences work together to help us derive meaning from the tale, so no two people will experience it alike. Perhaps the author can take this into consideration and add something small to “tie things together” so as to let audiences know the story has ended.
The illustrations were phenomenal, bold and richly colored, with a distinct style that really “felt” like it was from the North (so I was quite surprised to learn that the artist lives in Ohio!) Overall, this book worked for me. I would recommend it for school libraries, as well as any classroom doing a “World Cultures” or “Multi-Cultural Storytelling” unit. Five out of five stars for me.
This is an illustrated children’s book based on an Inuit creation story, translated into English in 1965. It tells of a time long ago when people could turn into animals and animals could turn into people. That’s it. There’s no sweeping journey or saga, simply “telling it how it was.” At the end of the book is a short list of the various animals depicted on the pages.
Other reviewers have noted that the story seems incomplete, that they were left wanting more, and I admit that I laughed heartily when I reached the end of the book because I had read their reviews prior, and I could understand at that moment their disappointment. However, I believe that this dissatisfaction stems more from a cultural difference in storytelling and than from any fault of the author or text; I would wager to guess that the aforementioned reviewers are non-Indigenous and coming from a more Westernized storytelling background. Particularly when it comes to “folk tales,” many Western audiences have been primed to expect a clean tidy ending, maybe with a clearly defined moral in the vein of Aesop’s Fables. However, the majority of Indigenous storytelling does not work this way. Every reader, every listener, is considered as an individual, making it impossible for an author to prescribe a takeaway - that is left up the person reading/listening to the story, because all of our life experiences work together to help us derive meaning from the tale, so no two people will experience it alike. Perhaps the author can take this into consideration and add something small to “tie things together” so as to let audiences know the story has ended.
The illustrations were phenomenal, bold and richly colored, with a distinct style that really “felt” like it was from the North (so I was quite surprised to learn that the artist lives in Ohio!) Overall, this book worked for me. I would recommend it for school libraries, as well as any classroom doing a “World Cultures” or “Multi-Cultural Storytelling” unit. Five out of five stars for me.
July 6, 2015
Ok so I've requested a lot from *Netgalley lately...too much. So I'm trying to put out all of my reviews of books I requested before I start getting request happy again. This is one of the books I recently requested. I thought the cover looked interesting and how often do you find books from Inuit tales?
Magic Words tells the story of when people could turn into animals and animals could turn into people. Words were special and if you spoke it things would happen.
The ironic thing is that Magic Words is fairly light on words. But what is not light on is beautiful illustrations. These were downright gorgeous. The native feeling comes through them and the colors are perfectly picked. This is one where you pause to look over the whole picture before you move onto the next page.
My son couldn't quite follow the flow of the story but he did enjoy looking at the pictures. I think that it had something to do with the almost stilted like writing that he couldn't quite follow. I think the writing lended to being just like a book being transcribed from oral stories. But in this case it was a little harder for my son.
4 out of 5 stars.
*I received a free copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion
**This book was read with my special needs son who is severely learning disabled. The review reflects not only my opinion but his as well
Magic Words tells the story of when people could turn into animals and animals could turn into people. Words were special and if you spoke it things would happen.
The ironic thing is that Magic Words is fairly light on words. But what is not light on is beautiful illustrations. These were downright gorgeous. The native feeling comes through them and the colors are perfectly picked. This is one where you pause to look over the whole picture before you move onto the next page.
My son couldn't quite follow the flow of the story but he did enjoy looking at the pictures. I think that it had something to do with the almost stilted like writing that he couldn't quite follow. I think the writing lended to being just like a book being transcribed from oral stories. But in this case it was a little harder for my son.
4 out of 5 stars.
*I received a free copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion
**This book was read with my special needs son who is severely learning disabled. The review reflects not only my opinion but his as well
August 14, 2016
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.
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