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Start your review of On the Shoulder of a Behemothic: An Inuit Folktale

Dec 02, 2017 Matt rated it really liked it

In this wonderful retelling of an Inuit folktale, the author tells of Inukpak, a massive behemothic who roams around the Arctic. He wades through the water and fishes for whales with his bare easily, in search of all the Northward has to offer. When he encounters a human, he immediately takes him to be a child and adopts him as his own. This human, a hunter by trade, is so baffled that he is unsure what do to, other than listen to the mighty Inukpak. They traverse the Due north and discover themselves in many adven In this wonderful retelling of an Inuit folktale, the author tells of Inukpak, a massive giant who roams around the Arctic. He wades through the water and fishes for whales with his bare hands, in search of all the North has to offer. When he encounters a man, he immediately takes him to exist a kid and adopts him as his own. This man, a hunter by trade, is so baffled that he is unsure what do to, other than listen to the mighty Inukpak. They traverse the Due north and find themselves in many adventures. These all-encompassing travels might explain how so many different Northern communities have their own behemothic folktales, which differ slightly, just are bound together past a common GIANT thread. Neo liked learning a little more about this story, peculiarly since it differs greatly from much of the tales we have read together. While I am not sure if there are English translations of all the varied tales, if I can detect some, I am sure we will have fun devouring them. ...more

Apr 23, 2015 Betsy rated it it was amazing

My daughter is afraid of giants. She'southward three so this isn't exactly out of the norm. Nevertheless, information technology does cut out a portion of her potential reading material. Not all giants autumn under this stricture, mind you lot. She doesn't seem to have whatever trouble with the guys in Giant Dance Party and "nice" giants in full general go a pass. Still, we've had to put the kibosh on stories like Jack and the Beanstalk and anything else where getting devoured is a serious threat. Finding books well-nigh good giants is therefore My daughter is afraid of giants. She'due south three so this isn't exactly out of the norm. Still, it does cut out a portion of her potential reading fabric. Not all giants fall under this stricture, mind y'all. She doesn't seem to have whatsoever problem with the guys in Giant Trip the light fantastic Party and "prissy" giants in general get a pass. Even so, we've had to put the kibosh on stories like Jack and the Beanstalk and anything else where getting devoured is a serious threat. Finding books about good giants is therefore an imperative and it walks hand in hand with my perpetual search for amazing folktales. Every year I scour the publishers for anything resembling a folktale. In the old days they were plentiful and y'all could have your pick of the offerings. These days, the big publishers hardly want to touch on the stuff, so information technology's upwards to the smaller guys to fill in the gaps. And no i stands as a better folktale gap filler than the Inuit owned visitor Inhabit Media. Producing consistently high quality books for kids, 1 of their latest titles is the drop dead gorgeous On the Shoulder of a Giant. Funny, attractive, and a straight up authentic folktale, this is children's volume publishing at its all-time. And equally for the behemothic himself, my daughter has never run into a guy like him before.

"…if there is only i Arctic behemothic story you have the time to learn virtually, this is the ane to remember." Which behemothic? Why Inukpak, of course! Large (fifty-fifty for a giant) our story recounts Inukpak'south diverse deeds. He could stride across wide rivers, and fish total whales out of the body of water. In his travels, there was one mean solar day when Inukpak ran across a niggling human hunter. Misunderstanding the man to exist a small kid, the giant promptly adopted him. And since the man was no fool he understood that when a giant claims you, y'all have little recourse but to have. He went along with information technology. The behemothic fished their dinner and when a polar conduct threatened the hunter Inukpak flicked it away similar it was no more than a baby fox or lemming. In time the 2 became good friends and had many adventures together. Backmatter called "More Virtually Arctic Giants" explains at length nearly their size, their fights, their relationship to the giant polar bears, and how they may nevertheless be effectually – maybe correct under your feet!

I've read a lot of giant fare in my day and I have never encountered a tale quite like this. Not that the story really goes much of anywhere. The only truthful question you find yourself asking every bit you read the tale is whether or not the hunter will ever confess to the behemothic that he isn't really a child. Merely as I read and reread the tale, I came to love the humor of the tale. Combined with the art, it's a lighthearted story. In fact, one of the issues is also a signal in its favor. When you get to the end of the tale and are told that Inukpak and the hunter had many adventures, you want to read those immediately. One can only hope that Mr. Christopher and Mr. Nelson will join forces withal again someday to bring us more than of this unique and delightful duo.

I'm no expert on Inuit culture so it doesn't hurt that in the cosmos of "On the Shoulder of a Giant" writer Neil Christopher has the stardom of having spent the concluding xvi years of his life recording and preserving traditional Inuit stories. Having seen a fair number of books of Native American folktales where the option of the tales is offhanded at best, the care with which Christopher chooses to imbue his book with life and vitality is notable. The book reads aloud beautifully, and would serve a librarian well if they were told to read aloud a folktale to a group. Likewise, the pictures are visible from long distances. This story begs for a big audience.

I've seen a lot of small presses in my twenty-four hour period. Quality tin can vary considerably from identify to place. Often I'll run into a small publisher bring to life a folktale but then skimp on the artist chosen to bring the story to life. It's a pitiful just mutual occurrence. So mutual, in fact, that when it doesn't happen I'm shocked out of my gourd. Inhabit Media is i of those rare few that have illustration very seriously. Each of their books looks good. Looks not simply professional person simply like something you'd want to take habitation for yourself. On the Shoulder of a Giant is no exception. This time the creative person tapped was freelance illustrator Jim Nelson. He's based out of Chicago and his fine art has included stuff like Magic the Gathering cards and the like. He is non, at start glance, the kind of artist y'all'd tap for a volume of this sort. After all, he works with a digital palette creating images that would seemingly be more at home in a comic book than a classic Inuit folktale. Yet what are folktales but proto-superhero stories? What are superhero comics but just modern myths? Inukpak is larger than life and, as such, he demands an artist who can bring his physicality to affect the narrative. When he's fishing for whales I wanna come across that sucker fighting back. When he strides across neat plains I wanna be there beside him. Nelson feeds that need.

Since Nelson isn't Inuit himself, the question of how accurate his art may exist arises. I am willing to believe, however, that any book published past a visitor operating with the sole intent to "preserve and promote the stories, cognition and talent of Inuit and northern Canada" is going to take put the book through a strict vetting procedure. Information technology would not be ridiculous to think that Nelson's editor informed him of where to inquiry classic Inuit clothing and landscapes. I loved every inch of Nelson's art on this story but it was the backmatter that really did information technology for me. There's a section that is able to prove the difference in size between a inukpasugjuit ("great giant"), a inugaruligasugjuk ("lesser giant"), and a regular human that does a brilliant job of showing scale. That goes for the nanurluit (behemothic polar bear) in ane of the pictures, relentlessly tracking two tiny hunters in their boats. But it is the final shot of a sleeping giant under the mountains every bit people walk on to of him, oblivious that will really pique young imaginations.

I'g not saying that On the Shoulder of a Giant has the ability to single-handedly rid my girl of her fear of giants as a whole. It does, however, stand out as a singularly fun and interesting have on the whole behemothic genre. There's nothing on my library shelves that sounds or feels or looks quite like this book. It could well be the poster child for the ways in which small publishers should examine and publish archetype folktales. Beautiful and strange with a flavor all its ain, this is one lilliputian book that yields big rewards. Fantastico.

For ages 4-7.

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Jul 12, 2019 Abigail rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: Young Sociology Enthusiasts / Readers Who Relish Giant Tales

When a great giant named Inukpak comes upon a homo hunter in this Inuit folktale, he mistakes him for a child because of his small size, and decides to adopt him. The hunter doesn't want to fence with a behemothic, and goes forth for the ride on Inukpak'southward shoulder, seeing many wonderful things. Somewhen, every bit the two continue their adventures together, they become groovy friends...

1 of many high quality titles produced by Inhabit Media, an Inuit-owned publisher based in Nunavut, specializing in boo

When a great giant named Inukpak comes upon a homo hunter in this Inuit folktale, he mistakes him for a child considering of his small size, and decides to adopt him. The hunter doesn't want to argue with a giant, and goes along for the ride on Inukpak's shoulder, seeing many wonderful things. Eventually, equally the two continue their adventures together, they get slap-up friends...

One of many high quality titles produced by Inhabit Media, an Inuit-owned publisher based in Nunavut, specializing in books with an Inuit theme,

On the Should of a Giant pairs an engaging story from author Neil Christopher with highly-seasoned artwork from illustrator Jim Nelson. The tale is somewhat episodic, with no overarching quest narrative or trouble to be solved, but no less enjoyable for that, while the artwork is quite expressive. I appreciated the inclusion of an afterword, discussing the different kinds of giants in Inuit lore. Recommended to all young folklore enthusiasts, those who enjoy giant tales, and to anyone looking for children'southward books with an Inuit cultural backdrop. ...more than

Apr 25, 2018 Elizabeth rated information technology really liked it

On The Shoulder of a Behemothic (the next book in my quest to read equally much Inhabit Media as I tin get) is based on a traditional Inuit story that I am familiar with, but have not read a full version of, until now. An chill giant adopts a hunter as his son, believing he is a modest child. The story is incredibly cute and full of adventure, and the illustrations are ambrosial.

I definitely recommend this one for all ages.

On the Shoulder of a Behemothic: An Inuit Folktale by Neil Christopher tells the traditional tale about an Inuit giant named Inukpak. Inukpak is a friendly giant whose size allows him to walk across the massive tundra in no time, and step into the deepest rivers, lakes, and the bounding main and still stand tall outside the water. Withal he'due south a lonely giant until 1 day he comes beyond a petty man hunter and befriends him. Inukpak and the piddling hunter, continuing on the shoulder of the giant, travel far toge On the Shoulder of a Giant: An Inuit Folktale by Neil Christopher tells the traditional tale about an Inuit giant named Inukpak. Inukpak is a friendly behemothic whose size allows him to walk across the massive tundra in no time, and step into the deepest rivers, lakes, and the bounding main and still stand tall exterior the water. However he'southward a solitary giant until one day he comes across a piffling man hunter and befriends him. Inukpak and the piddling hunter, continuing on the shoulder of the giant, travel far together with Inukpak happily protecting the hunter from damage and providing food and shelter for him. This folktale will leave you wanting to learn more about the giants of the Arctics!

I was wowed past this folklore because it's one I have never heard of before and the imagination information technology creates is unforgettable. At the end of the book it explains more nearly the legends of Arctic giants and what they were known for. The book mentions that some people believe many mountains are actually sleeping giants and illustrates how this would look. I will never wait at mountains the same over again! Also, I think the illustrations in this book do such a great chore capturing the massive size of Inukpak and beautifully describe the Chill scenery.

I categorized this book in the folklore genre because it is a story based on an Arctic Inuit traditional story about a mythical giant passed down through generations. This book could be used in grades ii-4 in the following ways.

1. Compare and contrast the characteristics of the behemothic and the hunter.
2. Read another folklore and hash out their differences and similarities. Hash out the cultures in the folklore stories.
3. Math connection - use the giant's size and little hunter'south size to measure them in different ways. This tin can chronicle to any grade level math using unlike measurement units, fractions, etc.

*Read as an E-Volume on MackinVIA.com. *

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Jun sixteen, 2015 Tasha rated it really liked it

Based on a traditional Inuit folktale, this picture book shows what happens when a massive giant takes an interest in a modest human being. Inukpak was big even for a giant. When he walked across the land, he could easily step over rivers and wade the deepest lakes. He could cross the Arctic on human foot in simply a few days, fishing for whales along the coasts. Then one day he met a hunter, whom he mistook for a niggling child. Earlier the hunter knew what has happening, Inukpak had adoped him as a son and plac Based on a traditional Inuit folktale, this picture volume shows what happens when a massive giant takes an interest in a small-scale human. Inukpak was large even for a giant. When he walked across the state, he could hands step over rivers and wade the deepest lakes. He could cross the Arctic on foot in but a few days, fishing for whales along the coasts. And so ane day he met a hunter, whom he mistook for a trivial kid. Earlier the hunter knew what has happening, Inukpak had adoped him as a son and placed him on his shoulder. In just a few steps, they were then far from the hunter's habitation that he didn't know how to return. Equally Inukpak got them dinner in the class of a huge whale, he near drowned the hunter just from the huge waves that splashed every bit he walked in the water. When a polar carry attacks the hunter, Inukpak just laughs and tosses information technology away. In time, the two became adept friends, the giant and the hunter.

The stage is set very nicely for this story with an introduction that explains what stories the book is based on and how the author came to know and so much about Arctic sociology. The pages after the story expand the topic of Arctic giants even further with explanations of unlike kinds of giants. The storyline is not as linear as European tales, allowing readers to get a sense of the giant and a different rhythm of storytelling at the same time. The huge and kind giant is full of entreatment cheers to his huge sense of humor and the merry manner he approaches life in the Arctic.

Nelson's illustrations are playful and jolly as well. They show the various areas of the Arctic from the seashore to the more inland areas. The size difference between the giant and the human is kept fairly consistent throughout the volume, This giant is much larger than most and that adds to the appeal as well. The natural landscapes of the volume are thoughtfully done every bit are the various animals. The lifelike depictions of these elements brand the giant all the more believable.

One huge giant and one little man create a great story together and one that tin can nicely exist shared aloud. Appropriate for ages 5-eight.

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Feb 04, 2016 Michelle rated it actually liked it

In the far North, a giant named Inukpak wandered the land. He was large even for a giant and 'could walk from one end of the Arctic to the other in just a few days." His idea of angling was to wade into the body of water and scoop upward a whale for his dinner. Ane day Inupak came beyond a lone hunter out on the tundra. Inupak thought the small human was a lost kid, so he scooped him up, placed the man on his shoulder, and adopted him as his son. At offset the man was not pleased with the organization, but In the far North, a giant named Inukpak wandered the land. He was large fifty-fifty for a giant and 'could walk from i finish of the Arctic to the other in but a few days." His idea of fishing was to wade into the ocean and scoop up a whale for his dinner. Ane day Inupak came across a lone hunter out on the tundra. Inupak thought the minor man was a lost kid, so he scooped him upwards, placed the human being on his shoulder, and adopted him equally his son. At first the man was not pleased with the system, but he and the giant soon became fast friends and had a number of adventures together.
This title presents a look into the mythology of the North in a straightforward, humorous style with accompanying illustrations that highlight Inukpak's remarkable feats. The gorgeous paintings are filled with detail that not simply emphasize the size of the giant, but the vast emptiness of the Arctic. The author includes an afterword that provides more information well-nigh the lore of the Northern giants. ...more

May 17, 2015 Barbara rated information technology liked it

Stories about big friendly giants fascinate young readers, and this one, ready in the Artic, is no exception despite its brevity. Then large is Inukpak that he easily catches whales for his dinner and tin acquit a man hunter on his shoulder. Based on an Inuit folktale, this picture book contains many images of the friendly giant who decided to adopt a human being, and it also speculates that giants haven't disappeared. They are simply sleeping, covered by vegetation, and will awaken later on centuries accept Stories virtually large friendly giants fascinate young readers, and this one, set in the Artic, is no exception despite its brevity. So large is Inukpak that he hands catches whales for his dinner and can comport a human being hunter on his shoulder. Based on an Inuit folktale, this flick book contains many images of the friendly giant who decided to adopt a homo, and it besides speculates that giants haven't disappeared. They are simply sleeping, covered by vegetation, and will awaken after centuries have passed. It'south certainly something to retrieve well-nigh. ...more

Jun thirteen, 2015 Barbra rated it liked it

This Inuit folktale is beautifully illustrated in picture book format. In this book we meet a Giant who is gentle and adopts a human developed as his child and takes him on many adventures.

Aug 12, 2015 Amanda rated it liked it

Didn't know about the giants of the arctic before reading this; verrry interesting and the illustrations are fun. Reading new (to me) mythology/sociology always gets me buzzing. Didn't know well-nigh the giants of the arctic before reading this; verrry interesting and the illustrations are fun. Reading new (to me) mythology/folklore always gets me buzzing. ...more

Sep ten, 2015 Jason rated it really liked it

Beautiful, unproblematic story, with lovely, richly colored illustrations. I only promise the hunter didn't have a family waiting at domicile for him! Beautiful, simple story, with lovely, richly colored illustrations. I just hope the hunter didn't have a family unit waiting at home for him! ...more

My favorite role was when the behemothic throws the polar comport into the bounding main - it was unexpectedly hilarious.

Love the illustrations. The story ended abruptly, though. And I would accept appreciated a bibliography for more than Inuit tales.

Giant Inukpak adopts a human hunter in the Arctic. An entertaining traditional Inuit tale.

Oct 17, 2016 Jeff rated it really liked it

A fun and refreshing read. Love, love, beloved the illustrations!!

Picture Book. This is a neat book to use in exploring various cultures as well equally bespeak of view.

Aug 25, 2017 Bruce rated information technology it was astonishing

Inukpak, "pronounced 'ee-newk-pak,'" is a giant so large that he mistakes a whale for a pocket-size fish, a polar bear for a lemming, and a full grown homo for a tiny child. When a lost Inuit hunter encounters him for the first time, the hunter finds himself unwillingly adopted by the giant—because who'south going to argue with someone that big? Perched on Inukpak's huge shoulder the hunter learns what the arctic looks like from a gigantic point of view.

This beautifully illustrated tale likewise has an info

Inukpak, "pronounced 'ee-newk-pak,'" is a giant so large that he mistakes a whale for a small fish, a polar carry for a lemming, and a total grown man for a tiny kid. When a lost Inuit hunter encounters him for the first time, the hunter finds himself unwillingly adopted by the behemothic—because who's going to argue with someone that large? Perched on Inukpak's huge shoulder the hunter learns what the chill looks like from a gigantic signal of view.

This beautifully illustrated tale likewise has an informative introduction and a five page afterword, "More about Chill Giants," so the reader can tell the really big ones similar Inukpak, from merely big giants. There's also information near behemothic polar bears, and when you might be standing on sleeping behemothic without knowing it.

A circumspection to consumers, I plant the print in the eBook version illegible nether magnification. This is a book that y'all need to get in a print edition to capeesh the illustrations, and you'll actually be able to read it.

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This story is delightfully absurd, and the telling doesn't back away from that. Extra points for the notes in the back This story is delightfully absurd, and the telling doesn't back away from that. Actress points for the notes in the back ...more

Nov 03, 2015 Sandy Brehl rated information technology actually liked it

The fourth star is primarily due to the fact that few Innuit/Arctic Aboriginal tales have been addressed in picture books, and then information technology is a welcome improver and might at least start some conversations or further inquiry. This is i of the few movie books existence released that is text-heavy, but the images with it are constructive in comparing size/calibration for this Bunyan-esque legendary giant.
In that location are several resource notes at the back, and he author made a sincere effort to reveal his background and r The fourth star is primarily due to the fact that few Innuit/Arctic Ancient tales have been addressed in flick books, and so it is a welcome addition and might at least kickoff some conversations or further enquiry. This is one of the few motion-picture show books being released that is text-heavy, but the images with it are effective in comparison size/scale for this Bunyan-esque legendary behemothic.
In that location are several resources notes at the dorsum, and he author made a sincere effort to reveal his background and represent authentic tales. The linguistic communication "dropped out" or defaulted to modernistic conversational style, which pulled me out of the story. Notably, the human-hunter, meant to be native and from a time long ago, repeatedly says "Okay."
Despite those comments, I think this is well worth a read. ...more

An Inuit folktale about a behemothic who befriends a man

Jun 22, 2016 Damore rated it information technology was ok

Great commencement but very sharp and unsatisfying ending.

I saw a post on Tumblr almost Inhabit Media -- an Inuit-owned publishing visitor -- and proceeded to Sick like every picture volume I could get my hands on.

This is the first i I read, and although the art is practiced (there's a cute sunset in one spread), I wasn't super into the story (I'm not into the sort of mistaken identity/miscommunication kind of tropes that this particular kind of story uses, though I know it'south common in sociology), and it ends somewhat abruptly -- once the hunter decides t

I saw a postal service on Tumblr about Inhabit Media -- an Inuit-owned publishing company -- and proceeded to ILL similar every picture book I could become my hands on.

This is the first one I read, and although the art is good (there'due south a beautiful sunset in ane spread), I wasn't super into the story (I'm non into the sort of mistaken identity/miscommunication kind of tropes that this detail kind of story uses, though I know information technology'south common in sociology), and it ends somewhat abruptly -- one time the hunter decides to stay with the giant, the story ends: "In time, the behemothic and the hunter became adept friends. And the 2 of them travelled all across the North and had many adventures together. And that is why, in every region of the Arctic, you lot can observe stories well-nigh a huge giant who adopted a human!" I get that the author is using this story to introduce this pan-Arctic story (and there'south some additional information both before and later the story itself), just I withal wanted more.

I was likewise a lilliputian dislocated by the author blurb at the back [basically the same as the ane on the website], as information technology says that Neil Christopher moved to Nunavut and was there introduced to Inuit traditional stories -- which makes information technology sound like he'southward not Inuit hiimself -- and he went on to start Inhabit Media (with his brother, Danny Christopher, and his colleague, Louise Flaherty) -- simply Inhabit Media bills itself equally "an Inuit-owned publishing company."

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On the Shoulder of a Giant Read Aloud

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