book review, children's

Magic Words by Edward Field and Mike Blanc [Review]

51+GETZLF8L._SX384_BO1,204,203,200_Title: Magic Words: From the Ancient Oral Tradition of the Inuit
Translator: Edward Field
Illustrator: Mike Blanc
Type: Fiction
Genre: Children’s
Publisher: Vanita Books
Date Published: Sept. 1 2013
Format: E-book
Page Count: N/A
Source: NetGalley

Summary: 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.

★★★★★

The illustrations in this book are beautiful, and the story contains lessons about our world which could be beneficial for children as well as adults.

Not only is Magic Words insightful in regard to the ancient Inuit oral tradition, but the story which it retells, I found, contains lessons which can be applicable even in today’s society. Words really do have power, and the sooner children learn this, the sooner they will learn to respect words, as well as not to use harmful words toward others.

Every page of this book is filled with unique illustrations, and vibrant colours, which I think would also make it a suitable book for those who cannot read. The images tell a story of their own.

The amount of wording, considering the age group at which this book is directed, is perfect. It does not overwhelm the reader with too much information, but provides just enough information for readers to enjoy the accompanying images all the more.

I would most certainly buy this book for my own children, or the children of family or friends.

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Buy on Amazon.ca: Magic Words: From the Ancient Oral Tradition of the Inuit
Buy on Amazon.com: Magic Words: From the Ancient Oral Tradition of the Inuit

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