Greenlandic Tales includes four stories drawn from the oral tradition of the Inuit of Greenland. These stories are hundreds of years old, and are rich in magic and enchantment. Each story reflects different facets of Inuit beliefs, values, traditions and ways of life as hunter-gatherers in the unique arctic environment. A brief introduction provides background on Inuit culture, and an illustrated dictionary explains terms that appear in the stories and their context within Inuit culture. The illustrations that accompany the stories, drawn by Orianne Shavit, are based on her research of visual aspects of Greenlandic Inuit culture, from clothing and hairstyles to instruments and art, as well as on the natural landscapes and animals found in the Greenlandic arctic.

The stories in this collection were first published in the nineteenth century by Henry Rink, in his book Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo. Rink, a Dane who lived in Greenland for many years, collected and translated these stories, first to Danish and later to English. His book is considered to be the first publication of Inuit tales. From among the approximately 150 stories found in Rink’s collection, were selected four that would be suitable for children without any revision or alternation.

2018 | Age 8+ | 72 pp. | English translation available | Rights Sold: Hebrew

“Here is a wonderful reminder of the powerful magic of a faraway culture […] This small and gentle book, magnificently crafted and designed, allows one to quietly dive into the frozen Inuit sea.” – Avivit Mishmari, Writing Erasing

“These stories are presented in a way that is faithful to their source, and there is much to be learned from them about the culture, rhythm, art and way of life of the Inuit.” – Shira Elgazi, Sustainable Motherhood

Henry Rink, a Dane who lived in Greenland for many years, collected and translated these stories in his book Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo, first to Danish and later to English. His book is considered to be the first publication of Inuit tales. From among the approximately 150 stories found in Rink’s collection, we selected four that would be suitable for children without any revision or alternation.

Orianne Shavit is an Israeli painter, illustrator designer and doll maker. Her technique is diverse and changes according to each project, working mainly by hand. She illustrates both for adult and children books following her fascination for cultures, nature and remote sceneries. In her work she often combines symbolic, botanical and native motifs.