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.

Prizes

Winner of Best Books for Kids and Teens 2022

"Grandfather Bowhead digs deep into his past to share some of his marvellous experiences with Arvaaq, his new grandchild...Campeau’s illustrations bring the greens and blues of the ocean to life as a perfect complement to Johnston’s text."—The Globe and Mail

"Together with painterly illustrations in monochromatic blues of the ocean, this underwater tale shows the wondrous love of a grandparent for his grandchild...Tender words of affection are perfect for sharing with any young child or grandchild."—Kirkus Reviews

"The expansive illustrations, awash in marine blues and greens, capture the drama and majesty of the Arctic while also showcasing the tender relationship between the whales. A lovely choice for preschool storytimes."—Booklist

"Attention, grandparents! Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me A Story is the sweetest story you could share with your grandchild this season...Painterly illustrations in a palette of blues adds to the calm, dreamy tone of the book. Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me A Story is a powerful, emotive book that beautifully articulates a grandfather’s love for his grandson."—Hakai Magazine

"This is an indelible picture book in which Grandfather Bowhead’s affection for Little Arvaaq is palpable. Its sweetness will stay with readers long after they turn the last page. It’s a perfect bedtime story for young ones and is an ideal pick for grandparents to read to their grandchildren."—Seattle Book Review

"Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me a Story is both love song and lullaby, wrapped up in an endearing dialogue between grandfather and young offspring."—CanLit for Little Canadians

"[A] story that will pull at your heart strings...Highly Recommended."—CM Magazine

Aviaq Johnston is the author of the bestselling picture book What’s My Superpower?. For older children, teenagers, and grown-ups, she has written the award-winning novel Those Who Run in the Sky and its sequel, Those Who Dwell Below. She has also written the short stories “Tarnikuluk,” winner of the Aboriginal Arts and Stories Award, and “The Haunted Blizzard,” featured in Taaqtumi: An Anthology of Arctic Horror Stories. She grew up in Igloolik, Nunavut, and now lives in Iqaluit, Nunavut, with her dog, Sunny. Tamara Campeau works digitally to create her painterly storytelling illustrations. Her work has a strong sense of lighting, naturalistic colours, and dynamic composition. She is strongly inspired by wildlife, children, and the environments in which they reside. She uses this inspiration to add a layer of realism to her work. Campeau’s illustration journey began at Dawson College, where she earned her associate degree in illustration and design. Shortly after, she furthered her studies at Sheridan College, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in illustration.