Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest

Warning Ancient Fable Regarding Origin of the Sun

I get antsy when Native American themes and stories appear in children's books. Too often they reek of cultural misappropriation. But this beautiful book--gorgeous watercolor backgrounds to the Northwest Native American-style imagery--feels respectful, and does a great telling of a favorite Tlingit Haida tale of how light came into the world. The illustration of the morphing of the Sky Chief's spoiled grandson back into Raven is particularly effective.And when Raven fills the sky with the sun in his beak, it's very easy to buy into this story as a valid creation myth. I've now bought three copies of this book for various pre-schoolers I know, and all my grown-up friensd who've seen this book have fallen in love with it, too. This is a definite winner, bound to become as classic in its own way as Robert McCloskey's ``Blueberries for Sal.''

The children in my Pre-K class cannot get enough of this book. The magic of the illustrations and the text has them mesmerized. Many times, when we have finished reading the story, they want to here it again!

This book for children is based on the myth of the mischievious Raven from the Indians of the Pacific Northwest and how the Raven discovered the Sun and placed it in the sky. The book was a 1994 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a children's book. Every child I've come across has enjoyed this story and loved the illustrations.

An enjoyable book for parents and children alike. Love the illustrations. Saw an episode of "Northern Exposure" on TV once portraying the theme, and loved it then too. The story has interesting correlations with Christian doctrine where Christ is the "enlightener". I am always fascinated by the number of different cultures from all over the world that have a similar story handed down from centuries past.

I bought this book on a whim for my daughter, as I am a great fan of Native American mythology and beliefs. I got it after a short wait, and looked through it. The artwork is simply amazing; beatiful, detailed pictures accompany each portion of the story.. Even the surprised looks on the faces of people as Raven plays his trickster games is done magnificently! The story itself is well written. It's the basic and ancient legend of how Raven stole the sun, but done very well, in language that even young kids can understand. It's a fun story to read, too, since you can make the book come alive by adding a few of your own choice sound effects, and just watch the look on your son or daughter's face... But, best of all, children love it. When I first read it to my four-year-old, her eyes lit up, she became completely drawn into the story, and laughed and giggled as Raven did his thing. She even demanded that I read it over again - a rarity for my daughter, since she has a huge library of her own now! I'll buy anything else I can find from this author. He won a Caldecott for this book, and small wonder; his work is absolutely magnificent, and I recommend getting it in hardcover because you'll wear the covers off a softcover version! Enjoy it!