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Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest
Don't miss this beautiful picture book, a Caldecott Honor winner! Raven, the trickster, wants to give people the gift of light. But can he find out where Sky Chief keeps it? And if he does, will he be able to escape without being discovered? His dream seems impossible, but if anyone can find a way to bring light to the world, wise and clever Raven can. “The physical environment, oral literature, and traditional life of the Pacific Coast Indians come alive in this amusing and well-conceived picture book.” — School Library Journal
32 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 1993
26 people are currently reading
999 people want to read
About the author
Gerald McDermott
61 books76 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Gerald McDermott is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and an expert on mythology. His work often combines bright colors and styles with ancient imagery.
He has created more than 25 books and animated films. His first book, Anansi the Spider, was awarded a Caldecott Honor, and he’s since won the Caldecott Medal for Arrow to the Sun and another Caldecott Honor.
Gerald McDermott is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and an expert on mythology. His work often combines bright colors and styles with ancient imagery.
He has created more than 25 books and animated films. His first book, Anansi the Spider, was awarded a Caldecott Honor, and he’s since won the Caldecott Medal for Arrow to the Sun and another Caldecott Honor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
September 22, 2018
I read Manybooks review (it's a review worth reading - it's very good!) about this book before I did my review. She really made me think - a lot. I admit to not knowing who Gerald really was or much about the Raven history in stories. I was going to give it 4 stars and after reading Manybooks, I don't think I can for now. I had to take a star. I do feel it's a good story and the artwork is beautiful and stylized.
Is this cultural appropriation? Gerald is an amazing artist, could he not find someone from a Native tribe to tell this story with him as it's their story. Then again, do myths really belong to the culture they were written in, or are they the property of the world?? I'm not really Greek and I love the Greek myths. We can all learn from the myths, right. I love myths from all over the world. I'm really getting into Chinese myths right now. Still, if the minority race doesn't have an opportunity to tell their story, is that fair either. I don't know, well, I know it's not fair to the Native people's and they need to tell their stories and at the same time anyone is able to retell a story. I think I can see this story as this is Gerald's version of the myth of the Pacific Northwest peoples. I would also like to read the myth from someone who grew up with these stories as kids. The myths have many tellings and this is one more. My brain is so tangled. arrgh.
Myths were used to explain phenomenon in life. Science is now capable of explaining how all this works and it is important to know that. For me, the myths still have a power in them. The idea behind them is interesting to me. It's not that I think the myths happened, it's the truth they tell with the knowledge they had still has power in our psyche and imagination. I still feel myths are important for our spirits. Science has it's own beauty and I'm glad we know so much more than we did, but I like the piece that a myth fills in my spirit. I can relate to that piece still. People are ultimately storytellers and we learn from stories. I like the idea, "Politicians use lies to hide the truth, while storytellers use lies to tell the truth." Was that Mark Twain? not sure. That has stuck with me.
The kids knew none of this and they thought the book was great. They gave it 4 stars too. We all thought the artwork was amazing. I did enjoy the book for the story it told.
Is this cultural appropriation? Gerald is an amazing artist, could he not find someone from a Native tribe to tell this story with him as it's their story. Then again, do myths really belong to the culture they were written in, or are they the property of the world?? I'm not really Greek and I love the Greek myths. We can all learn from the myths, right. I love myths from all over the world. I'm really getting into Chinese myths right now. Still, if the minority race doesn't have an opportunity to tell their story, is that fair either. I don't know, well, I know it's not fair to the Native people's and they need to tell their stories and at the same time anyone is able to retell a story. I think I can see this story as this is Gerald's version of the myth of the Pacific Northwest peoples. I would also like to read the myth from someone who grew up with these stories as kids. The myths have many tellings and this is one more. My brain is so tangled. arrgh.
Myths were used to explain phenomenon in life. Science is now capable of explaining how all this works and it is important to know that. For me, the myths still have a power in them. The idea behind them is interesting to me. It's not that I think the myths happened, it's the truth they tell with the knowledge they had still has power in our psyche and imagination. I still feel myths are important for our spirits. Science has it's own beauty and I'm glad we know so much more than we did, but I like the piece that a myth fills in my spirit. I can relate to that piece still. People are ultimately storytellers and we learn from stories. I like the idea, "Politicians use lies to hide the truth, while storytellers use lies to tell the truth." Was that Mark Twain? not sure. That has stuck with me.
The kids knew none of this and they thought the book was great. They gave it 4 stars too. We all thought the artwork was amazing. I did enjoy the book for the story it told.
May 31, 2023
I had purchased a paperback copy of Scott McDermott's Caldecott Honour winning Raven from Amazon a couple of years ago, mostly because I happened to find the cover image so visually appealing and stunning (and have always enjoyed folktale adaptations). However, as soon as I opened the book, I realised with much frustration that McDermott had once again (and like with his previous Caldecott Medal winning Arrow to the Sun) NOT really fully acknowledged either his sources or paid (at least to and for me) in any way even remotely sufficient homage and respect to the Native American tribes from whom and from whose culture, lore and traditions he had gleaned his material. And thus, my original happy anticipation quickly turned to major annoyance and yes, frustration, which was then rather massively and angrily increased further by the fact that at the back of my copy of Raven, there are instructions on how to make a totem pole out of toilet paper tubes (a fun and engaging, diverting activity for children perhaps, but considering that totem poles are generally regarded as sacred and cherished family and clan symbols, the mere idea of making totem poles out of bathroom tissue tubes is really not all that politically correct, even much bordering on the potentially inappropriate, and in my opinion, an almost unforgivable sign of disrespect).
Now I do very well realise and understand that for Raven, Scott McDermott has, indeed, at least included a very basic and vague introduction to trickster tales in general. But be that as it may, McDermott's presented introduction is (at least in my opinion) in absolutely no way even remotely sufficient, as while it does feature the general concepts of trickster tales and what they are supposed to represent and demonstrate, it does not EVER show the specific Native American sources, the specific tales and traditions of the Raven legend, and which of these the author/illustrator has then utilised for this, or rather for his adaptation.
Now the basic storyline of Scott McDermott's Raven really only consists of the bare bones of the legend, and since most Native American myths are based on real existent (or at least in the distant past existent) places and specific tribal cultures (in other words, while the Raven legend is a common myth of the Pacific Northwestern Coast of both the United States and Canada, each Native American/Canadian tribe would have had similar, but always variable renditions thereof), this here general and vague adaptation, with no specific cultural and tribal affiliations, well it reads like a rather uninspiring and imprecise miscellany (one that basically offers a vague introduction, but not very much more for me, and is especially lacking as an example of and for Native American folklore, of and for Native American mythology and spirituality). In fact, Raven's narrative, its text, actually quite underscores rather stridently its lack of cultural authenticity and that the author/illustrator, that Scott McDermott, has obviously quite refused to learn or even consider previous, prior lessons (as even with his Caldecott Medal winning Arrow to the Sun, there were legitimate issues raised with regard to a lack of cultural legitimacy, a lack of knowledge of Native American traditions, and that he had neither acknowledged nor described any of his particular sources, both literary and oral, and I really do not even know if McDermott had even consulted any folklore books or been told any tales).
As to the accompanying illustrations, they are bright and visually appealing (and seem at least to my own untrained eyes as authentic seeming enough). And while if taken and if regarded by and for themselves, I can and do at least somewhat understand the Caldecott Honour designation awarded for Raven, McDermott's text, his adapted narrative is simply too generalising, too inauthentic and even potentially massively stereotyping for me. And thus, Raven is ONLY recommended for the illustrations, as the text leaves much (if not everything) to be desired (at least on a folkloric and cultural level). And while this might indeed seem more than a bit curmudgeonly (and even though I do find the illustrations visually appealing enough), I have now decided to render my erstwhile two star rating into but one star, as I am increasingly angered at and sick and tired of individuals like Gerald McDermott blithely and with no sense of humility and respect continuously appropriating Native American culture and lore (with insufficient resources, lack of respect and no sense or even remote comprehension that this might, indeed, be a legitimate issue and bone of contention for many American Indian and Canadian First Nations individuals).
Now I do very well realise and understand that for Raven, Scott McDermott has, indeed, at least included a very basic and vague introduction to trickster tales in general. But be that as it may, McDermott's presented introduction is (at least in my opinion) in absolutely no way even remotely sufficient, as while it does feature the general concepts of trickster tales and what they are supposed to represent and demonstrate, it does not EVER show the specific Native American sources, the specific tales and traditions of the Raven legend, and which of these the author/illustrator has then utilised for this, or rather for his adaptation.
Now the basic storyline of Scott McDermott's Raven really only consists of the bare bones of the legend, and since most Native American myths are based on real existent (or at least in the distant past existent) places and specific tribal cultures (in other words, while the Raven legend is a common myth of the Pacific Northwestern Coast of both the United States and Canada, each Native American/Canadian tribe would have had similar, but always variable renditions thereof), this here general and vague adaptation, with no specific cultural and tribal affiliations, well it reads like a rather uninspiring and imprecise miscellany (one that basically offers a vague introduction, but not very much more for me, and is especially lacking as an example of and for Native American folklore, of and for Native American mythology and spirituality). In fact, Raven's narrative, its text, actually quite underscores rather stridently its lack of cultural authenticity and that the author/illustrator, that Scott McDermott, has obviously quite refused to learn or even consider previous, prior lessons (as even with his Caldecott Medal winning Arrow to the Sun, there were legitimate issues raised with regard to a lack of cultural legitimacy, a lack of knowledge of Native American traditions, and that he had neither acknowledged nor described any of his particular sources, both literary and oral, and I really do not even know if McDermott had even consulted any folklore books or been told any tales).
As to the accompanying illustrations, they are bright and visually appealing (and seem at least to my own untrained eyes as authentic seeming enough). And while if taken and if regarded by and for themselves, I can and do at least somewhat understand the Caldecott Honour designation awarded for Raven, McDermott's text, his adapted narrative is simply too generalising, too inauthentic and even potentially massively stereotyping for me. And thus, Raven is ONLY recommended for the illustrations, as the text leaves much (if not everything) to be desired (at least on a folkloric and cultural level). And while this might indeed seem more than a bit curmudgeonly (and even though I do find the illustrations visually appealing enough), I have now decided to render my erstwhile two star rating into but one star, as I am increasingly angered at and sick and tired of individuals like Gerald McDermott blithely and with no sense of humility and respect continuously appropriating Native American culture and lore (with insufficient resources, lack of respect and no sense or even remote comprehension that this might, indeed, be a legitimate issue and bone of contention for many American Indian and Canadian First Nations individuals).
November 14, 2017
I read this book to my students because I want them to learn about different traditions and cultures than their own. This book lead to some great discussions.
"Raven, the trickster, wants to give people the gift of light. But can he find out where Sky Chief keeps it? And if he does, will he be able to escape without being discovered? His dream seems impossible, but if anyone can find a way to bring light to the world, wise and clever Raven can!"
"Raven, the trickster, wants to give people the gift of light. But can he find out where Sky Chief keeps it? And if he does, will he be able to escape without being discovered? His dream seems impossible, but if anyone can find a way to bring light to the world, wise and clever Raven can!"
October 14, 2010
In a note at the beginning of this book, Gerald McDermott explains that the Raven is a trickster figure who appears in many Native American stories from the Pacific Northwest. Raven can both be a terrible mischief-maker and a benevolent guardian of humankind. His prominence in Native American culture also is reflected in how often his image appears in visual art like totem poles and jewelry. Both sides of Raven are included in this retelling of how Raven brings humankind light; he steals it from the Sky Chief. Raven uses his special shape-shifting ability so that he can be born as the Sky Chief's grandson, sneaking into his household to find the source of light that Sky Chief has not shared with humans. As a comic and mischievous boy, Raven delights his mother, grandfather, and elders. He charms them all into giving him access to the sun. When he has the golden ball as his plaything, he turns back into a raven and flies away to share it with his human friends.
Throughout the story, McDermott draws Raven in bold black, red, green, and blue in a style similar to that of totem pole carvings. Even as a young, human boy, McDermott maintains this color scheme, signaling to young readers that this toddler is really Raven. McDermott includes other visual cues that connect the boy to the Raven. Contrasting to the Raven's vibrancy, the soft, pastel landscapes of the Sky Chief's house emphasis tranquility and security. The plank house glows with muted yellows, oranges, and browns. Even my 18 month-old daughter commented that each page seemed to get "lighter". The interactions between the boy-Raven and his mother are delightful, creating intimacy and warmth. The last image of the Sky Chief's daughter as she watches her "son" fly away with the sun suggests love and amazement instead of disappointment. I think younger readers will enjoy this tale especially because the "toddler" tricks the adults into giving him what he wants. Older readers will appreciate the message about helping others.
My one concern, though, about this text is the lack of recommendation from Native American sources. I could not find a review from that perspective. Because I lack deep cultural understanding, I don't know if McDermott's retelling and illustrations of this tale are accurate and respectful renditions. To give it a higher rating, I would like that confirmation. OYATE -- a website authored by the Native American community and dedicated to highlighting such cultural sensitive representations of Native Americans in children's books is under reconstruction.
Throughout the story, McDermott draws Raven in bold black, red, green, and blue in a style similar to that of totem pole carvings. Even as a young, human boy, McDermott maintains this color scheme, signaling to young readers that this toddler is really Raven. McDermott includes other visual cues that connect the boy to the Raven. Contrasting to the Raven's vibrancy, the soft, pastel landscapes of the Sky Chief's house emphasis tranquility and security. The plank house glows with muted yellows, oranges, and browns. Even my 18 month-old daughter commented that each page seemed to get "lighter". The interactions between the boy-Raven and his mother are delightful, creating intimacy and warmth. The last image of the Sky Chief's daughter as she watches her "son" fly away with the sun suggests love and amazement instead of disappointment. I think younger readers will enjoy this tale especially because the "toddler" tricks the adults into giving him what he wants. Older readers will appreciate the message about helping others.
My one concern, though, about this text is the lack of recommendation from Native American sources. I could not find a review from that perspective. Because I lack deep cultural understanding, I don't know if McDermott's retelling and illustrations of this tale are accurate and respectful renditions. To give it a higher rating, I would like that confirmation. OYATE -- a website authored by the Native American community and dedicated to highlighting such cultural sensitive representations of Native Americans in children's books is under reconstruction.
June 24, 2017
Raven, the Native American trickster, feels sorry for those who must live in darkness, and he decides to help. Raven flies over mountains, valleys, and lakes to discover that light is being kept hidden inside the house of the Sky Chief. Using his cleverness, Raven is reborn as the Sky Chief’s grandchild and uses his access to bring light to the world. The people fed Raven fish to thank him for giving them light.
I remember reading this book as a young child. During that time, I lived in the Pacific Northwest and was enamored with the art and culture of the Native Americans based in that area. I was thrilled to share it with my second grade small group today as part of a guided reading lesson. The lesson was observed by one of my professors. All went well, but I was most happy when two students told me afterwards that they plan to check the book out of their school library to read it again! Encouraging more reading is always my goal!
I remember reading this book as a young child. During that time, I lived in the Pacific Northwest and was enamored with the art and culture of the Native Americans based in that area. I was thrilled to share it with my second grade small group today as part of a guided reading lesson. The lesson was observed by one of my professors. All went well, but I was most happy when two students told me afterwards that they plan to check the book out of their school library to read it again! Encouraging more reading is always my goal!
November 4, 2020
Gerald McDermott had me at the illustrations. This is a beautifully told fable that I was just recently introduced to in honor of Native American Heritage Month. I truly enjoyed the simplicity of the story and the main character—Raven. The messages of being unselfish and the importance of helping others are lessons that we all should hear and take to heart.
Take the time for this book. You will not regret it.
Take the time for this book. You will not regret it.
November 9, 2016
1994 Caldecott Honor - Favorite Illustration: when Raven is sitting on the pine tree, watching the Sky Chief's daughter by the river.
I feel like if McDermott hadn't included his note that 'Raven is the central character in most Native American myths and tales [in the Pacific Northwest], and just told this story that it would have been much better received. The fact that McDermott tries to set himself up as an expert on Native American stories, but does no research (or at least doesn't seem to rely on research or share sources) is what makes him so frustrating.
However, if this story is just taken as a children's story of how Raven brought light to the earth, I rather enjoy it. The illustrations, especially are amazing. I love the way everything is depicted in such soft and beautiful illustrations while Raven himself is so graphic and stylized. It really makes him stand out. So, while the illustrations are worthy of the honor, I almost wish the Caldecott committee would just disqualify McDermott's controversial work outright.
I feel like if McDermott hadn't included his note that 'Raven is the central character in most Native American myths and tales [in the Pacific Northwest], and just told this story that it would have been much better received. The fact that McDermott tries to set himself up as an expert on Native American stories, but does no research (or at least doesn't seem to rely on research or share sources) is what makes him so frustrating.
However, if this story is just taken as a children's story of how Raven brought light to the earth, I rather enjoy it. The illustrations, especially are amazing. I love the way everything is depicted in such soft and beautiful illustrations while Raven himself is so graphic and stylized. It really makes him stand out. So, while the illustrations are worthy of the honor, I almost wish the Caldecott committee would just disqualify McDermott's controversial work outright.
December 27, 2016
This is a fascinating folktale that talks about how humans got light in the world. It has interesting illustrations and a simple enough narrative that most children can understand and enjoy.
This book was selected as one of the books for the November 2016- Caldecott Honor discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
This book was selected as one of the books for the November 2016- Caldecott Honor discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
October 5, 2017
When the raven becomes a child, he looks like the main character in Tony Baloney to me. I thought the fact that he came into the world because a girl drank a pine needle was weird, but I guess that’s not any stranger than the idea of a stork, and it’s definitely more kid-friendly than a lot of the alternatives. I definitely think the illustrations outshine the story in this case, however. The story didn’t feel logical to me.
October 15, 2013
This book was another disappointment. Some of the illustrations, those without people, were beautiful. However, the people in the tale were shown cartoony and the story was not told with a voice that was believable as a Native American folktale narrator. The baby is said to have cried, "Ga!" muliple times, for example, as he toddles across the floor with a baby's body and a beak nose. Skip this one for sure.
December 19, 2019
In spite of all the criticisms of this book, I love the story and the illustrations. Gerald McDermott is one of the few author/illustrators whose stories are short enough to share with preschool children. Most picture book folk tale books are too wordy for preschoolers.
December 6, 2016
Alternative title: How the Sun came to be in the sky
This is a colorful intro to the native peoples of the NW. We often see ravens (as well as crows) when we're in the mountains, so the kids will be able to connect with this familiar bird.
This is a colorful intro to the native peoples of the NW. We often see ravens (as well as crows) when we're in the mountains, so the kids will be able to connect with this familiar bird.
June 25, 2013
A tale of a trickster god who pulls quite the long con in order to bring light to humans. Very cool artwork done in the syle of the Pacific NorthWest native wood carvings.
March 31, 2016
I read this to some kindergardeners today. It is a useful introduction to the story of Raven bringing light to the People. Strongly colored artwork makes this a good book to share in a group.
March 10, 2017
Good-ish? I think....Has it really been over 10 yrs since I thought about this book?
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March 1, 2016Title: Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest
Author: Gerald McDermott
Genre: Mythology
Theme(s): Generosity, Caring
Opening line/sentence: Raven came. All the world was in darkness.
Brief Book Summary: Raven feels badly for the people who lived in the dark and ventures out to bring them light. After finding the Sky Chief and his daughter, Raven is able to capture the sun and throw it out into the sky.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Betsy Hearne
(The Bulletin of the Center for Children s Books, June 1993 (Vol. 46, No. 10))
Raven came. All the world was in darkness. The sky above was in darkness. The waters below were in darkness. Men and women lived in the dark and cold. Raven was sad for them. He said, 'I will search for light.'" In frugal, measured phrases, Gerald McDermott describes Raven's flight to the lodge of the Sky Chief. There Raven changes shape to become a pine needle floating down into the water, which the daughter of the Sky Chief drinks. Reborn as a child who delights the Sky Chief, Raven begs for the sun, and-once it's uncovered from its box within a box within a box-steals it and throws it into the sky. This Native American myth echoes with imagery of getting inside things in order to get things outside, a theme dynamically tuned to the reversible role of a trickster-hero. And like all trickster heroes, Raven has a savior aspect. The parallels with Christian theology include a virgin birth, with a redeemer who gives light to the world. Raven appears as a painted-wood totem superimposed on natural backgrounds, just as stories are superimposed on life to explain and pattern it. McDermott's seasoning as an illustrator shows in the understated humor here; Native American lore translated into picture book format is too often reverentially serious. The brilliantly patterned Raven-child, taking his first steps and throwing a temper tantrum to get what he wants, contrasts vividly with the foggy gouache landscapes, in themselves a departure from the artist's characteristic sharp edges. Primary blues and reds dominate the spreads until Raven finds the sun, whereupon pale shades begin to dawn toward a climactic yellow glow so intense that the sun comes as a white-hot surprise. Raven's transformations are cleverly devised by the coordination of visual image, page design, and wording. To show a progression of events across a double spread without confusing young viewers is always a technical challenge: Raven rolls the sun-ball across the floor in the verso ("Ga! Ga!"), begins changing into a bird in the first half of the facing picture ("Ha! Ha!"), and flies full fledged with the sun in the right-hand segment ("Caw! Caw!"). Each panel deepens in hue and moves the central figure higher on the page, with textual blocks used for balance.Calmer in tone and rounder in shapes than McDermott's fast-paced, angular Zomo the Rabbit: A Trickster Tale from West Africa (BCCB 9/92), this has the same kind of introductory note giving some background on the story without naming any specific tribal groups or citing printed sources, which would have been helpful in assessing the adaptation. This is a common problem in evaluating picture book folklore, a fast-growing genre in children's literature; five of the thirteen reviewed in this issue lack adequate source notes. As a knowledgeable disciple of Joseph Campbell and an innovative creator of picture books, McDermott can contribute more of what he knows within the admittedly limited space of an authorial note. What's impressive about his Raven is the respectful simplicity of the telling and the clarity of the graphic interpretation. Spare enough verbally to use with young listeners, whom he involves with occasional questions ("Who do you think the child was? . . . What do you think the ball was? . . . And why do the people always feed Raven?"), and spare enough visually to succeed with groups, this is like the very nest of boxes that holds the sun-there's more revealed with each opening of the book. R*--Highly recommended as a book of special distinction. (c) Copyright 1993, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 1993, Harcourt, 32p, $14.95. Ages 4-6 yrs.
(PUBLISHER: Harcourt (San Diego:), PUBLISHED: 2001 c1993.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, 1993)
Hero and mischief-maker Raven is central to Native American myths of the Pacific Northwest, as McDermott explains in a gracefully written note. Here, he's a cunning trickster who brings the marvelous gift of light to the world. Turning himself into a pine needle, Raven is swallowed by the Sky Chief's daughter and reborn as her son. He finds the sun hidden away in a box, resumes the shape of Raven, seizes the sun in his beak, and throws it into the sky. Retelling the tale with elegant simplicity, Caldecott Medalist McDermott illustrates it with handsome mixed-media art. Raven, a bold pattern of red, blue, and green on black, refers directly to the familiar totem pole figure; the landscape is a lovely, understated expanse of watercolor; the stylized sky people, in gentle earth tones, are at once decorative, warmly benevolent, and sculpturally heroic. A splendid setting for an important myth. 1993, HBJ, $14.95. Starred Review. © 1993 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
(PUBLISHER: Harcourt (San Diego:), PUBLISHED: 2001 c1993.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These reviews go above and beyond at describing this book and even helped me to discover items I previously had not considered. I agree with both reviews in their favoritism of this portrayal of Native American mythology. I find that the book does indeed lead to new discoveries each time it is opened and would be a great cultural component for the classroom.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: As shown in the reviews above this book is rich in cultural ties & symbolism. What you cannot find directly in the text you can discover in the illustrations. This book has made many connections across platforms of mythology & religion in both the vivid illustrations and intriguing writing style.
Consideration of Instructional Application: As mentioned with my previous Gerald McDermott book, this would also be included into my "trickster tale" unit. With the deep ties in religious & Native American culture I would have the students identify beliefs/items within their own lives they hold as important. The have the students bring this important items into their "trickster tales".
Author: Gerald McDermott
Genre: Mythology
Theme(s): Generosity, Caring
Opening line/sentence: Raven came. All the world was in darkness.
Brief Book Summary: Raven feels badly for the people who lived in the dark and ventures out to bring them light. After finding the Sky Chief and his daughter, Raven is able to capture the sun and throw it out into the sky.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Betsy Hearne
(The Bulletin of the Center for Children s Books, June 1993 (Vol. 46, No. 10))
Raven came. All the world was in darkness. The sky above was in darkness. The waters below were in darkness. Men and women lived in the dark and cold. Raven was sad for them. He said, 'I will search for light.'" In frugal, measured phrases, Gerald McDermott describes Raven's flight to the lodge of the Sky Chief. There Raven changes shape to become a pine needle floating down into the water, which the daughter of the Sky Chief drinks. Reborn as a child who delights the Sky Chief, Raven begs for the sun, and-once it's uncovered from its box within a box within a box-steals it and throws it into the sky. This Native American myth echoes with imagery of getting inside things in order to get things outside, a theme dynamically tuned to the reversible role of a trickster-hero. And like all trickster heroes, Raven has a savior aspect. The parallels with Christian theology include a virgin birth, with a redeemer who gives light to the world. Raven appears as a painted-wood totem superimposed on natural backgrounds, just as stories are superimposed on life to explain and pattern it. McDermott's seasoning as an illustrator shows in the understated humor here; Native American lore translated into picture book format is too often reverentially serious. The brilliantly patterned Raven-child, taking his first steps and throwing a temper tantrum to get what he wants, contrasts vividly with the foggy gouache landscapes, in themselves a departure from the artist's characteristic sharp edges. Primary blues and reds dominate the spreads until Raven finds the sun, whereupon pale shades begin to dawn toward a climactic yellow glow so intense that the sun comes as a white-hot surprise. Raven's transformations are cleverly devised by the coordination of visual image, page design, and wording. To show a progression of events across a double spread without confusing young viewers is always a technical challenge: Raven rolls the sun-ball across the floor in the verso ("Ga! Ga!"), begins changing into a bird in the first half of the facing picture ("Ha! Ha!"), and flies full fledged with the sun in the right-hand segment ("Caw! Caw!"). Each panel deepens in hue and moves the central figure higher on the page, with textual blocks used for balance.Calmer in tone and rounder in shapes than McDermott's fast-paced, angular Zomo the Rabbit: A Trickster Tale from West Africa (BCCB 9/92), this has the same kind of introductory note giving some background on the story without naming any specific tribal groups or citing printed sources, which would have been helpful in assessing the adaptation. This is a common problem in evaluating picture book folklore, a fast-growing genre in children's literature; five of the thirteen reviewed in this issue lack adequate source notes. As a knowledgeable disciple of Joseph Campbell and an innovative creator of picture books, McDermott can contribute more of what he knows within the admittedly limited space of an authorial note. What's impressive about his Raven is the respectful simplicity of the telling and the clarity of the graphic interpretation. Spare enough verbally to use with young listeners, whom he involves with occasional questions ("Who do you think the child was? . . . What do you think the ball was? . . . And why do the people always feed Raven?"), and spare enough visually to succeed with groups, this is like the very nest of boxes that holds the sun-there's more revealed with each opening of the book. R*--Highly recommended as a book of special distinction. (c) Copyright 1993, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 1993, Harcourt, 32p, $14.95. Ages 4-6 yrs.
(PUBLISHER: Harcourt (San Diego:), PUBLISHED: 2001 c1993.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, 1993)
Hero and mischief-maker Raven is central to Native American myths of the Pacific Northwest, as McDermott explains in a gracefully written note. Here, he's a cunning trickster who brings the marvelous gift of light to the world. Turning himself into a pine needle, Raven is swallowed by the Sky Chief's daughter and reborn as her son. He finds the sun hidden away in a box, resumes the shape of Raven, seizes the sun in his beak, and throws it into the sky. Retelling the tale with elegant simplicity, Caldecott Medalist McDermott illustrates it with handsome mixed-media art. Raven, a bold pattern of red, blue, and green on black, refers directly to the familiar totem pole figure; the landscape is a lovely, understated expanse of watercolor; the stylized sky people, in gentle earth tones, are at once decorative, warmly benevolent, and sculpturally heroic. A splendid setting for an important myth. 1993, HBJ, $14.95. Starred Review. © 1993 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
(PUBLISHER: Harcourt (San Diego:), PUBLISHED: 2001 c1993.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These reviews go above and beyond at describing this book and even helped me to discover items I previously had not considered. I agree with both reviews in their favoritism of this portrayal of Native American mythology. I find that the book does indeed lead to new discoveries each time it is opened and would be a great cultural component for the classroom.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: As shown in the reviews above this book is rich in cultural ties & symbolism. What you cannot find directly in the text you can discover in the illustrations. This book has made many connections across platforms of mythology & religion in both the vivid illustrations and intriguing writing style.
Consideration of Instructional Application: As mentioned with my previous Gerald McDermott book, this would also be included into my "trickster tale" unit. With the deep ties in religious & Native American culture I would have the students identify beliefs/items within their own lives they hold as important. The have the students bring this important items into their "trickster tales".
January 14, 2022
I have basically two generations of children. My older three and my current small child. They’re all very different children yet all four of them enjoyed this book.
The illustrations were chunky enough for smaller children to not get overwhelmed with visually and as they grow older, the story is complex enough to capture their attention and continue making connections for them.
There are many themes to work with in this book; it is a part of the creation story which is the most important element of the book, storytelling, the soft but crisp simplicity of shapes and colours and comparing them to historic Haida designs and colours, there are many different ways to make connections between various story elements appropriate for all ages. It’s truly an all age book and you and your child will understand different things every single time you read it.
The illustrations were chunky enough for smaller children to not get overwhelmed with visually and as they grow older, the story is complex enough to capture their attention and continue making connections for them.
There are many themes to work with in this book; it is a part of the creation story which is the most important element of the book, storytelling, the soft but crisp simplicity of shapes and colours and comparing them to historic Haida designs and colours, there are many different ways to make connections between various story elements appropriate for all ages. It’s truly an all age book and you and your child will understand different things every single time you read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2019
Can I get a 6-star rating for this book??!!
Top-notch telling of the "raven steals the sun" myth from the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest. These drawings are a great tribute to the original carvings.
Top-notch telling of the "raven steals the sun" myth from the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest. These drawings are a great tribute to the original carvings.
June 15, 2022
Evocative Native American trickster tale held our 3s/4s students rapt. Has intriguing synergy with Prometheus, Christ story as well (not apparent to most children). Meaningful read for adults also. Highly recommend for all ages, intrigued that it was such a hit in our young preschool classroom. You could have heard a pin drop.
August 28, 2022
Cute children's story with pretty art
November 28, 2024
Always trying to get a Native American story in on thanksgiving!
September 10, 2018
This story about the trickster raven is very cleaver in the way that it explains how we have light now. The raven was nice enough to figure out a way to give light to the world instead of just for the chief
September 10, 2018
This book is an awesome way to talk to students about different cultures and traditions that are different from what they know. Raven uses his tricks and heroic tendencies to make everything light for the world.
December 3, 2017
Title: Raven A Trickster Tale From The Pacific Northwest
Author: Gerald McDermott
Genre: Myth
Themes: Trickery, generosity, light and dark, motherhood
Opening line: Raven came. All the world was in darkness.
Brief Summary: Raven came and there was no light in the world, all was dark. He noticed a light coming from a house where he saw a young girl drinking water. He turned into a pine needle and she drank him and soon gave birth to Raven in the form of a boy. Raven unlocked a box in the house that was the source of light. It was the sun and he turned back into a raven and carried the sun to the sky and gave everyone light.
Professional Review 1:
CLCD-Kirkus Reviews
http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
"Caldecott Medalist McDermott illustrates it with handsome mixed-media art. Raven, a bold pattern of red, blue, and green on black, refers directly to the familiar totem pole figure; the landscape is a lovely, understated expanse of watercolor; the stylized sky people, in gentle earth tones, are at once decorative, warmly benevolent, and sculpturally heroic."
Professional Review 2:
CLCD-Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature)
http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
"Stylized designs reflect the patterns and motifs of the Pacific Northwest Native Americans."
Response to Reviews: I have become a fan of Gerald McDermott. I have read two of his books for this set of reading logs and I love how accurate he displays cultures. Even between Anansi and Raven the difference in illustration is exceptional at how it is very different for each, but reflects African and Native American culture perfectly. Just by looking at the cover of Raven a reader can immediately tell that Native American culture is being represented. The use of water colors for the landscapes of the book and the earthy tones to represent the sky people is exceptional. I think this book is a great representation both of this myth and of the culture being represented.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: I feel that I am being a bit repetitive, but I truly do believe that the illustrations of McDermott are what make his books so exceptional. Not only the cultural appropriation but the connections in this story through illustration (one of Molly Bang's principles) is noteworthy. Raven is red, blue and green with a tribal style design. After giving birth to Raven as a boy his mother begins wearing a shaw that consists of the same style patterns of Raven but in much for earthy tones (blue, brown, tan). This both connects Raven to his mother but also keeps them separated. The box containing the sun is also illustrated in the same pattern and colors of Raven to show their importance connection.
Instructional Application: I think that I would actually use this book to teach my students about myths. I would read the story aloud and then open discussion about what students think a myth is. I would explain that it is a story typically from early people that explains some kind of natural or social phenomenon. I would then have students choose a phenomenon and as a writing project create their own myths based off what they learned from the story and also from our discussion. I would extend this lesson for a week and also share myths from other cultures as well.
Author: Gerald McDermott
Genre: Myth
Themes: Trickery, generosity, light and dark, motherhood
Opening line: Raven came. All the world was in darkness.
Brief Summary: Raven came and there was no light in the world, all was dark. He noticed a light coming from a house where he saw a young girl drinking water. He turned into a pine needle and she drank him and soon gave birth to Raven in the form of a boy. Raven unlocked a box in the house that was the source of light. It was the sun and he turned back into a raven and carried the sun to the sky and gave everyone light.
Professional Review 1:
CLCD-Kirkus Reviews
http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
"Caldecott Medalist McDermott illustrates it with handsome mixed-media art. Raven, a bold pattern of red, blue, and green on black, refers directly to the familiar totem pole figure; the landscape is a lovely, understated expanse of watercolor; the stylized sky people, in gentle earth tones, are at once decorative, warmly benevolent, and sculpturally heroic."
Professional Review 2:
CLCD-Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature)
http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
"Stylized designs reflect the patterns and motifs of the Pacific Northwest Native Americans."
Response to Reviews: I have become a fan of Gerald McDermott. I have read two of his books for this set of reading logs and I love how accurate he displays cultures. Even between Anansi and Raven the difference in illustration is exceptional at how it is very different for each, but reflects African and Native American culture perfectly. Just by looking at the cover of Raven a reader can immediately tell that Native American culture is being represented. The use of water colors for the landscapes of the book and the earthy tones to represent the sky people is exceptional. I think this book is a great representation both of this myth and of the culture being represented.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: I feel that I am being a bit repetitive, but I truly do believe that the illustrations of McDermott are what make his books so exceptional. Not only the cultural appropriation but the connections in this story through illustration (one of Molly Bang's principles) is noteworthy. Raven is red, blue and green with a tribal style design. After giving birth to Raven as a boy his mother begins wearing a shaw that consists of the same style patterns of Raven but in much for earthy tones (blue, brown, tan). This both connects Raven to his mother but also keeps them separated. The box containing the sun is also illustrated in the same pattern and colors of Raven to show their importance connection.
Instructional Application: I think that I would actually use this book to teach my students about myths. I would read the story aloud and then open discussion about what students think a myth is. I would explain that it is a story typically from early people that explains some kind of natural or social phenomenon. I would then have students choose a phenomenon and as a writing project create their own myths based off what they learned from the story and also from our discussion. I would extend this lesson for a week and also share myths from other cultures as well.
August 30, 2018
This book was pretty good. I thought the illustrations in this book fit the setting extremely well. I think students, especially from the Midwest area, would connect really well with the pictures because they are used to seeing that type of environment all around them on a daily basis. The theme of this book is all about deception. The raven transforms himself to deceive the maiden, and when he is reborn tricks the family into giving him the sun. I think a good discussion to teach with this book is whether or not deception is okay if it is for the greater good.
Read
October 12, 2015Title: Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest
Author: Gerald McDermott
Genre: Non-European Folktale
Theme(s): Building new civilization (coming into the light)
Opening line/sentence:
Raven came. All the world was in darkness. The sky above was in darkness. The waters below were in darkness. Men and women lived in the dark and cold.
Brief Book Summary:
The raven feels sorry for all of the people living in darkness. He goes to the sky chief and tricks everyone because he changes his shape. He then steals the sun and brings it back to the people living in dark.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Horn book- McDermott, Gerald Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest
32 pp. Harcourt (Harcourt Trade Publishers) ISBN 0-15-265661-8
(2) K-3 series. Shape-changing Raven steals the sun from the Sky Chief to light the dark world in this handsome retelling. Drawn in the style of totem art, Raven, as a cut-out figure of red, green, blue, and black, is a striking presence appearing against softly painted gouache landscapes of watery blues and greens. McDermott's economical story line is well shaped and laid out in short lines of text against the fully illustrated, luminous pages.
Folktales/Myths/and Legends; Tricksters; Native Americans; Ravens; Birds
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:CLCD- Debra Briatico (Children’s Literature) IN this Native American tale, the trickster Raven feels sorry for those who must live in darkness and decides to help them find light. He flies over mountains, valleys and lakes, and once he arrives at the land of the Sky Chief, the Raven changes his shape in order to outsmart everyone. After finding the sun in a beautiful box, he takes it in his beak and brings sunlight to the people. McDErmott’s dazzling full-color illustrations bring this enchanting Native American tale to life. 1993, Harcourt Brace, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich (San Diego), Published: c1993.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These reviews explain the story perfectly. They tell how the Raven wanted to give those in the dark light so he tricked the sky chief and gave them light. I also liked how the colors of the raven on the pages of the book give it a certain presence.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The colors in the book start out very dark where only the colors of the raven are shown brightly (red, blue, and green). Then the colors get lighter at the end going along with the story. Some of the sentences are very short and straight to the point. However there are a lot of words on some of the pages.
Consideration of Instructional Application: This would be good to show a folktale to your classroom. It shows how different and ‘out of this world’ they can be. It would also be a good time to go into some background out folktales and trickster tales, more specifically, so that they have some background knowledge before reading the story.
Author: Gerald McDermott
Genre: Non-European Folktale
Theme(s): Building new civilization (coming into the light)
Opening line/sentence:
Raven came. All the world was in darkness. The sky above was in darkness. The waters below were in darkness. Men and women lived in the dark and cold.
Brief Book Summary:
The raven feels sorry for all of the people living in darkness. He goes to the sky chief and tricks everyone because he changes his shape. He then steals the sun and brings it back to the people living in dark.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Horn book- McDermott, Gerald Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest
32 pp. Harcourt (Harcourt Trade Publishers) ISBN 0-15-265661-8
(2) K-3 series. Shape-changing Raven steals the sun from the Sky Chief to light the dark world in this handsome retelling. Drawn in the style of totem art, Raven, as a cut-out figure of red, green, blue, and black, is a striking presence appearing against softly painted gouache landscapes of watery blues and greens. McDermott's economical story line is well shaped and laid out in short lines of text against the fully illustrated, luminous pages.
Folktales/Myths/and Legends; Tricksters; Native Americans; Ravens; Birds
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:CLCD- Debra Briatico (Children’s Literature) IN this Native American tale, the trickster Raven feels sorry for those who must live in darkness and decides to help them find light. He flies over mountains, valleys and lakes, and once he arrives at the land of the Sky Chief, the Raven changes his shape in order to outsmart everyone. After finding the sun in a beautiful box, he takes it in his beak and brings sunlight to the people. McDErmott’s dazzling full-color illustrations bring this enchanting Native American tale to life. 1993, Harcourt Brace, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich (San Diego), Published: c1993.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These reviews explain the story perfectly. They tell how the Raven wanted to give those in the dark light so he tricked the sky chief and gave them light. I also liked how the colors of the raven on the pages of the book give it a certain presence.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The colors in the book start out very dark where only the colors of the raven are shown brightly (red, blue, and green). Then the colors get lighter at the end going along with the story. Some of the sentences are very short and straight to the point. However there are a lot of words on some of the pages.
Consideration of Instructional Application: This would be good to show a folktale to your classroom. It shows how different and ‘out of this world’ they can be. It would also be a good time to go into some background out folktales and trickster tales, more specifically, so that they have some background knowledge before reading the story.
October 31, 2016
In a spectacular tale of adventure, the book Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest by Gerald McDermott is a treat to the eyes and soul. This is absolutely one of my all time favorite children’s books. The story is imaginative and told in such a way that readers cannot help but read to the end and find out what happens. It follows the mysterious character named Raven who seeks light for the world. When he locates the location of the light, he does the most unimaginable thing possible to get close to it. What does he do, and what will he do when he finds the light? Surely the most noticeable thing about is is the sharp patterns and contrasting colors of the raven’s feathers. Seeing his patterns in comparison to the surroundings immediately designates him as the main character and the most important one at that. There are a few questions the story does not answer. We are never told why the Chief had hidden the sun, or how his daughter felt about her son turning into a Raven. It also makes the main character into a Robin Hood type of character. The final act he commits is one deemed wrong by society but is done for the greater good. This kind of situation is a good way to start a conversation with the kids. Should he have done what he did? Is he the good guy or bad guy?
Even though this book classifies as a multicultural book, most of this is developed solely in the pictures. The text is quite simplistic and does not use any words a child would be unfamiliar with besides “Chief” and “Elders”. It is evident that the specific culture was meant to be displayed in the details of the pictures, primarily the clothing the humans wore, settings, and chosen patterns. In fact, unless an adult chose to point out that the title included the words “From the Pacific Northwest”, children would not be aware of its intended culture otherwise. The artwork is particularly interesting, because the settings are drawn to look as if they might fade away into the sky. Perhaps the author used a sponge to create this style, but it is extremely effective because it contrasts with the sharp lines of the main bird character. In every scene he is drawn in, his clothing and feathers are the most brilliantly colored and the first things young readers will notice. There are no borders on any of the pages, because the author wants readers to feel like they are flying with Raven on his adventures. The font style matches the style of the drawings and is almost calming to see it interact with the pictures. It seems to be in bold print, similar to how the lines of the bird are drawn. Overall, the book’s pictures and words mesh perfectly together, and it is easy to see how this one the Caldecott Award.
Even though this book classifies as a multicultural book, most of this is developed solely in the pictures. The text is quite simplistic and does not use any words a child would be unfamiliar with besides “Chief” and “Elders”. It is evident that the specific culture was meant to be displayed in the details of the pictures, primarily the clothing the humans wore, settings, and chosen patterns. In fact, unless an adult chose to point out that the title included the words “From the Pacific Northwest”, children would not be aware of its intended culture otherwise. The artwork is particularly interesting, because the settings are drawn to look as if they might fade away into the sky. Perhaps the author used a sponge to create this style, but it is extremely effective because it contrasts with the sharp lines of the main bird character. In every scene he is drawn in, his clothing and feathers are the most brilliantly colored and the first things young readers will notice. There are no borders on any of the pages, because the author wants readers to feel like they are flying with Raven on his adventures. The font style matches the style of the drawings and is almost calming to see it interact with the pictures. It seems to be in bold print, similar to how the lines of the bird are drawn. Overall, the book’s pictures and words mesh perfectly together, and it is easy to see how this one the Caldecott Award.
Read
October 17, 2016Synopsis:
Raven, a trickster shape shifting bird, who is a central character to many Native American stories is also the central character of Gerald McDermott’s folk tale. The story is set in the dark pacific northwest. Raven notices that there is darkness everywhere except one place - the shoreline of a lake. There he sees light and has to know where it comes from. So he flies to it and shape shifts into a pine needle which is consumed by the Sky Chief’s daughter as she drinks water from the lake. After a time the Sky Chief’s daughter has a child and without giving away who the baby is and what happens next, I’ll just say that Raven wanted to bring light to the rest of the world. Pick up the book to find out if he finds the light and if he does, how he’ll bring it to the rest of the earth!
Teaching Moment:
McDermott writes in questions throughout the book to stir the reader’s thinking. This would be a great read aloud for the students to practice their prediction making or even inferencing. If they can cite evidence from the earlier text to come to a conclusion then they are inferring but if they are simply making a guess as to what will happen next, they are predicting. This could be used as a lesson to teach the difference between inferencing and predicting and then practicing both. For example, after the Sky Chief’s daughter has accidentally consumed Raven and then had a child, the author asks, “Who do you think the child was?” This allows the children to think. You can have them do turn and talks and then have a pair or two share their thoughts with the class. You could also use this book to teach on Native American culture. You choose!
Why it’s a WOW book:
I think this is a WOW book because it is a really interesting and unassuming folk tale. It’s different than your typical folk tale because it’s not actually one that is told by Native Americans but it is fiction that is based off of traditional folk tales. I think this makes it a WOW book because it has some twists within the book that I don’t want to give away but these twists make the book super fun for readers! The Native American artistic element also adds to it being a WOW book. Different types of traditional Native American clothes are depicted as well as head dresses and symbols. It’s just something that is different and engaging. Put it on your shelf, teachers and librarians!
Raven, a trickster shape shifting bird, who is a central character to many Native American stories is also the central character of Gerald McDermott’s folk tale. The story is set in the dark pacific northwest. Raven notices that there is darkness everywhere except one place - the shoreline of a lake. There he sees light and has to know where it comes from. So he flies to it and shape shifts into a pine needle which is consumed by the Sky Chief’s daughter as she drinks water from the lake. After a time the Sky Chief’s daughter has a child and without giving away who the baby is and what happens next, I’ll just say that Raven wanted to bring light to the rest of the world. Pick up the book to find out if he finds the light and if he does, how he’ll bring it to the rest of the earth!
Teaching Moment:
McDermott writes in questions throughout the book to stir the reader’s thinking. This would be a great read aloud for the students to practice their prediction making or even inferencing. If they can cite evidence from the earlier text to come to a conclusion then they are inferring but if they are simply making a guess as to what will happen next, they are predicting. This could be used as a lesson to teach the difference between inferencing and predicting and then practicing both. For example, after the Sky Chief’s daughter has accidentally consumed Raven and then had a child, the author asks, “Who do you think the child was?” This allows the children to think. You can have them do turn and talks and then have a pair or two share their thoughts with the class. You could also use this book to teach on Native American culture. You choose!
Why it’s a WOW book:
I think this is a WOW book because it is a really interesting and unassuming folk tale. It’s different than your typical folk tale because it’s not actually one that is told by Native Americans but it is fiction that is based off of traditional folk tales. I think this makes it a WOW book because it has some twists within the book that I don’t want to give away but these twists make the book super fun for readers! The Native American artistic element also adds to it being a WOW book. Different types of traditional Native American clothes are depicted as well as head dresses and symbols. It’s just something that is different and engaging. Put it on your shelf, teachers and librarians!
April 18, 2013
I never read this as a child, but I have enjoyed reading it many times as an adult. One of the challenges we face when reviewing books that have a multicultural theme is differentiating between the authentic tale and the many retellings or interpretations of that original tale. Although this book is Gerald McDermott's retelling of the myth about the raven who brought sunlight to people in the Pacific Northwest, it is still an excellent book to read to preschool-aged children or older. Not all children will understand the nuances of the story, all of the imagery and its meaning, or even the notion of this representing one of many different cultures in the world. But the vivid colors and shapes and the smooth transition of the raven's story from darkness to light can be very entertaining to children who are learning to listen to a story for the first time.
McDermott's imagery also provides inspiration for many crafts projects that can be used after telling the story. My favorite so far is providing each child with a page of contruction paper, a pre-cut silhouette of a raven, and several bowls filled with different colors of construction paper cut into different shapes. The children only have to glue the raven onto the background and choose mosaic-like pieces of paper onto the raven, and around the frame of the picture, to complete their craft. The result will be unique for every child, and it is an enjoyable exercise in learning to use fingers to work with shapes, glue, and a final product that can be framed by the parent. My inspiration comes from Renee Collins' suggestion at the following URL: http://myadventuresinpositivespace.bl.... Children who hear the story as told by Gerald McDermott and then are able to create a raven collage have a chance to experiment with not only the myth of another culture but also the style of art that is a part of that culture. These collages, in fact, are a great way to introduce children to animals and myths of other stories. Please share your ideas by commenting below.
McDermott's imagery also provides inspiration for many crafts projects that can be used after telling the story. My favorite so far is providing each child with a page of contruction paper, a pre-cut silhouette of a raven, and several bowls filled with different colors of construction paper cut into different shapes. The children only have to glue the raven onto the background and choose mosaic-like pieces of paper onto the raven, and around the frame of the picture, to complete their craft. The result will be unique for every child, and it is an enjoyable exercise in learning to use fingers to work with shapes, glue, and a final product that can be framed by the parent. My inspiration comes from Renee Collins' suggestion at the following URL: http://myadventuresinpositivespace.bl.... Children who hear the story as told by Gerald McDermott and then are able to create a raven collage have a chance to experiment with not only the myth of another culture but also the style of art that is a part of that culture. These collages, in fact, are a great way to introduce children to animals and myths of other stories. Please share your ideas by commenting below.
October 5, 2015
Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest by Gerald McDermott is a Native American folktale about how the sun came to be in the sky. The story is about a Raven that came to the world, covered in darkness. Raven wants to give people the gift of light. Raven searches across mountains and valleys until coming across light in the Sky Chief's house. Raven sees a girl come out of the house and drink some water, so Raven turns into a pine needle and is swallowed by the girl. Some time passes by and the girl gives birth to a baby boy, a baby boy who is mesmerized by light coming out of a box. The girl opens the box and gives the boy the light, and suddenly Raven transforms back into his natural form and take the light to put it up in the sky, giving light to all people.
Extraordinary animals are common in folktales, whether they are deceitful and honest or deceitful and tricky. Not only are animals popular choices for folktales but so is magic; including transformations, spells, magical objects, and more. Many Native American folktales about stories about how the world came to be and include some sort of transformation between animals and humans. In the case of Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest several magical transformations are key to the success of giving the world light; from raven, to pine needle, to a baby boy, and back to a raven again. It is an interesting theory on how the sun came to be in the sky.
Upon first seeing the title Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest I was expecting a story with a little more "trick" to it. In my personal taste, the story was a little lackluster compared to the beautiful artwork it paralleled. The artwork is what drew me in and kept me reading. I enjoyed the large images and bold use of color. The story was fine and made its point, but the artwork definitely out-shined it.
Extraordinary animals are common in folktales, whether they are deceitful and honest or deceitful and tricky. Not only are animals popular choices for folktales but so is magic; including transformations, spells, magical objects, and more. Many Native American folktales about stories about how the world came to be and include some sort of transformation between animals and humans. In the case of Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest several magical transformations are key to the success of giving the world light; from raven, to pine needle, to a baby boy, and back to a raven again. It is an interesting theory on how the sun came to be in the sky.
Upon first seeing the title Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest I was expecting a story with a little more "trick" to it. In my personal taste, the story was a little lackluster compared to the beautiful artwork it paralleled. The artwork is what drew me in and kept me reading. I enjoyed the large images and bold use of color. The story was fine and made its point, but the artwork definitely out-shined it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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