The Raven and the Loon
by Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley (Author) Kim Smith (Illustrator)
In the old days, it was easy to change shape. Animals lived like people. Their fur and feathers were like coats made of magic. But it was hard to change color, and everyone needs color in life. That's why Raven and Loon decided to make beautiful coats for one another. But their creations did not go as planned . .
In the time before animals were as they are today, Raven and Loon were both white. Their feathers had no color at all. Raven spent his days swooping through the sky trying to fight off his incessant boredom, while Loon spent her days in her igloo working away on her sewing. One day, too bored to even fly, Raven visited Loon and suggested a sewing game that would give their feathers some much-needed colour. The results - not at all what the two birds expected - led to Raven and Loon acquiring their now-familiar coats. This whimsical retelling of a pan-Arctic traditional story features lively, colorful illustrations from Kim Smith.
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School Library Journal
Bored Raven decides to visit Loon. As he babbles on and on, Loon continues with her sewing. While watching her work, Raven gets an idea. He suggests that they each create a coat for the other; it will make them unique, as they are both stark white. Raven goes first and paints intricate designs on Loon's feathers. However, he will not sit still long enough for her to do something as beautiful for him. They become angry and argue, and Raven turns black from the soot of the lamp Loon throws, and her feet become flat after getting hit with the same lamp. And even today, Raven has black feathers and Loon has flat feet. Beautiful, eye-catching illustrations are done in soft contrasting colors, and the text is uniquely centered on spare white pages. Children will relate to the actions and feelings of the cleverly depicted characters. A good choice for one-on-one sharing.
Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Kirkus
The interior illustrations are lively and animated, and if a bit more ordinary, they offer a clear visual story for listeners. Folklore invitingly told and presented for a young audience.
Review quotes
JUV030120 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Polar Regions
JUV012080 - Juvenile Fiction | Legends, Myths, Fables | Native American
JUV030090 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Canada - Native Canadian
Animals
Picture books
Folklore
Arctic regions
