Raven: A Trickster Tale From The Pacific Northwest facts for kids
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| Author | Gerald McDermott |
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| Illustrator | Gerald McDermott |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Picture Book |
| Publisher | Voyager Books |
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Publication date
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1993 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 29 pp |
| ISBN | 978-0-15-265661-4 |
Raven: A Trickster Tale From The Pacific Northwest is a children's picture book from 1993. It was written and illustrated by Gerald McDermott. The book uses a special art style inspired by totem poles and Native American art. It tells the story of a clever Raven who can change his shape. He uses his special powers to bring light to a dark world. This book was recognized as a Caldecott Medal Honor Book in 1994 and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book in 1993.
The Story of Raven
Imagine a world where everything was dark and cold. That's how the story begins! Men and women lived without any light. The Raven, a very smart and caring bird, felt sad for them. He decided he would find the light and bring it back.
The Raven flew far and wide, over tall mountains, winding rivers, and deep valleys. Finally, he saw a bright light in the distance. It was coming from the house of the Sky Chief, shining like a star!
To get inside, the Raven used his shape-changing ability. He turned himself into a tiny pine needle. He then floated into a cup of water that the Sky Chief's beautiful daughter was drinking. She drank the water and, without knowing it, swallowed the Raven!
Time passed, and the daughter soon gave birth to a baby boy. This baby looked a lot like the Raven! The Raven, still in his baby disguise, was very clever. He played with the Sky Chief, who thought of him as his grandchild and even carved toys for him. While playing, the Raven found the Sun, which the Sky Chief kept hidden.
The Raven quickly grabbed the Sun and flew out of the house. He returned to the dark world and threw the Sun into the sky. It stayed there, filling the whole area with bright, warm light! Some stories say that people still feed ravens today to thank them for bringing light to the world.
Main Characters
Here are the main characters you'll meet in the story:
- Raven: This is the main character. He is a very smart bird who can change his shape. He goes on a big adventure to find light for the people living in darkness. He uses his cleverness to trick the Sky Chief and bring the Sun to the world.
- Sky Chief's Daughter: She is a kind and beautiful young woman. The Raven tricks her into drinking him when he is disguised as a pine needle. She then gives birth to the Raven in his human baby form.
- Sky Chief: He is an old man who rules over the light. He is tricked by the Raven, who he believes is his grandchild. The Sky Chief enjoys playing with the Raven (in his child form) and even makes toys for him.
Awards Won
Raven: A Trickster Tale From The Pacific Northwest has won several important awards:
- Caldecott Honor
- ALA Notable Children's Book
- Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor
