raven a trickster tale from the pacific northwest

When young Taro schemes to take his sloth to the next level and gain a fortune without lifting a finger, his wise mother turns the tables on his plot with an advantageous scheme of her own. And, mama always knows best. Those are the overriding themes of this lovely and alluring folk tale about an apathetic young boy and his weary mother. Title chosen for its Asian influence, its themes and award-winning literary style, as well as its humorous subject matter and the main character’s final comeuppance. Ībove images retrieved from Google searches here and here. For more information about Gerald McDermott, go to.

Children ages 5 to 8 should enjoy the plot, pace, visuals, characterizations and repetitive sentence structure of this mischievous mythological folktale, all while understanding the story s central theme about the birth of sun.Ī Newbery Honor Book suitable for any bookshelf, Raven adds to McDermott’s long and rich tradition of grand folktale storytelling and insightful, impactful illustration, including, Anansi the Spider: a tale from the Ashanti The Fox and the Stork Papagayo: the mischief maker (a Brazilian folktale) and Coyote: a trickster tale from the American Southwest. Using strong, traditional Native American artistry, McDermott’s short, rhythmic writing style and juxtaposed watercolor illustrations lead readers from darkness into light literally and figuratively. When Raven, ever the trickster, goes off in search of light to give to men and women living in darkness, how will he succeed in the realm of the Sky Chief? Can nature’s greatest shape shifter pull off the ultimate heist and bring the light of the world to the people of the world?

Gerald McDermott’s elegant adaptation of a simple Native American folktale abounds with lyrical prose, striking illustrations and tricks aplenty. Title chosen for its award-winning totality, its Native American themes and color patterns, as well as its folkloric subject matterįollow the Raven and you shall see how the sun’s bright light was given to both you and me. Harcourt Brace & Company: New York, 1993.

Written and illustrated by Gerald McDermott. Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest

Raven a trickster tale from the pacific northwest