Description
The Raven and the Loon is a picture book retelling of a traditional Inuit legend explaining why Raven has black feathers and why Loon has flat feet. Storytellers Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley have created a charming children's book for primary students. In the beginning both the Loon and Raven had white feathers. They both felt their white feathers and snow-covered landscape made for a boring life. Mischievous Raven decided to visit Loon on day in her iglu. Loon was patiently sewing when Raven arrived, chattering non-stop. Then Raven had an idea. He proposed to paint Loon's feathers with a wonderful design and in turn Loon would create new designs on his boring white feathers. So Raven began his decoration and Loon was pleased with the result. When Loon began her delicate pattern Raven would not sit still and wrecked the lovely pattern. Loon lost her patience because she took great pride in her design. She threw the lamp filled with black soot all over Raven and then Raven threw the lamp at Loon's feet. The results were Raven's all black-coloured feathers and Loon now had flat feet. The simple three colour drawings by Kim Smith combine with the simple sentences of the text to create a memorable primary picture book. Students quickly grasp the messages behind this traditional story - have patience, take pride in a job well done, and control your emotions. Highly recommended. Audience: Ages 3-5.