A Man Called Raven

Van Camp, R. (1997). A man called raven. San Francisco, CA: Children’s Book Press.

Author:
Richard Van Champ

Illustrator:
George Littlechild

Summary:
Toby and Chris were caught beating a raven with their hockey sticks by a mysterious old man. When he tells their parents what they make the boys listen to what the man has to say. He tells them the story of a man who was violent and mean to a raven who turned into a raven. The boy are enthralled as the story progresses and learn a valuable lesson about respect.

Response and Reaction:
Intermingling traditional storytelling with a modern tale, this cautionary story warns the reader to respect all life. Littlechild’s illustrations are colorful, vibrant and a little abstract. The cautionary story is a bit heavy handed at times and the boys learning the error of their ways seems awkward and forced.

Format:
Picture Book

Age Range:
4-8 years old

Themes:
Respect, animals, violence, First Nation People, folklore