Saturday, January 06, 2007
Book Review - A Man Called Raven - Picture Book
Animal abuse is often easier than child abuse and similarly it is found in all cultures. Respect for all things, animals, people, land, water, rocks, sky, etc, is characteristic of aboriginals throughout North and South America. These so-called “primitive” people understood the connections of all elements in the circle of life. Reverence and consideration for things that are not human is a key characteristic of Indian literature.
Richard Van Camp opens his picture book A Man Called Raven with George Littlechild’s childlike illustrations of two young boys, Chris and Toby, who are engaged it the torment of a raven. The bird is cornered and barely escapes unscathed. When Toby and Chris turn to continue their pursuit an intimidating man with long black hair is standing before them. The man asks to meet the boys’ parents. The boys comply with reluctance, but do comply.
After talking with the youngsters’ mother, the boys are instructed by their mother to listen to the man’s story. The visitor tells the boys a story of a miserable man who thought everyone disliked him. The miserable man was transformed into a raven when he fell out of a tree. His first inclination was to return to his community and torment those who caused him so much pain. However, to his surprise, he found everyone mourning at his funeral. After that, he realized he had misjudged his neighbors and kept a vigil over them, insuring good hunts, and safe passage.The boys are convinced through the tale that the need to respect ravens is vital to the well-being of not only the raven, but those he guards. The visitor departs in a flutter of black feathers. So very cool!
Richard Van Camp opens his picture book A Man Called Raven with George Littlechild’s childlike illustrations of two young boys, Chris and Toby, who are engaged it the torment of a raven. The bird is cornered and barely escapes unscathed. When Toby and Chris turn to continue their pursuit an intimidating man with long black hair is standing before them. The man asks to meet the boys’ parents. The boys comply with reluctance, but do comply.
After talking with the youngsters’ mother, the boys are instructed by their mother to listen to the man’s story. The visitor tells the boys a story of a miserable man who thought everyone disliked him. The miserable man was transformed into a raven when he fell out of a tree. His first inclination was to return to his community and torment those who caused him so much pain. However, to his surprise, he found everyone mourning at his funeral. After that, he realized he had misjudged his neighbors and kept a vigil over them, insuring good hunts, and safe passage.The boys are convinced through the tale that the need to respect ravens is vital to the well-being of not only the raven, but those he guards. The visitor departs in a flutter of black feathers. So very cool!
# posted by Bite Me Kissimmee @ 2:12 PM 
