How Raven Stole the Sun

by Maria Williams

Book Overview

A long time ago, Raven was pure white, like fresh snow in winter. This was so long ago that the only light came from campfires, because a greedy chief kept the stars, moon, and sun locked up in elaborately carved boxes. Determined to free them, the shape-shifting Raven resourcefully transformed himself into the chief's baby grandson and cleverly tricked him into opening the boxes and releasing the starlight and moonlight. Though tired of being...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0789201631
• ISBN13: 9780789201638
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Abbeville Kids
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.5" x 9.5"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

This tale will steal children's hearts as well

This is a retelling of a Tlingit tale about how Raven used to be white and there was only darkness in the world. The chief of a tribe has the Sun, Moon, and Stars in boxes because he wants them for himself. Raven tricks the chief into releasing them, then turns black while escaping. I've been reading this to my 4 year old for 5 months now, and he loves it. The illustrations are great, and the writing is very nice. It is also an appropriate length for someone his age or a little older. While the book is directed to a child, I like it too. I enjoy reading it to him.

Felix Vigil's artwork is perfectly suited

How Raven Stole The Sun is the latest addition to the Abbeville "Tales of the People" series of books for young readers, published in partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Felix Vigil's artwork is perfectly suited to Maria Williams retelling of a Tlingit tale she first heard from her father. Its the story of how the Raven transformed himself to bring light to what had been an earth shrouded in darkness. How Raven Stole The Sun is further enriched for young readers with a glossary of Tlingit Words, a brief description of the Tlingit People; and photographs of artifacts drawn from the Smithsonian collection, as well as period photos of the Tlingit people. Other highly recommended titles in this outstanding series include The Butterfly Dance (0789201615, ...); Brave Wolf And The Thunderbird (0789201607, ...); and Coyote In Love With A Star (0789201623, ...).