Raven Brings the Light

by Roy Henry Vickers, Robert Budd

In a time when darkness covered the land, a boy named Weget is born who is destined to bring the light. With the gift of a raven's skin that allows him to fly as well as transform, Weget turns into a bird and journeys from Haida Gwaii into the sky. There he finds the Chief of the Heavens who keeps the light in a box. By transforming himself into a pine needle, clever Weget tricks the Chief and escapes with the daylight back down to Earth.

Vividly portrayed through the art of Roy Henry Vickers, Weget's story has been passed down for generations. The tale has been traced back at least 3,000 years by archeologists who have found images of Weget's journey in petroglyphs on the Nass and Skeena rivers. This version of the story originates from one told to the author by Chester Bolton, Chief of the Ravens, from the village of Kitkatla around 1975.

Genres: Picture Books, Indigenous, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Canada, Folk Tales

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 6, 2013

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the story, I thought it sounded familiar, then realized that it is the same folktale as Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest by Gerald McDermott; although, of course, told in his own words by Vickers. At the end of the book, Vickers writes that he learned the story from "Chester Bolton, Chief of the Ravens, from the village of Kitkatla around 1975." Vickers' story, although in picture book format, is much longer than McDermott's retelling; Vickers' is more suitable for elementary grade children. Vickers' illustrations are stylized renderings, much like the artwork of the Native people of the Pacific northwest.

[Tracee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet First Nation’s story illustrated with beautiful art by Roy Henry Vickers.

[Four · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favourite book as a kid

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An aborigonal legend of Weget, who taking the form of a tricky raven travels to bring the sun back for the people, creating the coastal islands, placing salmon eggs in the rivers and seeding the mainland on his journey. While the beautiful art work, clean pages, longer text and detail suggest an older audience the writing is at times juvenile making this a difficult book to select a target age for.
“Then she took a sip, slrrrp.”
“he would see a little light…waaaaay up there.”
The dialogue is awkward and irritating, mixing a more formal approach with statements like “beat it”. Although this writing style might work well for small children the overall impression of the book is that it is designed for adults. Avid readers will not appreciate the literary style of this book, although the intent behind it is wonderful.

[Blakelee Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Traditional Published: 2013

This story depicts a Native American tale of how light came to be on earth. It explains why there are islands, and abundance of fish, and berries and trees along the west coast. The illustrations are particular striking with layers and textures mixed with traditional Native American art. This book would be good for teaching about Native American traditions and legends.

[Marmot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great illustrations! This is an interesting version of a similar story in many cultures - how the sun came to give light to the earth. As usual, some random details involved, but get this one out just to ogle the illustrations- I love the two finish effects (shiny parts).

[Dan Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super awesome West coast Indigenous creation story. We keep returning to this book every so often and it seems to never get old. Also maybe the most beautifully illustrated book I’ve ever seen, with many subtle layers of imagery.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful thought provoking story with Vicker's art....how could it be anything but beautifully wondrous?