This Inuit story features a theme of survival for an old woman who lives on her own and the doll she created that became a boy called Raven Boy. Raven Boy helped the old woman survive the harsh Arctic environment before heading out to live on his own. For a while, Raven Boy was patient in getting what he wanted and needed; however, patience soon turned to greed. Raven Boy was cautioned on the consequences of his selfish actions by a wise white owl. Despite the warnings, he chose to ignore them and continued to act greedily. His disregard for the owl's advice led to his downfall, as he found himself unable to complete his journey home. Instead, he was transformed into a rock island with a white streak, symbolizing his disregard for the white owl. This tale serves as a reminder for readers to consider the consequences of selfish behaviour and to show empathy, humility, and compassion to others.

Other End Matter: Teacher’s resource
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Author Rosemarie Avrana Meyok (Inuit), Illustrator Marcus Cutler
Bibliography: Yes
Index: No

Evaluator: Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Rosemarie Avrana Meyok was born in a small Hudson Bay post on Reid Island, Northwest Territories, and now lives in Kugluktuk, Nunavut. She studied as a teacher in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, and worked as an Inuinnaqtun teacher and program specialist, developing Inuktut teaching resources for the Nunavut Department of Education. She went on to study linguistics at the University of Western Ontario and the University of New Mexico. She has worked as a language researcher and translator. Rosemarie has four children (two of whom were adopted to her sister through custom adoption), twenty grandchildren, and more than ten great-grandchildren. Rosemarie loves to sew, bead, and design traditional and contemporary clothing. She spends as much time as she can out on the land with her large family.

Rosemarie Avrana Meyok's profile page

Marcus Cutler is a freelance children's illustrator from Ontario, Canada. His work has appeared in magazines, books, apps and more and he has worked with a variety of clients including chickaDEE Magazine, OWL Magazine, Macmillan Publishers and Parks Canada. He is the illustrator of the Lark Ba Detective series, The Owl and the Two Rabbits and The Walrus and the Caribou. He lives in Tecumseh, Ontario.

Marcus Cutler's profile page

This tale serves as a reminder for readers to consider the consequences of selfish behaviour and to show empathy, humility, and compassion to others.

Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools