Well, the illustrations are crazy-gorgeous, and folks tales/cultural myths are my favourite, so yeah. Also I've just gone to the library shelves and grabbed all the books we have by this publisher (Inhabit Media) so stay tuned for a couple more Inuit stories! ( )

How the Loon Got Her Markings (and Flat Feet) and Why Raven Is Black

Raven and Loon were both plain white, "stuck without color" until they agree to make pretty coats for each other. Raven made a beautiful coat for Loon, but when it was his turn, he couldn't sit still, and got covered in black soot.

Although the trim size is smallish, the birds' markings and expressions stand out in black and white against a predominantly blue background of ice and sky.

The author is Inuit; illustrator is "from a mixed background." ( )

This would be a wonderful story to share with elementary-aged students learning about Alaska's legends and traditional beliefs, especially when it comes to understanding totems and other traditional artifacts. This would also be a great story to discuss real vs. legend/folktale, details, story elements, and more. ( )

Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley tell a story about a white raven and a white loon. Raven hated being bored and could be described as talkative and energetic. One day when Raven was bored to tears, he decided to pay Loon a visit. He talked and talked and when he nothing left to say he challenged the loon to a competition. They were to create a coat for one another. Raven created a beautiful patterned coat for Loon out of soot. When Loon tried to do the same, she became frustrated with Raven because he could not stay still. Loon completely covers Ravens body in the black soot. This is supposedly how the ravens and loons we see today received their color. This book definitely was not one of my favorites. It was short and I became bored with the story. ( )

Summary: Set in the Arctic with the Inuits, Raven in bored with this white feathers and convinces Loon that they should paint each other to look and feel more exciting.

Reflection: The illustrations are bright and large. Expressions of the animals are fun and add to the story. Both very young and older children will enjoy this Inuit tale of how the Raven and the Loon got their colors. ( )