The Orphan Boy by Tololwa M. Mollel

Mollel, T. M. (1990). The orphan boy. New York: Clarion Books.

Summary:

The Orphan Boy tells the story of how the planet Venus came to be known as Kileken in Maasai culture. An elderly man, alone and childless is lonely tending his farm by himself. One night, a boy comes to the man and asks the man if he would take him in. When the man agrees, the boy takes on all the farm tasks, even those that seem impossible. Just who is this boy and how is he able to complete these tasks?

Advisory Information:

Themes:

a. Trust: The boy trusts the old man, and for a certain amount of time, the old man trusts the boy.

b. Unusual Strength: The boy is capable of running the farm for the old man.

c. Cultural “creation” story: This story is very similar to the Just So Stories or other cultural tales which explain to children how things came to be. In this case “creation” is not meant religiously, but rather in how Venus was named.

d. Maasi Culture: Through the illustrations, people witness typical clothing and daily chores.

e. Conscious: I especially liked the old man’s shadow, emphasizing a sort of devil on your shoulder. The shadow is never fully explained, but it is an interesting take as to how the man was persuaded to act upon his curiosity.

Age Recommendation

I would consider this story to be appropriate for young children who are just starting to read for themselves, roughly aged 7-10.

Other Information:

The book was illustrated by Paul Morin.

The Orphan Boy received the Governor General Award

Reaction:

I thought that the book read like an oral tradition, with the illustrations reinforcing the text. As a reader it was interesting to see how the author did not fully explain some of the aspects of the story, they were just kind of left up to the reader’s own interpretation of how things were possible. However, I think that is why this book works, since it does feel like a story to read aloud, perhaps readers are more inclined to allow for this suspension of belief.

A Man Called Raven by Richard Van Camp

Van Camp, R. (1997). A man called raven. San Francisco, California: Children’s Book Press.

Summary:

A huge man catches two brothers trying to hurt a raven. When the boys tell the man that it’s no big deal, the man forces them to take him to their parents. At their house, the man tells the boys why it is important not to hurt ravens. Relating the story of a mean old man who redeems himself when he is turned into a raven, the boys understand the need to protect and respect life. However, the huge man is not all that he seems.


Advisory Information:

Themes:

a. Respect all forms of life: The huge man teaches the boys why it is important to not hurt animals.

b. Redemption: The old man redeems himself from his human life through his actions as a raven.

c. Importance of understanding culture: The huge man makes a comment that the boys “have never gone out on the land,” implying that had they experienced nature, perhaps they would have understood.

Age Recommendations:

Although the bright colored pictures could be acceptable to younger readers, I think that this picture book’s themes and word choice is better fit for children in elementary school, in 2nd through 4th grade (8-10 years old).

Other Information:

George Littlechild completed the illustrations for this book.

Reaction:

I thought that message in this story was illustrated in an interesting way. I think that in some ways this differentiates this book from traditional American ways of teaching morality. If this book was written by an American, I think the moral would focus on how the Raven was a defenseless creature. Instead this book forces the boys, and thus the reader, to see how the raven actually benefits mankind; that it does serve a purpose in the bigger picture.

Coyote's New Suit by Thomas King

King, T. (2004). Coyote’s new suit. Toronto, Ontario: Key Porter Books.

Summary:

Coyote is proud of his new suit, however, when crow tells him that it’s just okay, Coyote decides to start taking other animals’ suits. When the animals cannot find their furs, crow tells the animals to take the human’s clothes. One day, Coyote notices that he does not have any more room in his closet for suits. Crow tells him to have a yard sale, but crow has also invited the humans and the other animals.

Advisory Information:

-Themes

a. Be content with what you have: Coyote is constantly looking for new things he wants, rather than being content with what he has. The humans seem to have the same problem when they will not return the animal skins for their own clothes.

b. Trickster tales: In this story, the crow sort of takes the role of the trickster. She is able to convince other people to do things for her pleasure.

c. Conceit: Coyote is very narcissist, in his coat. His pride overrides his ability to think about how the other animals and humans might feel for having their clothes and fur taken away from them.
Age Recommendation:

I think that this picture book would be great for young readers, namely kids aged 3 to 7. Young children will enjoy listening to the words and looking at the pictures. Older children will enjoy reading the text for themselves and understanding the morals of the story.

Other Information:

This book was illustrated by Johnny Wales.

Reaction:

This story is reminiscent of Aesop’s Fables told in a modern day context. I think that the illustrations were very interesting adding to the overall feel of the story. I was surprised at how the other animals reacted to coyote. No problems seem to occur despite his actions, especially since he might start stealing coats again.