The Inquisitive Raven

Share in a raven’s sense of wonder through this gorgeous picture book that brings Richard Wagamese’s wisdom to young audiences, with illustrations by the award-winning illustrator of Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior. Book 2 in The Richard Wagamese Storybook Collection!

“Rueben was an inquisitive raven. Of course, all ravens are inquisitive, but Rueben was a notch above even the most curious bird.” So begins a story by beloved author Richard Wagamese, about a raven that has the whole forest talking. Some think he is nosy, but really, he is in a state of utter amazement at the world. He suggests new designs for the beavers’ dams, imitates the blue herons’ one-legged stance as they spear minnows, and squawks in glee at the sight of the bears emerging from hibernation. When he sees an eagle soaring high in the sky, he tries to soar just as high to earn the other animals’ respect—only to learn that respect is not something one earns, but something one carries.
This original fable from the late Richard Wagamese—one of North America’s most beloved Indigenous writers—is a shining example of the power of storytelling. Beautifully illustrated with original work from Anishinaabe artist and Junior Library Guild Gold Standard winner Bridget George, The Inquisitive Raven is sure to be cherished by readers of all ages.

Richard Wagamese, an Ojibway from the Wabaseemoong First Nation, was one of Canada's foremost writers. His bestselling novels include Indian Horse, which earned an array of awards and was made into a feature film. He was also the author of highly praised memoirs and personal reflections, such as Embers and One Story, One Song, winner of the George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature. Wagamese's work was recognized with a National Aboriginal Achievement Award and the Writers' Trust of Canada's Matt Cohen Award. He died in 2017 in Kamloops, BC.