THE WHITE RAVEN

Musings on the fate of a white raven.

In simple scenarios, Otoshi invites youngsters to consider what might happen to a raven born white as a result of leucism. “Will its mother PROTECT it…or REJECT it? Will its brothers ACCEPT it…or PECK it?” And if it’s “chased by other ravens” or cast out, “is that FAIR?” A chilly white and dark blue palette poignantly depicts lonely scenes such as the raven standing at a pond by itself, head bowed. But what if a child finds the raven? “Will she HELP it… or TEASE it?” And “can a heart that’s been hurt… MEND?” Fortunately, the answer is a resounding yes. In stunning spreads infused with warm, opalescent hues, the bird befriends a light-skinned girl and soars to eventually make a family. Otoshi superimposes blooming flowers and memories of the girl onto the raven’s body, gently underscoring the impact of the child’s kindness. A hopeful ending asks, “If this raven flies from darkness and into the light…what could happen?” Budding ornithologists will appreciate the author’s note, which explains leucism and points out that though a group of ravens is called an unkindness, some white ravens thrive instead of being ostracized for being different. All readers will readily grasp the human parallels to bullying and healing: What possibilities may bloom when differences are met with kindness?

Luminous, uplifting, and thought provoking.