Raven and River
Nancy White Carlstrom
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As the Raven calls the sleeping Arctic animals to wake for spring, one by one they appear, but the River remains still, until it finally begins to move, stretching and cracking and coming to life once more.

SLJ Reviews 1997 April (SL7D)

The beauty and majesty of nature is brought to life in this dramatic, richly descriptive picture book. Bold, realistic views of wildlife blend wonderfully with a lyrical, poetic text. The story follows a raven as it travels along an Alaskan river announcing the arrival of spring across the still-frozen landscape. As the bird flies along, it passes over other woodland creatures, including a squirrel, a bear, and a beaver.

Each animal adds its voice to the raven's, asking that the ice covering the river melt and allow for the season's change to begin. The naturalistic acrylic paintings are the perfect complement to the spare, onomatopoetic narrative. One painting shows a close-up of a snowshoe hare bounding forward, directly toward readers. It is a compelling reminder that these are wild animals, not the fluffy, friendly creatures that often inhabit children's picture books. A fine choice for story hours devoted to nature or the seasons. Copyright 1998 School Library Journal Reviews