Amanda Hall (1)

I recommend The Stolen Sun by Amanda Hall. It’s a beautiful story based on Native Alaskan folklore about Raven and his son, who help bring light back to the world. The book has stunning illustrations and a powerful message about respecting nature.

Gunhild and Margit like to argue with each other. One day they argued over whose husband was more foolish. To end the argument, they decided to have a competition to see which husband really was the more foolish and plotted to show the other woman up. They carried out their respective plans to the point of one's husband being out in public with no clothes and the other thinking himself dead. Finally they realize that the joke is on them.

This story is based on a Norwegian folk tale. The plot show more is simple and direct, although does not make much sense to me--why would anyone bet someone else that their husband is more foolish than someone else's? Why would anyone want to win that one?? I'm unclear what the theme is, except maybe that when you compete to see who the biggest loser is, all competitors win. The color illustrations help tell the story but they don't extend it. Ages 7 - 9. show less

The Stolen Sun is a traditional story about Raven creating animals and people and giving them the sun.
When the people become disconnected and no longer show respect to each other, Raven takes the sun back. Raven’s son, Little Darkness discovers the sun and Raven must save him from a fall and returns the sun. The story is serious and informational, but the illustrations are bright, soft, and help support the story. This story isn’t one that I’d reach for as a first choice, but deserves show more a space in primary libraries.

Alaska Connection: Raven, Setting, Animals
Activity: discuss respect, explore traditional Alaskan Native values, discuss consequences show less

A very well written and illustrated Native Alaskan story of Raven who in his anger at the people hid the sun and caused ice and snow to cover the land. The illustrations are wonderful and the story is well written.