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 Indigenous 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. Ultimately, Rueben learns (the hard way) that respect is not something one earns, but something one carries. With the help of his grandfather's wisdom, Rueben discovers that wonder and curiosity, being part of a community, taking the time to investigate the things around you, celebrating knowledge and sharing it, are all worthy of respect.

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.

Author: Richard Wagamese
Publisher: Douglas & McIntyre
Published: 09/30/2025
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 9.29h x 10.39w x 0.39d
ISBN: 9781771624497
Audience: Ages 4-8

About the Author
Wagamese, Richard: -

Richard Wagamese, an Ojibwe from the Wabaseemoong First Nation, was one of North America's foremost Indigenous writers. The first book in the Richard Wagamese Storybook Collection, The Animal People Choose a Leader (D&M Kids), was his first children's book. 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 works such as Embers and One Story, One Song, winner of the George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature. Wagamese was recognized with a National Aboriginal Achievement Award and the Writers' Trust of Canada's Matt Cohen Award. He died in 2017 in Kamloops, British Columbia.

George, Bridget: -

Bridget George is an Anishinaabe author-illustrator and graphic designer. She was the illustrator of the first book in the Richard Wagamese Storybook Collection, The Animal People Choose a Leader. She is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard winner and Jane Addams Book Award finalist for Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior (Roaring Brook Press) by New York Times bestselling author Carole Lindstrom. George is the author-illustrator of It's a Mitig! (D&M Kids), an acclaimed introduction to the Ojibwe language for young readers. She was raised on the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and now lives in London, Ontario.