The White Raven

PreS-Gr 1–In her new book exploring individuality and isolation, Otoshi returns to familiar territory. Her previous works promoted empathy and inclusion through narratives featuring anthropomorphic colors and numbers. This one expounds on similar themes using the extended metaphor of a bird ostracized because of its color. The back matter states that the book is intended to inspire critical thinking and open discussions. The topics and their visual treatment are well-suited to do just that, but the text is a little more heavy-handed. “If it’s chased by other ravens/ is that FAIR?” is rather a leading prompt. Likewise, the images accompanying some lines—“Will this raven stretch its wings and fly?” and “Will it make a HOME/ or live alone?” definitively answer these queries, leaving little room for interpretation. Later, Otoshi lays out the central idea of the book: “Can fears be overcome/ through understanding and LOVE?” Strongly implied answers hover around the disingenuous question marks. The illustrations are a potent mix of ethereal beauty and narrative strength. The opening spreads, with icy blue figures against a stark white background, frame the title raven in negative space, emphasizing its difference from the rest of its family. After it is cast out by the flock, details of the bird’s body and face emerge, clearly communicating its grief and loneliness. But hope comes with the arrival of a kind and sympathetic girl, and here the book truly shines and brings its message most effectively to life.