The second in the Land of In-Between series is based on a myth from indigenous people about a raven who stole back the sun, moon, and stars.
Friends Twig, Ladybug, Raven, and Amia gather to hear Twig’s story about Raven’s grandfather, whose grandmother once told him she had wanted to “return light to the world,” but had failed. She noted that she had seen someone steal three invaluable golden balls (the balls’ connection to the missing light isn’t initially explained). Her grandson volunteers to look for them.
On his mission, he happens upon a welcoming group of Native Americans. Later, he finds the three glowing balls in the chief’s teepee. The magical Raven cleverly fools the chief into thinking he’s his grandson. Wanting to please the boy, the chief allows him to play with the balls, and one by one, the grandson releases them to the world where they become the sun, moon, and stars.
This is a potentially lovely tale introducing children to another culture and storytelling tradition. Unfortunately, the narrative’s execution is puzzling. The brief introduction about magic happening “in-between” friends, places and spaces is awkwardly worded and would be more easily understood if only “between” were used instead. Additionally, terms like “heart space” are simply dropped into the story without explanation.
Inconsistencies confound. For example, when Raven volunteers to seek the balls, his grandmother tells him to “Look for hidden gold like bright sunflowers, sweet honey and warm memories of happy days.” She hasn’t mentioned that the balls might have changed shape, so why the directive? Similarly, when Raven sees the glowing balls, he doesn’t recall their importance, clearly stated previously—only that his grandmother “saw a thief steal something golden.”
A second part of the book feels like an afterthought and is equally confusing as characters discuss each other’s personal gifts.
Webb’s illustrations dazzle with color and light, but the tale requires revision for greater clarity to attract an eager audience.