Science Comics: Crows, by Kyla Vanderklugt. First Second, Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2020. $26.99 ages 10 and up

"Crows are able to do such amazing things because they learn from personal encounters and by watching other crows. They use their sophisticated brains to remember what they've experienced and to think before they act. Sound familiar? Yes, as social beings, crows use their brains in much the same way as we do. The mental ability of crows is important because it allows them to solve real problems, such as where to hide surplus food and how to coordinate the movements of their family when a predator lurks nearby."

After yesterday's post about a book that was perfect fare for young readers learning about crows and what makes them special, today's post is for an older audience. It is a new release in the Science Comics series. The series itself is quite remarkable for the diversity in subject matter, and in its presentation of subjects that intrigue and enlighten middle grade readers. Other books in the series include: Coral Reefs, Dinosaurs, The Brain, Bats, Plagues, Dogs, Sharks, Cats, Robots and Drones, Trees, and more. If you haven't seen them, they are worthy of your attention and are sure to be popular in any library. 

That leads us to this book about crows. I have read other books about them, watched informative videos, and thought I knew a lot.Turns out that I still had much to learn. I knew they could make their own tools. I even knew a bit about their trickery, their ability to mimic sounds, and their raucous voices. I do not remember reading that they never forget a human face. (It makes me think carefully on how I speak to the ones near my home when they are disturbing the backyard peace.)  

Scientists are continually doing their research, and learning the many secrets of the crow's brain and how smart they truly are. Reading this book made me even more astonished and fascinated by crows and other members of their bird family (magpies, jays, and ravens). Ms. Vanderklugt's crow has personality and appeal from the opening page. Talking with companion birds, the crow is about to set up a dog for a friendly search for food beyond his own backyard. Gullible and eager, the dog is quick to accept the invitation and they are off! 

The two characters are filled with personality and expression. Buddy is keen to be on an adventure with a crow who can open the gate to let him out, find food that fills him up, and learn all that the crow has to teach. So much is explained as the two make their way around town. Readers will be fascinated by the intelligence displayed so naturally in a very conversational tone. Buddy is previoussly unaware of the crow's abilities, but accepts the learning with a great attitude toward his new friend. 

Readers will be amazed at all there is to learn about these remarkable birds! Uisng a graphic novel form to present her extensive research is clever and absolutely right on for a middle grade audience, and for anyone else who picks this book up to see what it says. Back matter includes an extensive glossary with terms in bold print, a page of notes for points made within the text, a section entitled Living With Crows 101, and a long list of books, articles and web sources that interested readers will look to for further learning.