"Instead of the straggly, sprawling bodies we saw
the last time we looked into the nest, there are
now four beefy black birds, almost as hefty as
pigeons, squished in wing to tail and beak to
breast. These guys have been fed to the brim!
Day after day, the father crow and the helpers
have been on the run, shuttling from the nest
to the field and back again, delivering menu items
that match the age and stage of the nestlings."
I spent days learning what Candace Savage has to teach me about these extremely smart, gregarious, and seemingly everywhere birds called crows. I thought I knew a lot; I was so wrong. We have had crows in our neighborhood for as long as I can remember. They are quick to wake in the morning, happy to make their presence known, and content to raise a new nest of babies each summer. I even recognize some of their common calls. In the grand scheme of things, I knew very little.
Having pored over this book's content, and reread much of it, I now know so much more. Ms. Savage's research is precise and aided by experts, and enhanced by her observations about crows and their behaviors. Her storytelling keeps readers fully engaged as she first introduces them to the upper branches of 'the crow's nest tree'. The crow nesting there is cognizant of its surroundings that include the people below, the streets, and the even wider world. It's just right for raising a family.
She 'begins' in a light, conversational tone that will continue throughout, introducing typical crow behaviors, descriptions, the birth of the nestlings (led by Oki), and their origins. The following chapters have intriguing titles: Family Matters, A Kindness of Crows, Bird Brains, Party Animals, Life Choices, A Season of Dying, and A Nest of Her Own. Although they follow Oki as she learns the ways of a crow's world, they also offer in-depth looks at each of these topics. Ms. Savage allows that crows are 'alight with awareness' and proves that to be true. She also reports that West Nile virus brings a nearly 100% mortality rate to crows. No candy-coating; real data here.
Rachel Hudson does a brilliant job with artwork that graces almost every page. In close-ups, spots, grahics, and ever-changing perspectives, she complements the text fully, bringing detailed context to the learning. Grow Lab text boxes are filled with additional facts that are sure to impress readers and offer fodder for sharing with others once the reading is done. Pro Tips offer advice for further research, and captioned illustrations add explanations and news.
There is exceptional nonfiction available for our kids today. Finding the right book for the right kid at the right time remains a constant challenge. If you know a budding ornithologist, you would do well to let them know about this book. It is emotionally moving, often funny, and full of scientific material that is memorable, and far-ranging. Those who read it are sure to encourage others to take a peek and see just how much there is to know and admire about the oft-reviled crow.
What a remarkable life-long journey for Oki. Lucky we are to be witness to it.
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