"Our spell is simply this:
I follow him,
and he follows she,
and they follow me,
and me turns to we -
and we roost in these trees
together.
We are safer - much safer -
together."
The more I learn about crows, the more impressed I am with their intelligence and clever ways. They are too often considered noisy, annoying, and even warnings for disaster. Yet, they have an established sense of community that is shown in the way they travel in groups and show an awareness of their surroundings at all times. How much do you know about them?
This first-person narrative by a murder of crows is startling in its impact.
"I spill across the sky like ink--
fill the night with jagged cries.
I see all.
Know all.
Am all."
The compelling verse is matched perfectly by the artist's dark settings that occur in rural and urban areas. Captivating close-ups of some are intriguing, and the corresponding images of groups as their communal gatherings offer safety and cooperation allow readers a chance to learn much about this often-maligned bird. The crows know they are stronger together.
There is much to discover here, in both text and art. It is an incredible portrait of crows as they do what crows do. It makes for a great readaloud. When all is said and done, readers will be eager to learn more in backmatter that is generous and very informative, and also includes an author's note and selected resources.
After reading this book that will lead to new learning and discussion, a valid question might be: how are crows like humans?
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