The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 25, 2013
The Crow Who Was Not Asked to Stay
By Susan Scott Morales, Illustrated by Seth Saint Pierre
Hardcover & Paperback: 30 pages
Age Range: 3 and up
Publisher: Villanelle Publishing (2013)
What to expect: Poetry, Birds, Friendship
The Crow Who Was Not Asked to Stay is a poetic picture book about unexpected friendship, written for young children ages three through seven and will appeal to bird and poetry lovers of all ages.
When a pesky crow shows up at the same time as three robins, the narrator is adamant to be rid of the noisy bird. While the robins are enticed with a birdfeeder and encouraged to stay, the crow stands his ground and refuses to leave. In time the narrator discovers that this is a good thing and the author’s carefully installed metaphor plays out when a hawk encroaches on the robin’s nest. The crow soars into action, chasing the hawk away. “Sometimes, it is what we least think we need or desire that can become our most valued and treasured friend,” says writer Simone Yehuda, as quoted on the back cover. Through the crow’s brave act of courage, the narrator realizes the beauty and majestic power within this determined bird.
“As much as I hoped and prayed he’d be gone
the squawker refused to be on his way.
A crow and three robins came to my home.”
Morales twenty-two line poem is well structured with three-line stanzas and has been layered with wise insight that expresses easily from the text. Accessibility to Morales wisdom is provided to young readers through the artwork of Seth Saint Pierre who adds his own depth to the words. Feathers fly across pages with illustrated strokes of movement, crumbs are scattered and doors crack open with a perspective that provides depth into the pages.
With its delightful and rhythmic qualities, young readers should be enchanted while older readers are challenged to find the rhyming patterns and discern the underlying motivations of the crow. Lovely.
Add this book to your collection: The Crow Who Was Not Asked to Stay
For more information, visit: susanscottmorales.com
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