Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Little Black Crow by Chris Raschka -ADVISABLE

Raschka, Chris Little Black Crow, 40 pgs. Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books, 2010. $12.74.
This long poem is the questions a young boy would pose to a crow. The boy wants to know what where the crow goes when it storms, if he has a family, if he makes mistakes, if he is ever afraid, and if he wonders about the stars. Do the boy and the crow have more in common than they think?
Especially because of the dour artwork, I started out reading this book feeling like it was sort of depressing. But as I continued reading, it really illustrated the worries and thoughts that a young boy might have. I think it demonstrates how a child can learn to handle their own emotions and thoughts by looking at them through an outside perspective (via the crow). The poetry blends beautifully with the story, and it ends on a touching and poignant note. (Only the art is keeping me from recommending it as essential).
EL –Advisable. Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

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