Song for Papa Crow

by Marit Menzin

Overview

Little Crow loves to sing, and Papa Crow loves his song. But when Little Crow shares his crow songs with the other birds at the big old tree, they laugh and scatter. Maybe the Amazing Mockingbird can teach him to sing songs with the finches, flycatchers, and cardinals – and help him make some friends. But Little Crow should be careful what he wishes for… Using Mockingbird's tip, Little Crow quickly becomes the most popular bird on the block. But, in a moment of danger, he learns that singing someone else's song can have terrible consequences and that his own voice – and his father's love – is of the greatest value. Paired with colorful collage illustrations, this inspirational story is complemented by fun facts about North American birds and their sounds. Early reader–ages 5-8.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780764341311
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Publication date:	07/31/2012
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	11.20(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	520L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Marit Menzin's award-winning collages have been seen in galleries and magazines. She has loved art since childhood, and this, her first picture book, combines her love of nature and art. Marit lives with her family near Boston, Massachusetts.

Editorial Reviews

Menzin illustrates a predictable be-yourself fable with carefully thought-out paper collages in her children’s book debut. Little Crow’s rasping cry provokes the birds that sing more melodiously, and they scorn him. Though Papa Crow loves his son’s voice—“When I hear your sweet caw, I know just where you are”— Little Crow hankers for a magic seed that will give him the ability to sing like Phoebe Flycatcher or Cardinal. When he accepts the seed from Mockingbird, who’s passing through town, Little Crow runs—naturally—into trouble. Although the narrative is encumbered by excess baggage (Mockingbird is a singer, Blue Jay provides security for the concert), Menzin pays close attention to specific birds and their cries (“Per-CHIC-o-ree!” says the goldfinch), and her spreads reproduce the birds’ defining features. Moments of inventiveness hint at a freer imagination: Mockingbird’s concert is announced with a series of collaged posters, and the telephone wires are hot pink against a blue sky. Readers who live where many species visit the bird feeder may appreciate a story that incorporates familiar feathered characters. Ages 4–8. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly