Clever Crow
by Chris Butterworth; illus. by Olivia Lomenech Gill
Preschool, Primary    Candlewick    32 pp.
7/24    9781536235425    $18.99

Butterworth begins this overview of the crow family by informing readers of crows’ ubiquity: “Wherever you are right now, there’s sure to be a crow or two nearby.” And although there are approximately one hundred subspecies, ranging from jays to ravens, she concentrates on physical and behavioral commonalities. Crows’ big brains allow them to be clever, crafty, and playful. They are adept at solving problems, such as using tools (i.e., sticks) to pry food from tight places. They show their craftiness by pretending to hide food where others might spot it, before storing it in a more concealed area. And they show their playfulness by engaging in games, such as sliding off a snowy roof. (Butterworth tells readers that such play allows them to learn skills but does not elaborate on the specific skills they are learning.) A hint of anthropomorphism creeps in on the final pages as she declares that with these characteristics, crows are “just like you!” Still, the fact that crows are amazing in and of themselves should not be lost on young listeners and readers. The mixed-media illustrations combine realistic-looking crows against soft backgrounds with a watercolor wash that hints at avian majesty. Additional information, printed on most pages in a small font, provides scientific detail. The book concludes with advice for observing crows and drawing conclusions about their actions, and a simple index.

From the July/August 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.