The Cardinal & the Crow

K-Gr 4—Old Crow is content, eager to live his life in peace. But his ragged appearance and raspy call makes him a prime target for the taunting of the other birds living by the edge of the forest. Young Cardinal is the worst. He takes great pride in teasing the old bird and leads others in the abuse. The more Crow protests, the more isolated he becomes. When fall arrives and most of the bird fly South for the winter, Cardinal and Crow remain. Cardinal, with his beautiful red feathers, boldly eats seeds left for him in feeders by well-meaning humans, but wise and experienced Crow warns him to be cautious. Cardinal scoffs at the advice, and Crow knowingly keeps watch from above. One day, a cat appears and puts the young bird in a precarious situation. Will Crow warn his tormentor? This delicately illustrated picture book, inspired by Aesop's fables, is gorgeously and thoughtfully rendered. Set in autumn, by the edge of the wood, each full-page illustration, painted in soft watercolor, is so well done that children can almost feel the cool, crisp air. The moral of the story, that "pride and foolishness often roost on the same branch," is imparted artfully in a way that will encourage young readers to think. A first purchase for any picture book collection.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE