The Hickory Stick Bookshop

You’d think I learned color from the cardinal or the goldfinch, But no— I learned it from the crow.

As a group of crows travels through a small town, everyone has something to say about them—from the painter whom they inspire, to the pig who enjoys their company, to the birdwatcher who wonders what the crows think of people. Here are 23 poems, in the voices of humans, animals, crows, and other birds, that offer a unique perspective on the American crow, a bird commonly thought of as a symbol of bad luck. Whimsical, varied, and easily accessible, Marilyn Singer’s well-crafted poetry reveals surprising truths about crows, such as their fondness for games like “Pull the Clothespin” and their devotion to family and flock. Linda Saport’s breathtaking pastel illustrations are a visual treat, celebrating the natural world and our relationship to it. Author’s note.