Subject
Crows -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Thornton W. (Thornton Waldo) Burgess
Blacky the Crow
"Blacky the Crow" by Thornton W. Burgess is a children's story written in the early 20th century. The tale follows the titular character, Blacky the Crow, as he navigates the challenges of survival and mischief in the Green Forest. The story introduces Blacky's curiosity and cunning as he discovers something unexpected—two white eggs in an old nest that once belonged to Redtail the Hawk, and his subsequent schemes to steal them, leading to encounters with various other forest animals. The opening of the story establishes Blacky’s character as a clever yet somewhat mischievous crow who often finds trouble through his curiosity. In the first chapter, Blacky’s quest for food leads him to an old nest, where he spots what he thinks may be eggs, despite it being an unusual time of year for nesting. Over the following chapters, the storyline unfolds as Blacky grapples with the desire to get the eggs while avoiding the dangers posed by Hooty the Owl, the true owner of the nest. Additionally, his plans for acquiring food lead him to confront the realities of both nature and the consequences of his actions, setting the stage for a lesson in friendship, understanding, and morality against the backdrop of the natural world.
Grace Moon
Wongo and the Wise Old Crow
"Wongo and the Wise Old Crow" by Grace and Carl Moon is a children’s adventure story written in the early 20th century. The book follows the whimsical escapades of Wongo, a little brown bear, along with his clever friend Kaw, the wise old crow, as they navigate challenges and learn important lessons in their wild world of Timbertangle. Together, they encounter old Grouch, a fearsome bear, and find themselves embroiled in daring plots. The opening of the story introduces us to Wongo, who is grumpy and hungry after being disturbed from his sleep. As he contemplates a forbidden venture into the realm of old Grouch, his curiosity and hunger drive him to explore the tantalizing scent of fresh meat. He meets Kaw, who encourages him to think wisely and offers clever plans to deal with their nemesis, old Grouch. The chapter sets an engaging tone filled with light-hearted banter and a sense of adventure as Wongo resolves to confront his fears and learn from the wise crow, hinting at the exciting escapades that will follow in their story.
Amy Ella Blanchard
Playmate Polly
"Playmate Polly" by Amy Ella Blanchard is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Jessie who navigates her daily adventures, including her interactions with her new friend Polly Willow and her companionable playmate, a crow she names Ebon. Through these relationships, the narrative explores themes of friendship, childhood imagination, and the significance of loyalty and trust. At the start of the story, Jessie is introduced as a thoughtful and imaginative girl who enjoys her walks to school and her interactions with the neighborhood's flagman, Ezra. However, her routine is disrupted when she learns that Ezra is ill, and she encounters a gruff stranger who warns her about crossing the tracks. She grapples with fears for her safety and the potential loss of independence in going to school. Soon, Jessie finds solace and companionship in her "Playmate Polly," a tree by the brook, leading her to create an imaginative world filled with dolls and adventures. The opening portion sets the tone for Jessie's explorations of friendship and self-discovery as she also learns to navigate the complexities of relationships with her new neighbor, Adele.
David Cory
Little Jack Rabbit and the Squirrel Brothers
"Little Jack Rabbit and the Squirrel Brothers" by David Cory is a children's adventure book written in the early 20th century. This charming tale explores the playful escapades of Little Jack Rabbit and his friends, primarily focusing on the Squirrel Brothers, Featherhead and Twinkle Tail. The story topics delve into themes of friendship, mischief, and the lessons learned through their interactions in Shady Forest. In this delightful book, the narrative follows Little Jack Rabbit as he enjoys various adventures with the Squirrel Brothers and other woodland creatures. From playing games of marbles to embarking on quests for food and sustenance, they encounter challenges posed by mischievous characters like Old Barney Owl. Along the journey, themes of consequence for misbehavior, such as Featherhead's naughty tricks at school, are prevalent. The camaraderie among the forest friends is heartwarming, and their problem-solving spirit, especially in clever ways to gather food and navigate the challenges of their world, creates an engaging story that captures the imaginations of young readers.
Marshall Saunders
For His Country, and Grandmother and the Crow
"For His Country, and Grandmother and the Crow" by Marshall Saunders is a collection of stories written in the late 19th century. This literary work explores themes of patriotism, childhood innocence, and compassion, reflecting societal values of its time. The narratives blend elements of realism and sentimentality, focusing on the emotional struggles of their characters. The first story, "For His Country," follows a homesick American boy named Gerald, who grapples with his longing for home while living in France. As he navigates cultural challenges, his patriotism shines through, particularly in his efforts to instill pride in his siblings. The second tale, "Grandmother and the Crow," presents a whimsical account of a spirited grandmother who rescues an injured crow and the subsequent bond they share. Through these narratives, Saunders emphasizes themes of love, duty, and the importance of a nurturing environment, creating relatable and heartwarming experiences for both children and adults.
Arthur Scott Bailey
The Tale of Old Mr. Crow
"The Tale of Old Mr. Crow" by Arthur Scott Bailey is a children's book written in the early 20th century. This light-hearted tale features Mr. Crow, a whimsical character known for his mischievous antics as he interacts with other creatures in Pleasant Valley and navigates life under the watchful eye of Farmer Green. The book likely explores themes of identity, community, and humor, following Mr. Crow's adventures and misadventures. In the story, Mr. Crow faces various challenges, such as the perception of being an outlaw among the forest creatures, interactions with Farmer Green, and the dynamics of his community, which include playful rivalries and friendships. As the tale unfolds, we see Mr. Crow exhibiting both cleverness and foolishness, dealing with everything from a giant scarecrow meant to deter him from stealing corn to navigating the social hierarchy of the animal world through a gathering called a caucus. The book combines light-hearted humor with moral lessons about acceptance and facing one's flaws, all narrated in a charming manner that appeals to children and adults alike.
Recently surfaced classics