Friday, October 19, 2012

Song for Papa Crow by Marit Menzin - Review


Book Description:
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. . Grades Pre-K to 2. (These ages are suggested from the Publisher, I would say that children through the 3rd grade would appreciate this book very much.)

Look inside the book at these illustrations:


My Take:
5 Stars!
The story of this book about Little Crow is delightful and refreshing. Little Crow is among a diverse group of many other types of birds who look and sing so much more beautifully than he can. He is upset over this and tries to fit in with the other birds by learning how to sing like them. This leads to danger for Little Crow when a great big Hawk comes along and grabs him. Papa Crow, who loves Little Crow so much does not know Little Crow is in danger because he cannot recognize Little Crow's own voice that is singing. What happens to Little Crow?
This book teaches young children it is always important to be themselves  and never good to try to be or act like someone else just to fit in with other people who are different or more fun than they think they might be. This teaches them to be themselves. It might look like it's more fun to be like other kids, but it could be a very bad thing, too. These examples are clearly shown in the many different types of birds in this story - diversity. It is a great example of how Little Crow did not fit in, and children will relate to this very easily. Also in the back of the book, it has a Fun Facts section which we learn all about the different types of birds in our own backyard.
Allow me to say, again, this is the 'most beautiful' Children's Book I have ever set my eyes on! I cannot sing the praises of this book enough. The photos you see here do not do this book justice, as would getting this on an e-reader would NOT do it justice either. You need this book 'in hand' to appreciate the details of these illustrations. 
Yes, the author is the illustrator of this book and the illustrations are very elaborate in a very beautiful way. This is one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL books I have ever seen! The photos in this book are hand crafted collages. Every page is a collage of hand crafted papers, hand crafted birds, trees, the grass and the sky, even the clouds, everything. The author is is known for the collages she makes, and it clearly shows in this book. Adults will love reading this book to children and enjoy it just as much as the children will love to hear this story because of the art this author has made  this story into. At first glance these illustrations grab you, at least they did me. Some people may even notice this as a type of scrapbooking, yet much more elaborate than that. You will be mesmerized by this book.
The suggested reading ages for this book per the publisher is Pre-K to 8, but I would say ages 2-3 to 9 years old - the 3rd grade, would all very much enjoy this book. I could see older siblings reading this book to their younger siblings. This would make a beautiful book to add to a library for group reading for the children. Children will be in awe of the illustrations, and the Librarian or volunteer reading this book will never tire of this book. This book will easily become a favorite among many. Again, it is SO beautiful! So YES! I HIGHLY recommend this book for children and adults! Enjoy!
I received this book for FREE from the Author, in exchange to read and write a review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but, of my own honest opinion. “Free” means I was NOT provided with ANY MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading the book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html
Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.


The Author, Marit Menzin: 

The Author's Facebook Page: http://on.fb.me/UfgmDM 



4 comments:

  1. Enjoyed your review. I might just have to buy this book for a few grandchildren.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Laurie, Thank you very much for your kind words!

    Marit

    Song for Papa Crow's mom

    ReplyDelete

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