Summary
A young girl
and her father set out on a hunting trip. The girl is excited to spend
the time with her father, wearing a new shirt that is much too large for her,
since she has not been able to while he was away at war. The goal of this trip
is to hunt crows that eat their crops. The father gives the girl a crow
call so that she can help him by calling the crows to him. In the end the
father does not shoot the crows since he can tell the girl enjoys watching the
birds after calling them.
Bibliographic Citation
Lowry, L.
(2009). Crow call. Scholastic.
Personal Impressions
This inspirational book
brings up many emotions. The father returning from war where at times he
was scared, a girl getting to know a father she has barely seen, a connection
to nature, new experiences, all of these subjects entertain the reader and
bring them into the story. The black and white photo of the author at the
back of the book wearing the same plaid shirt as the one described in the story
engages readers. It provides an excellent finale to a heart warming
story.
Reviews
Ilene Cooper (Booklist, Oct.
15, 2009 (Vol. 106, No. 4))
Starred Review* Drawing on a childhood memory, Lowry offers a story where the specific becomes universal. Lizzie’s father is back from the war, and to her, he is almost a stranger. He doesn’t even know how much she loves cherry pie. But he does understand when she picks out an unconventional adult-size hunting shirt, which at least she won’t outgrow. One cold morning, Lizzie dons her shirt and goes out with Daddy to hunt crows. Crows eat crops; of that there’s no doubt. Daddy has his shotgun. He’s given Lizzie a crow call so she can gather the birds together in the trees. In a subtle dialogue, Lizzie says things without saying the big thing on her mind: “I wish the crows didn’t eat the crops. . . . They might have babies to take care of.” Not wanting to disappoint her father, Lizzie calls the birds until they fill the sky, and then, after a breathless moment, her father, not wanting to disappoint Lizzie, takes her home. Each frame of the story is captured like an old-time movie in Ibatoulline’s tender watercolor and acrylic gouache artwork. Particularly effective is the double-page spread in which father and daughter walk among the leafless trees on that chilly autumn day, when their “words seemed etched and breakable on the brittle stillness.” In the end, words aren’t needed after all. Grades K-3
Starred Review* Drawing on a childhood memory, Lowry offers a story where the specific becomes universal. Lizzie’s father is back from the war, and to her, he is almost a stranger. He doesn’t even know how much she loves cherry pie. But he does understand when she picks out an unconventional adult-size hunting shirt, which at least she won’t outgrow. One cold morning, Lizzie dons her shirt and goes out with Daddy to hunt crows. Crows eat crops; of that there’s no doubt. Daddy has his shotgun. He’s given Lizzie a crow call so she can gather the birds together in the trees. In a subtle dialogue, Lizzie says things without saying the big thing on her mind: “I wish the crows didn’t eat the crops. . . . They might have babies to take care of.” Not wanting to disappoint her father, Lizzie calls the birds until they fill the sky, and then, after a breathless moment, her father, not wanting to disappoint Lizzie, takes her home. Each frame of the story is captured like an old-time movie in Ibatoulline’s tender watercolor and acrylic gouache artwork. Particularly effective is the double-page spread in which father and daughter walk among the leafless trees on that chilly autumn day, when their “words seemed etched and breakable on the brittle stillness.” In the end, words aren’t needed after all. Grades K-3
Midwest Book Review (Children's Bookwatch,
February 2010)
Using her own childhood experiences, Lois Lowry provides a gentle story illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline in CROW CALL, telling of one girl's connection with her father, who has just returned from war. A special gift from a father at war returns to link them in a story of love and warmth. The Picturebook Shelf ...., Scholastic Press, $16.99. ages 4+
Using her own childhood experiences, Lois Lowry provides a gentle story illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline in CROW CALL, telling of one girl's connection with her father, who has just returned from war. A special gift from a father at war returns to link them in a story of love and warmth. The Picturebook Shelf ...., Scholastic Press, $16.99. ages 4+
Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
The story opens with a young girl heading out on a hunting trip with a father she has not seen for some time. He has been off fighting a war and now he is home. Previously when in town, Lizzie had spied a hunting shirt in a store window. It was a beautiful rainbow plaid, but way to big for such a young girl. No matter, her father made the purchase noting that she would never outgrow the shirt. They stop at a diner and have cherry pie for breakfast--Lizzie’s favorite thing to eat. They discuss the war and his fears--as well as her fears, in particular going hunting. They discuss the cycle of life and how crows eat the crops to survive. In spite of that Lizzie just doesn’t have it in her heart to hunt them. She uses her crow call and they flock to her and surround her. Lizzie says “They think I’m their friend!” Her father refrains from shooting the crows and leaves that for another day or another hunter. Today, he and his daughter walk hand--in-hand and head back home. The illustration by Ibatoulline are evocative of a frosty autumn morning--soft browns with a sky that is just beginning to light up. The trees bare of leaves and mist rising from the hills add a sense of mystery and fear as the two wait to see if the crows will respond to Lizzie’s call. They are a perfect match for the story. Lowry’s story will resonate today as it did back in 1945 when she went through the experience of reacquainting herself with a father who had recently returned from World War II. Today’s children are separated not only from fathers but mothers who head off to places like Afghanistan and Iraq, risking their lives and then having to come home and try to re-establish relationships with family and life in general. As Lois Lowry says on the closing page “And so this story is not really just my story, but everyone’s.” 2009, Scholastic, $16.99. Ages 7 up.
The story opens with a young girl heading out on a hunting trip with a father she has not seen for some time. He has been off fighting a war and now he is home. Previously when in town, Lizzie had spied a hunting shirt in a store window. It was a beautiful rainbow plaid, but way to big for such a young girl. No matter, her father made the purchase noting that she would never outgrow the shirt. They stop at a diner and have cherry pie for breakfast--Lizzie’s favorite thing to eat. They discuss the war and his fears--as well as her fears, in particular going hunting. They discuss the cycle of life and how crows eat the crops to survive. In spite of that Lizzie just doesn’t have it in her heart to hunt them. She uses her crow call and they flock to her and surround her. Lizzie says “They think I’m their friend!” Her father refrains from shooting the crows and leaves that for another day or another hunter. Today, he and his daughter walk hand--in-hand and head back home. The illustration by Ibatoulline are evocative of a frosty autumn morning--soft browns with a sky that is just beginning to light up. The trees bare of leaves and mist rising from the hills add a sense of mystery and fear as the two wait to see if the crows will respond to Lizzie’s call. They are a perfect match for the story. Lowry’s story will resonate today as it did back in 1945 when she went through the experience of reacquainting herself with a father who had recently returned from World War II. Today’s children are separated not only from fathers but mothers who head off to places like Afghanistan and Iraq, risking their lives and then having to come home and try to re-establish relationships with family and life in general. As Lois Lowry says on the closing page “And so this story is not really just my story, but everyone’s.” 2009, Scholastic, $16.99. Ages 7 up.
Jess Hennessey (Children's Literature)
Young Liz is setting out on a crow-hunting trip with her father. He has just returned from war, and Liz has few memories of him. As they ride to their destination, her father buys her a men’s plaid shirt that she has been eyeing. They stop for breakfast and then continue on toward the woods, talking more and more. Liz feels nervous about hunting, and her father puts her in charge of the crow call, telling her of the importance of the job. Liz and her father talk about the war and their fears. When in the woods, Liz makes the crow call and is astounded by the presence of the crows and the fact that they think she is a crow as well. Liz and her father leave without killing any crows. This story focuses on peace after war and a daughter’s love still present for a father she hardly remembers. These subtle themes make this children’s book one that requires discussion and contemplation. Its complexity illustrates Lowry’s assumption that children are capable of deep thought, making it a worthwhile read. The illustrations are muted, as if depicting a sepia-toned photograph. This rustic look allows more readers to identify with the text, especially those from rural areas. Ibatoulline dedicates the book to Andrew Wyeth, a famous painter who painted in a style similar to his work in this book. 2009, Scholastic Press, $16.99. Ages 9 to 12.
Young Liz is setting out on a crow-hunting trip with her father. He has just returned from war, and Liz has few memories of him. As they ride to their destination, her father buys her a men’s plaid shirt that she has been eyeing. They stop for breakfast and then continue on toward the woods, talking more and more. Liz feels nervous about hunting, and her father puts her in charge of the crow call, telling her of the importance of the job. Liz and her father talk about the war and their fears. When in the woods, Liz makes the crow call and is astounded by the presence of the crows and the fact that they think she is a crow as well. Liz and her father leave without killing any crows. This story focuses on peace after war and a daughter’s love still present for a father she hardly remembers. These subtle themes make this children’s book one that requires discussion and contemplation. Its complexity illustrates Lowry’s assumption that children are capable of deep thought, making it a worthwhile read. The illustrations are muted, as if depicting a sepia-toned photograph. This rustic look allows more readers to identify with the text, especially those from rural areas. Ibatoulline dedicates the book to Andrew Wyeth, a famous painter who painted in a style similar to his work in this book. 2009, Scholastic Press, $16.99. Ages 9 to 12.
Sandra L. Tidwell (Childrens Book and Play
Review, May/June 2010 (Vol. 30, No. 5))
In the late fall, when the air begins to feel the coolness of approaching winter, hundreds of crows descend upon Provo and the surrounding Utah countryside. It is a delight to watch their wonderful aerial maneuvers as they find their roosts in the huge trees. This wonder also strikes Lizzie while on an early-morning November outing with her father, who has just returned from being away at war for many years. The special crow-calling whistle has worked excellently--hundreds of crows have flown in. Initially, Lizzie and her father set out to hunt the crows which have been eating their crops. However, their conversation about life and fear temper the father's intent, at least for the day. They wonder together what the crows are thinking as they look down at the small girl who is calling them. Do they think she is their friend or "maybe their baby, all grown up!" The soft, natural tones of Ibatoulline's realistic illustrations complement Lowry's thoughtful text which describes the author's long-awaited first outing with her father in 1945. This tender story explains Lizzie's feelings as she cautiously talks with this "stranger" and asks questions to get to know her Daddy again after his absence. Lizzie's father patiently listens and responds to Lizzie's questions, watches her run up and down the hills calling the crows, and plays an animal calling game with her. No, they haven't shot any crows, but father and daughter have connected in a very personal meaningful way; hand-in-hand they traverse the hillside on their way home. The end of the book features a photograph of Lois in the plaid shirt her father purchased for her from Kronenberg's department store soon after his return home from the war. Rating: Outstanding. Reading Level: Primary. Category: Picture books; Biographies. 2009, Scholastic, 32 p., $16.99. © 2002, Brigham Young University.
In the late fall, when the air begins to feel the coolness of approaching winter, hundreds of crows descend upon Provo and the surrounding Utah countryside. It is a delight to watch their wonderful aerial maneuvers as they find their roosts in the huge trees. This wonder also strikes Lizzie while on an early-morning November outing with her father, who has just returned from being away at war for many years. The special crow-calling whistle has worked excellently--hundreds of crows have flown in. Initially, Lizzie and her father set out to hunt the crows which have been eating their crops. However, their conversation about life and fear temper the father's intent, at least for the day. They wonder together what the crows are thinking as they look down at the small girl who is calling them. Do they think she is their friend or "maybe their baby, all grown up!" The soft, natural tones of Ibatoulline's realistic illustrations complement Lowry's thoughtful text which describes the author's long-awaited first outing with her father in 1945. This tender story explains Lizzie's feelings as she cautiously talks with this "stranger" and asks questions to get to know her Daddy again after his absence. Lizzie's father patiently listens and responds to Lizzie's questions, watches her run up and down the hills calling the crows, and plays an animal calling game with her. No, they haven't shot any crows, but father and daughter have connected in a very personal meaningful way; hand-in-hand they traverse the hillside on their way home. The end of the book features a photograph of Lois in the plaid shirt her father purchased for her from Kronenberg's department store soon after his return home from the war. Rating: Outstanding. Reading Level: Primary. Category: Picture books; Biographies. 2009, Scholastic, 32 p., $16.99. © 2002, Brigham Young University.
CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center
Choices, 2010)
Set just after World War II, a young girl’s first hunting trip with her father is also a chance for the two of them to start to know each other again. “I sit shyly in the front seat of the car next to the stranger who is my father… Daddy. Daddy. Daddy. Saying it feels new… The war has lasted so long. He has been gone so long.” A stop at a diner for breakfast—two pieces of cherry pie—creates a private joke between them when the waitress mistakes her for a boy in her huge flannel shirt, braids tucked into the collar. But she’s nervous about hunting. Her father has put her in charge of the crow call, yet she doesn’t want him to kill the birds. And he doesn’t. Instead, the two spend a morning enjoying nature—including the frenzy of circling crows responding to her call—and one another’s company. Lois Lowry’s autobiographical tale includes a wonderful black-and-white picture of herself as a child, wearing the oversize flannel shirt she describes in the story. The muted, late-autumn palette of Bagram Ibatoulline’s illustrations conveys a sense of the past in a richly told story that will resonate for many contemporary children. CCBC Category: Picture Books for School-Age Children. 2009, Scholastic Press, 32 pages, $16.99. Ages 5-9.
Set just after World War II, a young girl’s first hunting trip with her father is also a chance for the two of them to start to know each other again. “I sit shyly in the front seat of the car next to the stranger who is my father… Daddy. Daddy. Daddy. Saying it feels new… The war has lasted so long. He has been gone so long.” A stop at a diner for breakfast—two pieces of cherry pie—creates a private joke between them when the waitress mistakes her for a boy in her huge flannel shirt, braids tucked into the collar. But she’s nervous about hunting. Her father has put her in charge of the crow call, yet she doesn’t want him to kill the birds. And he doesn’t. Instead, the two spend a morning enjoying nature—including the frenzy of circling crows responding to her call—and one another’s company. Lois Lowry’s autobiographical tale includes a wonderful black-and-white picture of herself as a child, wearing the oversize flannel shirt she describes in the story. The muted, late-autumn palette of Bagram Ibatoulline’s illustrations conveys a sense of the past in a richly told story that will resonate for many contemporary children. CCBC Category: Picture Books for School-Age Children. 2009, Scholastic Press, 32 pages, $16.99. Ages 5-9.
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 2009
(Vol. 77, No. 18))
It's a cold November morning, and Liz's father has just returned from the war. Shyly she sits "next to the stranger who is [her] father" practicing his name under her breath, "Daddy. Daddy." Together they drive to the Pennsylvania farmlands to hunt for the crows that destroy the crops, learning each other's idiosyncrasies along the way; in journeying to save the harvest, they begin to cultivate their relationship anew. Beautifully written, the piece reads much like a traditional short story. Lowry's narrative, dense with sensory details, is based on her own life's events. Fittingly, Ibatoulline's muted, earth-toned palette is reminiscent of vintage, faded photographs. At times, the characters in the photorealistic illustrations are floating in the uncanny valley, separated from their environment. But in other instances, the details of his renderings gracefully capture a moment in time that was lost. Relevant for families whose parents are returning from war, the text is also ripe for classroom discussion and for advanced readers. 2009, Scholastic, 32p, $16.99. Category: Picture book. Ages 7 to 10. © 2009 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
It's a cold November morning, and Liz's father has just returned from the war. Shyly she sits "next to the stranger who is [her] father" practicing his name under her breath, "Daddy. Daddy." Together they drive to the Pennsylvania farmlands to hunt for the crows that destroy the crops, learning each other's idiosyncrasies along the way; in journeying to save the harvest, they begin to cultivate their relationship anew. Beautifully written, the piece reads much like a traditional short story. Lowry's narrative, dense with sensory details, is based on her own life's events. Fittingly, Ibatoulline's muted, earth-toned palette is reminiscent of vintage, faded photographs. At times, the characters in the photorealistic illustrations are floating in the uncanny valley, separated from their environment. But in other instances, the details of his renderings gracefully capture a moment in time that was lost. Relevant for families whose parents are returning from war, the text is also ripe for classroom discussion and for advanced readers. 2009, Scholastic, 32p, $16.99. Category: Picture book. Ages 7 to 10. © 2009 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
Karen Worrell (Kutztown University Book
Review, Spring 2010)
This descriptive story based on Lois Lowry’s own real life experience is about a hunting trip with her dad. The story uncovers the developing relationship with her father, who had just returned from war. First, the girl does not know how to talk to her father, but he helps her feel comfortable by buying her a hunting shirt, eating her favorite food (cheery pie) for breakfast at a diner, and putting her in charge of the crow call. While hunting the girl bonds with her dad and experiences a breathtaking reaction to her crow call. Lowry not only has written a story with a powerful message of family, but a descriptive, language-filled text. The life-like illustrations of nature are a strong aid to the powerful story telling. Category: Picture Book.. 2009, Scholastic, $16.99. Ages 8 to 11.
This descriptive story based on Lois Lowry’s own real life experience is about a hunting trip with her dad. The story uncovers the developing relationship with her father, who had just returned from war. First, the girl does not know how to talk to her father, but he helps her feel comfortable by buying her a hunting shirt, eating her favorite food (cheery pie) for breakfast at a diner, and putting her in charge of the crow call. While hunting the girl bonds with her dad and experiences a breathtaking reaction to her crow call. Lowry not only has written a story with a powerful message of family, but a descriptive, language-filled text. The life-like illustrations of nature are a strong aid to the powerful story telling. Category: Picture Book.. 2009, Scholastic, $16.99. Ages 8 to 11.
Laura D’Amato (Library Media Connection,
November/December 2009)
Lois Lowry tells the timeless story of a parent and child bonding in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Young Liz spends the day with her father, reconnecting after his return from World War II. Liz, going hunting for the first time with her father, is given the important task of operating the crow call. When Liz uses the crow call and the birds start gathering, her father watches her delight and does not use his gun. Just as the crows fly freely, so too do father and daughter again have the chance to be together. Based on Lowry’s own experience, the story accurately reflects the work needed to reestablish their relationship. The descriptive language and use of details creates a real depth to the story; while reading, I truly felt as if I was listening to the tale. The illustrations are rendered in watercolor and acryl-gouache and the muted palette sets the right tone. With many parents and other relatives currently in the military, this story could just as easily take place today, and numerous readers will identify with it, while others will simply enjoy the story. Recommended. 2009, Scholastic, 32pp., $16.99 hc. Ages 7 to 11.
Lois Lowry tells the timeless story of a parent and child bonding in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Young Liz spends the day with her father, reconnecting after his return from World War II. Liz, going hunting for the first time with her father, is given the important task of operating the crow call. When Liz uses the crow call and the birds start gathering, her father watches her delight and does not use his gun. Just as the crows fly freely, so too do father and daughter again have the chance to be together. Based on Lowry’s own experience, the story accurately reflects the work needed to reestablish their relationship. The descriptive language and use of details creates a real depth to the story; while reading, I truly felt as if I was listening to the tale. The illustrations are rendered in watercolor and acryl-gouache and the muted palette sets the right tone. With many parents and other relatives currently in the military, this story could just as easily take place today, and numerous readers will identify with it, while others will simply enjoy the story. Recommended. 2009, Scholastic, 32pp., $16.99 hc. Ages 7 to 11.
Deborah Stevenson (The Bulletin of the Center
for Children’s Books, January 2010 (Vol. 63, No. 5))
Still awkward with her father, newly returned from World War II, Liz shyly accompanies him on a hunting trip to trim the population of nuisance, crop-eating crows. That’s the manifest plot of this narrative wherein the protagonist explores, largely through the metaphor of the crows they hunt, her unease about her father’s soldierhood and his rediscovered place in the family. Though the format is that of a picture book, the text is a thoughtful short story, depending on reader comfort with sophisticated vocabulary and willingness to read for implication. That’s a bit of a tall order unaided, and even then the payoff is a little slight; what the story’s best at is evoking the tentative but genuinely affectionate camaraderie of a father and daughter together on their own special outing. The mixed-media art, in subdued autumnal tones, is sometimes stilted in its human portraiture, but it’s got a pleasing period flavor; the outdoor scenes, with the tracery of dark branches and inky crows against the sky, are effective in their treatment of the crisp autumnal landscape. This will probably be best introduced with adult moderation that encourages readers to consider what’s being unsaid as well as what’s being said, but it does offer a sensitive take on a young girl’s complex anxieties about family change Review Code: Ad -- Additional book of acceptable quality for collections needing more material in the area. (c) Copyright 2006, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2009, Scholastic, 32p.; Reviewed from galleys, $16.99. Grades 3-5.
Still awkward with her father, newly returned from World War II, Liz shyly accompanies him on a hunting trip to trim the population of nuisance, crop-eating crows. That’s the manifest plot of this narrative wherein the protagonist explores, largely through the metaphor of the crows they hunt, her unease about her father’s soldierhood and his rediscovered place in the family. Though the format is that of a picture book, the text is a thoughtful short story, depending on reader comfort with sophisticated vocabulary and willingness to read for implication. That’s a bit of a tall order unaided, and even then the payoff is a little slight; what the story’s best at is evoking the tentative but genuinely affectionate camaraderie of a father and daughter together on their own special outing. The mixed-media art, in subdued autumnal tones, is sometimes stilted in its human portraiture, but it’s got a pleasing period flavor; the outdoor scenes, with the tracery of dark branches and inky crows against the sky, are effective in their treatment of the crisp autumnal landscape. This will probably be best introduced with adult moderation that encourages readers to consider what’s being unsaid as well as what’s being said, but it does offer a sensitive take on a young girl’s complex anxieties about family change Review Code: Ad -- Additional book of acceptable quality for collections needing more material in the area. (c) Copyright 2006, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2009, Scholastic, 32p.; Reviewed from galleys, $16.99. Grades 3-5.
Marsha Harper (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas
Reviews (Vol. 22, No. 3))
Lois Lowry makes her picture-book debut in CROW CALL, with the more-than-able assistance of Bagram Ibatoulline (who is justly famous for his work in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, to name one). Both are up to their high standards of excellence here. Based on a true event in Lowry’s childhood, the story is about a girl of about nine whose father has just returned from World War II and seems a stranger to her. His purchase for her of a man-size rainbow plaid flannel shirt she has longed for is one step in their reconnection. Another is a crow-hunting trip early one winter day. She likes being out with him, being “surrounded by shirt,” and eating cherry pie for breakfast, but is apprehensive about the hunting part. He gives her the job of using the crow call and then, understanding her fear of his gun, lays it aside. She blows softly on the wooden call and gets one or two responses. Blowing a little harder, she calls again. And then again and again. The next few minutes are full ofcrow calls, some from her, the others from more and more of the birds. “From all the trees they rise, from all the hills.” She runs and they circle around her, waiting for her when at last she stands still, breathless and laughing. She can see her dad as he sits on a rock, smiling. They go back to the car with a stronger bond of affection and the happiness of a shared memory. In the last picture in the book the girl’s face is glowing. Ibatoulline names Andrew Wyeth as his favorite artist and Wyeth’s influence is evident in this work: the strong, spare lines (also reflecting Lowry’s way with language); the muted colors; the attention to people--their faces, their expressions, and their postures. The outdoor scenes (the way he represents light; his trees) recall Wyeth’s use of natural things. There are so many reasons to recommend this book! Buy it for the story (fathers returning from war are all around us again); buy it for the pictures (no one but Andrew Wyeth can do this kind of evocative art so well); or buy it for the unbeatable combination of two fine artists’ work. Maybe you’d better get two copies. Fiction, Highly Recommended. Grades K-5. 2009, Scholastic, Unpaged., $16.99. Ages 5 to 11.
Lois Lowry makes her picture-book debut in CROW CALL, with the more-than-able assistance of Bagram Ibatoulline (who is justly famous for his work in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, to name one). Both are up to their high standards of excellence here. Based on a true event in Lowry’s childhood, the story is about a girl of about nine whose father has just returned from World War II and seems a stranger to her. His purchase for her of a man-size rainbow plaid flannel shirt she has longed for is one step in their reconnection. Another is a crow-hunting trip early one winter day. She likes being out with him, being “surrounded by shirt,” and eating cherry pie for breakfast, but is apprehensive about the hunting part. He gives her the job of using the crow call and then, understanding her fear of his gun, lays it aside. She blows softly on the wooden call and gets one or two responses. Blowing a little harder, she calls again. And then again and again. The next few minutes are full ofcrow calls, some from her, the others from more and more of the birds. “From all the trees they rise, from all the hills.” She runs and they circle around her, waiting for her when at last she stands still, breathless and laughing. She can see her dad as he sits on a rock, smiling. They go back to the car with a stronger bond of affection and the happiness of a shared memory. In the last picture in the book the girl’s face is glowing. Ibatoulline names Andrew Wyeth as his favorite artist and Wyeth’s influence is evident in this work: the strong, spare lines (also reflecting Lowry’s way with language); the muted colors; the attention to people--their faces, their expressions, and their postures. The outdoor scenes (the way he represents light; his trees) recall Wyeth’s use of natural things. There are so many reasons to recommend this book! Buy it for the story (fathers returning from war are all around us again); buy it for the pictures (no one but Andrew Wyeth can do this kind of evocative art so well); or buy it for the unbeatable combination of two fine artists’ work. Maybe you’d better get two copies. Fiction, Highly Recommended. Grades K-5. 2009, Scholastic, Unpaged., $16.99. Ages 5 to 11.
Elementary Library Uses
Older
elementary students will enjoy this story. It would be perfect to use as
a mentor text when teaching personal narratives. The importance of the
shirt would be great for showing students how including important details can
really pull a reader into a story and make it even more realistic.
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