Crow Call

A parent returning as a stranger after WWII could be a difficult situation, but in Newbery Medalist Lowrys first picture book, drawn from her childhood, the reunion brings warmth and trust. Out on a fall hunting trip with her father, Lizzie is quiet with apprehension ("Daddy". "Daddy". Saying it feels new). Yet he respects her wishes, even when theyre quirky. When she longs for a plaid hunting shirt many sizes too big, he endorses her choice: You know, Lizzie... You will never "ever" outgrow this shirt. He orders three pieces of cherry pie (her favorite food) for breakfast. Shes worried about the idea of hunting; he gives her the crow callIm pretty sure you can handle itand the crows gather like magic. To her relief, her father never fires his gun. Ibatoulline ("The Scarecrows Dance") fittingly dedicates his artwork to Andrew Wyeth. The Pennsylvania countryside, in shades of gold and fawn, undulates behind Lizzie and her father, the quiet colors echoing the intimacy they share. Its a loving representation of a relationship between parent and child, and an elegy to a less ironic era, while fully relevant for todays military families. Ages 912. "(Oct.)" Copyright 2009 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

K-Gr 4Based on the reminiscence of a day in 1945, Lowry's nostalgic story has appeal that will resonate with 21st-century children. Lizzie's father has just returned from serving in World War II and she's a bit shy even though she's excited about spending the day with him. They are going to hunt crows that are eating the farmers' crops. The eight-year-old is warmly dressed in a man's plaid wool shirt that she had admired in a store window and her father bought for her even though it comes down to her knees. After an early diner breakfast of her favorite cherry pie, they head toward the woods. Being in charge of the crow call, a whistle intended to lure prey to the hunter, Lizzie is impressed with the number of birds she entices, yet feels uncomfortable because they are about to be killed. However, her father never raises his rifle; he simply enjoys watching his enthralled daughter and the multitude of birds that have heeded her call. Remarkable, atmospheric illustrations reveal the subdued, cool autumn colors of crunchy dried grass, softly hued sky, and dark leafless trees. The memory of a treasured day spent with a special person will resonate with readers everywhere."Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI" Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.