Crows: An Old Rhyme - Softcover

Holder, Heidi

4.54

50 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0374416109 ISBN 13: 9780374416102

Publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux, 1990

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

The trials and triumphs of Willie the Weasel and Millie the Mink are set against the backdrop of a version of a traditional rhyme, which reveals twelve prophetic omens

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 3 Using an old counting rhyme as inspiration, Holder has fashioned a book of richness, beauty, and charm. The text, ``One is for bad news, Two is for mirth,'' refers to the crows of the title. It appears on the left-hand pages with the appropriate number of birds inside a decorated frame. Below, two hares mime a light-hearted romance with a supporting cast of woodland ani mals. On the right, in full - page ornately framed spreads, Millie the Mink and Willie the Weasel enact the main melo drama. Costumed in the sumptuous dress of a bygone era, these unlikely animals meet and marry, living a life of splendor. Then, misfortune strikes. A chase, sudden death, and imprisonment follow, but the faithful mink and swash buckling weasel are reunited at the end. The rhyme connects only loosely with the pictured story, but readers should be able to speculate about what really happens. Working in a style reminis cent of the old masters, Holder has filled her illustrations with symbols culled from literature and folklore. For instance, ``Six is a thief'' shows a full moon to indicate turmoil; the clocks in the corners hint that time is the biggest thief of all. Several pages at the end provide information on the habits of crows, weasels, and minks; acknowl edge the artist's varied sources; and give a key to the symbols. A special volume which would work best in a one-on-one setting where child and adult could explore together its many- layered meanings. Ellen D. Warwick, Robbins Junior Lib . , Arlington, Mass.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

A series of 12 oracular rhymes, each depicted in a full-page tableau, forms the basis of this elegant, sophisticated work. PW 's comment: "Opening this ripe melon-colored book is like peering through a door at an opulent play." All ages.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.