The Cardinal & The Crow - Hardcover

Moniz, Michael

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1927018587 ISBN 13: 9781927018583

Publisher: Simply Read Books, 2015

Synopsis

All the birds tease old Crow for his scraggly feathers and harsh call, especially proud Cardinal. But when Cardinal gets into trouble, there is only one creature smart enough to get him out. Will Crow choose to help the boastful bird? This thoughtful picture book, inspired by Aesop’s Fables, reminds us all that pride and foolishness often go hand in hand, or in this case, “claw in claw.”

About this title

About the Author

Michael Moniz spent his childhood living between the big city and the tranquil Azores islands of Portugal. It is this unique upbringing and an early appreciation for culture and the arts that inspired Michael’s creativity at young age. His first book, Wazzyjump, also published by Simply Read Books, received a starred Kirkus review. The “luminous” and “delicacy” of its illustrations (Quill and Quire), as well as its “delightful tale of mystery, discovery, and friendship” (CM Magazine) are the signature for Michael’s whimsical creative style. When Michael is not telling stories, he works as an Artistic Director for a Toronto-based advertising agency.

Reviews

K-Gr 4—Old Crow is content, eager to live his life in peace. But his ragged appearance and raspy call makes him a prime target for the taunting of the other birds living by the edge of the forest. Young Cardinal is the worst. He takes great pride in teasing the old bird and leads others in the abuse. The more Crow protests, the more isolated he becomes. When fall arrives and most of the bird fly South for the winter, Cardinal and Crow remain. Cardinal, with his beautiful red feathers, boldly eats seeds left for him in feeders by well-meaning humans, but wise and experienced Crow warns him to be cautious. Cardinal scoffs at the advice, and Crow knowingly keeps watch from above. One day, a cat appears and puts the young bird in a precarious situation. Will Crow warn his tormentor? This delicately illustrated picture book, inspired by Aesop's fables, is gorgeously and thoughtfully rendered. Set in autumn, by the edge of the wood, each full-page illustration, painted in soft watercolor, is so well done that children can almost feel the cool, crisp air. The moral of the story, that "pride and foolishness often roost on the same branch," is imparted artfully in a way that will encourage young readers to think. A first purchase for any picture book collection.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Once upon a time, in a very charming little wood… A crow perched on the limb of a large and twisted old tree from dawn to dusk. This crow was very old, older than any of the other birds or animals for many miles around. His call was harsh and course; his feathers long and straggly. But this didn’t bother him. He would have been happy, if the other birds left him alone. But they didn’t. They mocked and teased him endlessly, flying around him and calling him names all day long. They always pestered him, singing, “Ugly old crow; ugly old crow.” One bird, a proud, young cardinal, especially delighted in abusing him. Crow felt especially hurt by cardinal, who seemed to puff up proudly every time he pestered him.

Edition details

• Publisher: Simply Read Books
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1927018587
• ISBN 13: 9781927018583
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Moniz Michael
• Number of pages: 40