"A shy mountain boy in Japan leaves his home at dawn and returns at sunset to go to the village school. Pictures and text of moving and harmonious simplicity."--Saturday Review. Caldecott Honor Book. Full-color illustrations.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:School & Library Binding
In a small Japanese village, Chibi, the main character, is an outcast at school because he is different from the other children. Day after day, Chibi is faced with feelings of isolation and rejection. This memorable story presents the reader with a situation that all children experience some time in their life. The realism of this story allowed me to feel close to Chibi and watch him change towards the end. Through the unique illustrations, Taro Yashima was successful in describing the mood and setting. The moral lesson of this story is beautiful, and should be included in every classroom at the beginning of the school year. Through this lesson, the reader learns to develop an awareness for individual differences. This short story will present you with an enjoyable learning experience. I highly recommend this book for any type of reader.
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This is a short book for children about a young boy in a Japanese village who is very shy, quiet, and is kidded by his classmates for being different. The book was a 1956 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustration in a book for children. Children always seem to love this story. Perhaps because many feel shy at times themselves.
Interestingly, I believe that this is the first Caldecott Honor book (as far as I can tell) appearing after the end of World War II depicting a Japanese character. As such, it may have also helped to heal some old wounds from that war. It shows how similar children can be from another culture.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Lisa Ibrahim
Format:Paperback
This story was first read to me by a colleague. A very enlightening and heartwarming story "Crow Boy" forces readers to reflect on the importance of considering individual differences within classroom settings. A child's potential can only be fulfilled when we consider all of their interests and needs. Every teacher must have a personal copy. I am going to get mine.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book encourages compassion and awareness of the natural world. It is a healthy change for children who are used to overstimulating action books and videogames.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book touches me on a deeper level than other children's books. And I LOVE children's books! I cry often times when I read it. Read it with a box of tissues by your side. I think any child that is exposed to this book will be a more accepting, self-actualized person.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Crow Boy is a memorable story, apparently drawn from the author's childhood memories of Japan. On the first day of school in a small village, a young boy is found hidden beneath the schoolhouse floor. The boy comes to be called "Chibi" for his small stature, and is ostracized by his classmates. After six years, a new teacher notices that Chibi's knowledge and skills distinguish him from the other children. He displays Chibi's artwork and writing on the wall, and admires his knowledge of the natural world. On the day of the school talent show, this teacher introduces Chibi's talent: imitating the voices of crows. Chibi amazes the crowd with many crow calls: baby crows, older crows, alarms, happy calls, and finally a crow on an old tree, near his far-off mountain home. When the teacher explains that Chibi learned this talent during his daily walk from the far side of the mountain, everyone comes to respect and appreciate him.
The loneliness of the excluded child is very well drawn, and the other children's cruel oblivion is believably portrayed as Chibi quietly occupies himself watching the planks of the ceiling and staring out the window. When the children realize their wrong, they weep for their six years of unkindness. But, unlike The Hundred Dresses, this moral lesson comes with an opportunity to make amends: Whenever Chibi returns to the village, carrying his homemade charcoal for sale and buying the small items his family can afford, the children greet him by his new name, "Crow Boy." Crow Boy responds to their overtures with happiness and pride. He has won his place in the community, and he returns home with dignity.... Read more ›
The loneliness of the excluded child is very well drawn, and the other children's cruel oblivion is believably portrayed as Chibi quietly occupies himself watching the planks of the ceiling and staring out the window. When the children realize their wrong, they weep for their six years of unkindness. But, unlike The Hundred Dresses, this moral lesson comes with an opportunity to make amends: Whenever Chibi returns to the village, carrying his homemade charcoal for sale and buying the small items his family can afford, the children greet him by his new name, "Crow Boy." Crow Boy responds to their overtures with happiness and pride. He has won his place in the community, and he returns home with dignity.... Read more ›
9 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
The book Crow Boy is definately one of, if not my most, favorite childhood book. When I was younger, I borrowed this book numerous times from my school library and read it over and over. I only wish I could put into words how mush I love this book. The artwork of Taro Yashima is absoluetly gorgeous and amazing......I highly recommend this book for all ages
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
"All your life you have waited for this moment to be free.
Blackbird, fly." -- Paul McCartney, from "Blackbird," 1968
This is a beautiful story I've loved since I was 4. In fact, it might make you cry. Readers are introduced to a boy nicknamed Chibi because he was small. Chibi lived in a rural community in Japan and was found hidden under a floor in the school building. Other children ostracize him and ridicule him. This goes on for 6 years.
Chibi is bound to routine. He eats the same thing for lunch every day, a rice ball wrapped in a radish leaf. Instead of paying attention to lessons, his mind is on the birds outside, a shadow across his desk, another boy's shoulder. His teachers don't seem to take much interest in him either.
That changes during the boy's year in 6th grade. A new teacher arrives. He recognizes something special in Chibi and works to draw him out. He displays Chibi's work on the classroom walls; he makes a point of calling on him in class. He listens to him after class as well. In time, he discovers Chibi's hidden talent - his ability to imitate the sound of crows. He can copy the sound of happy, sad, scolding, older, newborn and distant crows. The new teacher explains to the class that Chibi has learned about crows from coming down the mountain on his daily trek to school.
The other children learn to appreciate Chibi, thanks to their wonderful teacher. He sounds a lot like the kind teacher who made all the difference in the world for another child in the true story of Thank You, Mr. Falker. One kind teacher really CAN make a difference.
"You were only waiting for this moment to arise.... Read more ›
Blackbird, fly." -- Paul McCartney, from "Blackbird," 1968
This is a beautiful story I've loved since I was 4. In fact, it might make you cry. Readers are introduced to a boy nicknamed Chibi because he was small. Chibi lived in a rural community in Japan and was found hidden under a floor in the school building. Other children ostracize him and ridicule him. This goes on for 6 years.
Chibi is bound to routine. He eats the same thing for lunch every day, a rice ball wrapped in a radish leaf. Instead of paying attention to lessons, his mind is on the birds outside, a shadow across his desk, another boy's shoulder. His teachers don't seem to take much interest in him either.
That changes during the boy's year in 6th grade. A new teacher arrives. He recognizes something special in Chibi and works to draw him out. He displays Chibi's work on the classroom walls; he makes a point of calling on him in class. He listens to him after class as well. In time, he discovers Chibi's hidden talent - his ability to imitate the sound of crows. He can copy the sound of happy, sad, scolding, older, newborn and distant crows. The new teacher explains to the class that Chibi has learned about crows from coming down the mountain on his daily trek to school.
The other children learn to appreciate Chibi, thanks to their wonderful teacher. He sounds a lot like the kind teacher who made all the difference in the world for another child in the true story of Thank You, Mr. Falker. One kind teacher really CAN make a difference.
"You were only waiting for this moment to arise.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
My New Favorite Book
I am a teacher and I love this book! It covers different topics, such as bullying, mentoring, and tenacity. I can go deep into the text with CCSS standards.
Published 13 days ago by Laura
4.0 out of 5 stars
Illustrations aren't compelling
For an 8 year old boy the illustrations don't draw him in. But it's a great story. I had to require my son to read it and he liked it and understood the point.
Published 9 months ago by Jim McDonald
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great For School
I bought this product for a friend for a class presentation. The childeren responded well to the story line. This was for Kindergarden children. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Adrienne Borden
5.0 out of 5 stars
Should be in all grade school libraries !
I read this book about ten years ago and was profoundly moved. Even now, when I think about it, it brings tears to my eyes. Read more
Published on October 27, 2010 by Rebecca A. Gatwood
5.0 out of 5 stars
Review from Books That Heal Kids
Holy cow I love this book! And it completely speaks to kids...about a whole lotta issues. I'll start off with bullying. Read more
Published on July 22, 2010 by Books That Heal Kids
4.0 out of 5 stars
How Do You Think of Others?
The other children in the class ignored Chibi because he was shy and "strange"; stupid and slowpoke, they called him.
But isn't there some good in everyone? Read more
But isn't there some good in everyone? Read more
Published on February 1, 2010 by James Charnock
5.0 out of 5 stars
Recommended by 4th Grade Teacher
I teach 4th grade and I used this book FIRST before reading "Umbrella" also by Yashima to get my students to start making connections to text. Read more
Published on April 8, 2009 by K. A. Woods
5.0 out of 5 stars
A True Gem
I am so glad this book is still in print! It is a wonderful story with equally wonderful illustrations, and a strong message: a child who is "different" turns out to have special... Read more
Published on April 30, 2006 by Panchita C
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read
all of my classmates told me to get a copy of this book "Crow Boy" by Taro Yashima, so i did. when i started reading it, tears flowed from my eyes, it really is "a-must-read"... Read more
Published on October 10, 2005
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