Crows: An Old Rhyme [Paperback]

Heidi Holder (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up

Crows--the most intelligent of all birds--are the inspiration for a counting rhyme that Heidi Holder first heard from her grandfather. Full-color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

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.

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback
• Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux (January 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374416109
• ISBN-13: 978-0374416102
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,804,069 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughts on "Crows: An Old Rhyme", by Heidi Holder, June 13, 2001

By 

"millerlife" (Orangevale, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crows: An Old Rhyme (Paperback)

I loved this book. The illustrations are incredibly beautiful, which is why I bought the book, but I've also read the story over and over. The excerpt about crows in the back is delightful. I'm so taken with the beauty of the illustrations that I plan to paint a select few on my granddaughter's nursery wall.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Counting Rhyme Full Of Magic Illustrations !, October 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Crows: An Old Rhyme (Paperback)

CROWS combines masterful pictures with a clever counting poem that will delight children and adults alike - a wonderful gift for parents or as a coffee table book! I have one my nephew gave me and it sits on my living room table in Autumn! The kids know only very special books go there and this is one of my favorites!

5.0 out of 5 stars Visually stunning book!, February 20, 2011

By 

MommaMia - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Crows: An Old Rhyme (Paperback)

I collect books, and I love birds! When I saw this I just fell in love! Crows are beautiful, intelligent birds who are very often misunderstood and hated simply because of their size and color. Well, when I saw this, I just had to have it, and I was not disappointed.

The poem is one most people at least know the first three lines of, and this traditional poem coupled with the unique artwork, well this is a stunning children's book and I couldn't be more pleased with my purchase.

If you know a bird lover....I'm sure they would appreciate this book. It's also great for children, as it can teach very basic counting skills and also teach them to appreciate nature in all it's beauty and diversity.