The Scarebird [Paperback]

Sid Fleischman (Author), Peter Sis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Lonesome John lives on a farm in the country, so deep in the country that the "crows pack a lunch before setting out." When he places a scarecrow in one of his fields, he quickly grows attached to the figure. It is his only company. Then, a homeless, young farmhand happens along and asks for a job. Soon, the farmer has something much more precious than any scarecrow: He has a friend.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Otherworldly oil paintings cap the Newbery-winning author's soulful tale of a lonesome farmer. Ages 4-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4 Spacious pictures executed in paint and drawing portray the broad horizons and big skies of a farm so far out ``that crows pack a lunch before setting out.'' Lonesome John, a farmer whose family is gone and whose old dog is buried in the pasture, builds a headless scarecrow for his cornfield. Soon his need for companionship causes him to add a head, to talk to his ``Scarebird,'' and share harmonica music in the evenings. By the time Sam, a weary-looking orphan, arrives, looking for work, John has begun to play checkers with his creation. Although he resents having his game interrupted, he offers hospitality and some short-term work so the youth can repay him. As the touchingly hopeful-looking boy begins to work, John retrieves for Sam, piece by piece, the protective clothing that he had given to the scarecrow. By the end of the book, John is ready to accept a real-life companion in place of an imaginary one. The civility with which he treats the scarecrow as he takes back his clothing makes readers know that the new relationship will prosper and enrich both the old man and the boy. Sis' art captures the human need for connection in a gentle way. An appealing picture book about loneliness and friendship, told in Fleischman's typical colorful language, that will work well as a read aloud or for independent reading. Marilyn Iarusso, New York Public Library
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (April 25, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688131050
• ISBN-13: 978-0688131050
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.4 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,974,071 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Since his autobiography, The Abracadabra Kid: A Writer's Life, was published in 1996, Sid Fleischman has been stealing the spotlight with his exuberant brand of nonfiction. Sir Charlie: Chaplin, the Funniest Man in the World is Fleischman's fourth true tale, following the widely acclaimed The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West and the best-selling Escape! The Story of The Great Houdini.
Fleischman's books have been made into films, performed as plays, and translated into nineteen languages. The author was awarded the Newbery Medal for The Whipping Boy.
Sid Fleischman lives in Santa Monica, California.