Scarecrow [Hardcover]

Cynthia Rylant (Author), Lauren Stringer (Author), Shelly Bowen (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Scarecrows. They perch high above gardens and fields, with borrowed coats and button eyes and pie-pan hands that glint in the sun. What else is there to know about them? Perhaps more than we realize. Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant’s rich and poignant story, powerfully illustrated by Lauren Stringer, will resonate deeply in the hearts of readers, who just might find themselves seeing the world in a whole new way.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

According to PW, "Newbery Medalist Rylant lyrically imagines the scarecrow as a grateful `witness to life,' while the acrylic paintings evoke a warm, even nostalgic sense of plenty." Ages 6-9.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2?More meditation than story, this picture book examines what one might call the essence of the scarecrow. It's an appreciation of silence, of patience, and of the beauty and changeable quality of the natural world. Rylant uses casual, conversational language with simple elegance and pleasing rhythms: "His hat is borrowed, his suit is borrowed, his hands are borrowed, even his head is borrowed. And his eyes probably came out of someone's drawer." An occasional tendency toward vagueness is evident as well; e.g., "It takes a certain peace, hanging around a garden" is followed some pages later by, "There is a certain wonder going on around him." Stringer's acrylic paintings are magnificent, with color and light as beautiful as those found in the type of bucolic world depicted here. The scarecrow is seen from above, behind, below, and every which way. These dynamic perspectives make an interesting contrast to his unwavering, peaceful expression. Overall, this is a lovely, gentle book that may appeal more to sentimental adults than to children.?Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1st edition (April 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 015201084X
• ISBN-13: 978-0152010843
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,312,035 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Cynthia Rylant is the author of numerous distinguished novels and picture books for young readers. In addition to her beginning-reader series: Henry and Mudge, Poppleton, and Mr. Putter and Tabby, as well as her Cobble Street Cousins early-chapter series, she is also the author of the Newbery Medal-winning Missing May, the Newbery Honor Book A Fine White Dust, and two Caldecott Honor-winning picture books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Children love it, December 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Scarecrow (Hardcover)

From an adult viewpoint, I thought the book was "very nice", but my child fell in love with this book. I am rating it as he would rate it. After all, the book is intended for children. He came home from school one day to describe a wonderful story that their teacher had read to them. He said it was so special because the words were soft and pleasing. This is a first! He also loved the pictures. So,I couldn't resist getting him a copy for Christmas.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars scarecrow, March 13, 2003

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Scarecrow (Hardcover)

Title: Scarecrow
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Favorite Characters: scarecrow, birds

This story tells about a scarecrows life from a scarecrow's point of view. It begins with the scarecrow being made in the spring and the garden is being planted. The birds love to hang around on his arms and talk all day. He goes through summer, fall, and all he knows is that plants are growing up all around him.
This book shows how a scarecrow's life is peaceful and relaxing. It also shows the seasons and what happens during those seasons. It's not ever day you get to read about a scarecrow and it's life, so I recommend you read this book.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely book, September 21, 2005

By 

Lissa Johnston - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Scarecrow (Paperback)

This story is an fresh perspective on a simple subject. The author sees scarecrows as neither scary nor effective in repelling crows. On the contrary, her scarecrow is a gentle and companionable creature who welcomes crows with, well, open arms. It is a lovely antidote if your little one has been frightened by an unfortunate Halloween experience. And the illustrations! Lovely, lovely. Rich fall colors, muted tones, dreamy softened edges. Buy this book if you are considering making over the paint scheme in your home. Copy the illustrator's color palette shamelessly.