Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World)

The stoic corvid at the center of this picture book sits waiting on a telephone wire at story’s start, shown with a small body; a huge, glistening eye; and a curiously blank expression. Soon, Squirrel romps along the wire, inviting the bird to help scatter garbage all over the street. Crow responds with a single, abrupt sound: “KAW!” “Wow. Rude,” Squirrel replies. Next, Hummingbird darts and dances in front of Crow: “Wanna race? Wanna do tricks?” Crow responds the same way, then rejects other friendly overtures—so many, in fact, that nearby Cat admonishes the bird: “If you’re not careful, you might find yourself all alone.” But after Cat leaps into a firefighter’s waiting arms, a surprise signal kicks off a startling, high-octane plot turn that works out flawlessly for all. Clever pacing, bone-dry humor, and visual surprises distinguish this wildly entertaining picture book from Tabor (Ursula Upside Down), whose ability to conjure up a fully fleshed-out scenario in just a few strokes contributes significantly to the action. A secret code concludes. Ages 4–8. (May)