Song for Papa Crow

Menzin illustrates a predictable be-yourself fable with carefully thought-out paper collages in her children’s book debut. Little Crow’s rasping cry provokes the birds that sing more melodiously, and they scorn him. Though Papa Crow loves his son’s voice—“When I hear your sweet caw, I know just where you are”— Little Crow hankers for a magic seed that will give him the ability to sing like Phoebe Flycatcher or Cardinal. When he accepts the seed from Mockingbird, who’s passing through town, Little Crow runs—naturally—into trouble. Although the narrative is encumbered by excess baggage (Mockingbird is a singer, Blue Jay provides security for the concert), Menzin pays close attention to specific birds and their cries (“Per-CHIC-o-ree!” says the goldfinch), and her spreads reproduce the birds’ defining features. Moments of inventiveness hint at a freer imagination: Mockingbird’s concert is announced with a series of collaged posters, and the telephone wires are hot pink against a blue sky. Readers who live where many species visit the bird feeder may appreciate a story that incorporates familiar feathered characters. Ages 4–8. (Aug.)