Crow Who Stood on His Beak

Schami, author of the Batchelder-winning novel A Hand Full of Stars, turns out a wordy, rambling tale about a young crow who delights in balancing himself upon his beak. The apparent point here is the value of individuality, but to get to that message, the reader must do battle with a tangle of digressive story elements. Among these are a quest to find a proud peacock, encounters with a hissing snake and a flock of squabbling doves, then a set-to with said peacock. On the other hand, the fanciful watercolor art, by a pair of European newcomers, merits a look from picture-book aficionados. Panel and full-bleed illustrations convey a nimble humor that, unlike the text, communicates directly with the audience. Ages 5-8. (May)