Crow Call
Author: Lois Lowry
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Publisher: Scholastic Press, October 2009
Picture Book: 32 pages
Age: 9 and up
Genre: Historical Fiction, Autobiography
Themes: Fathers and daughters, family, war, separation
Based on an experience in Lois Lowry’s childhood, this book is about a little girl whose father has returned home after WWII. She is almost afraid of him, because she hardly remembers him, and he has to get to know his children again. He takes her out crow hunting, making a special day for just the two of them, and teaches her how to do a crow call. When the crows come, she is afraid he will shoot them, but he doesn’t. It is an extremely touching, quiet book with absolutely gorgeous illustrations. The illustrations really add to the quiet, touching quality of this book. I very much want to own a copy of this, because it left me feeling peaceful and the combination of this author and illustrator is a real treat. I would love to use this book to teach tone and voice, as well as how a small, quiet moment can be turned into an amazing, touching story.
