Little Black Crow (Richard Jackson Books (Atheneum Hardcover))
Richard Jackson Books (Atheneum Hardcover) Series
on Goodreads (337)
What’s inside...
A boy observes a little black crow and ponders about its life, considering where it goes in the snow, where it sleeps, and if it experiences worries similar to his own. This fleeting moment sparks a surge of childhood curiosities, totaling 27 questions that invite answers as expansive as the universe. In a book crafted with minimal language and simple settings, Caldecott medalist Chris Raschka encourages young readers to embrace the wonder of curiosity.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the little black crow might be feeling as he flies around?
Why do you think the boy is asking so many questions about the crow?
What answers do you think the crow would give if he could talk?
How do you think the story shows the connection between humans and nature?
What is your favorite part of the crow's journey and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, explore what your child already knows about crows and their natural habitats to build context.
Encourage your child to imagine what it's like to be a crow while reading, enhancing empathy and perspective-taking.
Ask your child to think about and share any questions they might have about nature and different animals.
Discuss the illustrations and how they contribute to the story. Ask your child to describe the colors, shapes, and moods.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s experiences by talking about local birds and taking a nature walk to spot them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story explores the curiosity of a young boy about the life of a little black crow, prompting questions that show his attempt to understand the crow's perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the feelings and lives of others, fostering empathy towards people and animals around them.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Through continuous questions about the crow, the book champions the importance of asking questions and seeking knowledge about the world.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be inquisitive about nature and the environment, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the world.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: The boy's interest in the crow, despite their differences, teaches children the value of accepting and celebrating differences among living beings.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children embrace diversity in people, leading to more inclusive attitudes and actions in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Reflection and Self-awareness
Explanation: As the boy reflects on the crow’s life, he also ponders his own, sparking a journey of self-reflection and awareness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to reflect on their own lives and feelings, which is crucial for personal growth and emotional development.