By Susan Vande Griek
Art by Emma Fitzgerald
Nimbus Publishing
Ages 4 to 8
Drawing inspiration from the classic Gaelic ballad “Twa Corbies,” author Susan Vande Griek creates a read-aloud counting primer. Readers join a country dweller and a friendly dog for a ramble through the woods as the crows squabble and caw. Stanzas like “Caws barked out / Travel here and there / Bringing in others / Pair by pair” are haunting and evocative, capturing the melodious beauty of the original tune while remaining accessible to new readers. Accompanying the tale, Emma Fitzgerald’s brooding
art perfectly captures the stark beauty of the late autumn woods.
