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Tabor adds to his cast of animal characters a brave and clever crow with a secret and a mission in Cranky, Crabby Crow.
Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor. Greenwillow, 2025. 40 pages.
- Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8
- Recommended For: Ages 4-8
Crow is waiting on the wire with no patience for any of his friends who stop by. “KAW!” “KAW!” “KAW!” Cat tries to reprimand him and warn him that he is in danger of driving all his friends away, but Crow still won’t listen. He’s cranky and crabby and determined to be left alone on the wire.
That’s when the phone rings. Agent Crow has done his job thoroughly and it’s time to spring into action. What does that mean? Only the most top-notch, high-tech equipment (and a comfortable apartment to return to) so that he can save the earth from danger. (Are missiles or bubbles his weapon of choice?) Then he returns to his wire to wait again for all his friends to join him for a special event.
The text is simple, the font a little larger, which is perfect for a read-aloud or for readers who are gaining confidence. As in many of Tabor’s books, the pictures steal the show. The expressions on his animals remind me a little of Mo Willems because the eyes say it all. The pastel hues show that the events all take place over the course of a day, ending with sunset, but it’s fun to note that they were “drawn on a tablet, printed out on an old laser printer, then scanned back in and colored digitally.” The effect is like soft pastels.
Bottom Line: Who knew that “KAW!” could mean so many things? The endpapers hold a secret code which is probably a long conversation…if we could only interpret the secret meaning. And when the time is right, invite your young reader to “push the button for missiles.”
Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader
- Reviews: We’ve reviewed many of Tabor’s books: The Fox Series, Simon and the Better Bone, and Mel Fell.
- Reviews: We love funny picture books! Battle Bunny is hilarious, Don’t Trust Fish is another guaranteed laugh, and My Presentation Today Is About the Anaconda is funny for older kids (note the consideration mentioned in the review).
- Review: Did you pick up Cranky, Crabby Crow because you have a bird lover at home? Don’t miss our Bird Booklist.
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