Title: Summer of the Talking Crow
Author: Rhoda Witmer
Major Themes: Birds, Crows, Family Read-Alouds, Christian Fiction, US History 1950-2000
Synopsis: When her father finds an injured baby crow and gives it to Louise to raise, she is in for more excitement than she anticipated!
One time recently when I ordered school books, I decided to add the storybook, Summer of the Talking Crow to my order. It looked like a fun one that my boys would enjoy. Sure enough, it turned out to be a lovely story, and quite popular with the younger ones.
Louise’s daddy came to the house one day with a surprise—a baby crow who had been injured when the tree his nest was in blew down. She raised the crow, first feeding him with an eyedropper, and then giving him more adult food. Along the way, she had to learn that you need to continue to care for an animal, rather than pass off the responsibility when you get tired of it!
One day, Daddy suggested that Louise teach JoJo to talk. Could he learn? She persistently repeated the same phrase over and over until one day—he repeated it! She was delighted when he learned other phrases, although it was very annoying at times. What was worse, though, was when he started to carry things off and hide them. Where was he putting the family’s keys, tools, and Rhoda’s toys?
Any child who enjoys animal stories will love Summer of the Talking Crow, although be warned that the end is sad. It’s real, but some children may not like it. Not only is this a beautiful story of a girl and her pet crow, it is also a lovely story of a Christian family who love to spend time working and playing together. I really appreciated it.
WARNING: Parents, preview the last chapter before handing the book to sensitive children.
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 3 – 4, 5 – 8, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 7 – 9
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