International Crow and Raven Appreciation Day is celebrated on 27th April.
Both black birds, crows and ravens are members of the bird family Corvidae - along with magpies and jays. These birds are often targeted as they are believed to be greedy, scavengers or omens of death. They appear in cultural tales all around the world: the raven is often associated with loss and ill omen, and as a talking bird, with prophecy and insight, connecting the physical world with spirits. Yet, it is important to mention that they are very intelligent. Studies have revealed that both ravens and crows are able to use past experience to plan for the future!
In one of my favourite adult books, The Atomic Weight of Love, the female protagonist studies and befriends crows and it was through reading this book that I became interested in learning more about them. Also our school playground has a couple of regulars, big black birds and I'm not sure whether they are crows or ravens, but they are very good at finding food.
Australia has both native ravens and crows. Australia has five native species of corvids (crow/raven family), including two crow species along with three raven species, which are often difficult to tell apart. They are commonly found in both rural and urban environments, often adapting to city life.
The library has quite a few books that have 'crow' in their title and only two books that have 'raven' in the title and while indigenous authors feature crows in their stories I failed to find any that feature ravens. Nevertheless, there are so may beautiful books that celebrate crows and ravens.
An endearing and witty tale that follows the exploits of a hungry and very clever crow. Crow searches in the bush for food but he can find none. It is only when he comes across people preparing for a ceremony that his luck changes.
A Dreamtime story from the Boorooberongal/Darkinjung People. Wargan the crow was a beautiful bird. He had the most colourful feathers of all the birds and a long colourful tail. Wargan was a show off and would tease the other birds with his beauty.
• Crow Baby by Helen Milroy
Crow Baby was born with two spirits - one crow, and one human. Spending her time living across two worlds, she is content within her crow clan and her human family. But one day, a time of crisis arrives, and Crow Baby must make a difficult decision in order to save both her families.
Way back, before once-upon-a-time, there was the Dreamtime when all the birds were white. One of those white birds was a crow called Waan. One day a big storm came through and a magnificent rainbow appeared. When the birds passed through the rainbow, one by one, their feathers took on its beautiful colours.
There was once a crow who lived in a tree by a waterhole. Each morning, she stared into the water and saw another crow staring back. Crow thought Crow-in-the-waterhole was the most wonderful bird she had ever seen.
• The Crow's Tale by Naomi Howarth
In the dark depths of winter, snow is falling and the animals are freezing and famished. Brave Crow sets out on a dangerous journey to find the Sun, and beg for warmth. Will Crow succeed, and what will happen to his colourful rainbow feathers? Inspired by a Lenape Native American myth, this picture book shows how courage and kindness are what really matter.
• Clever Crow by Chris Butterworth and Olivia Lomenech Gill
Crows may not have flashy feathers, beautiful songs, or fancy flying skills, but if a crow looks at you with its small, round eye, you can be sure that it's thinking, as these birds have very big brains. Did you know that crows will use a stick to poke into a crevice to tease out tasty bugs? Or that they like to play like kids by tumbling down a snowy roof?
While a farmer tends his field of wheat, six hungry crows watch and wait in a nearby tree. When the wheat ripens, the farmer builds a scarecrow to frighten them off, but these ingenious crows are not so easily scared.
• The Crow and the Peacock by Jo Fernihough
Follow one crow's quest to discover the happiest bird in the world. He meets a peacock, bound in a golden cage. Crow is in awe of the creature's magnificent bejewelled tail - and believes this must be the happiest bird of all. But when Crow discovers the peacock's wish to fly free, he realises who was the happiest bird all along.
In this timeless Aesop's fable, a fox and a crow vie for a piece of bread. The crow has it, but can the fox get it?
All the birds tease old Crow for his scraggly feathers and harsh call, especially proud Cardinal. But whenCardinal gets into trouble, there is only one creature smart enough to get him out. Will Crow choose to help the boastful bird? Inspired by Aesop's fables, it reminds us all that 'pride and foolishness often go hand in hand.'
• Hello Crow! by Candace Savage
Inspired by a true story about a real girl and her crow friends.
• Crowbar by Jean Craighead George and Wendell Minor
A young boy finds a baby crow abandoned, cold and hungry. He takes him home, hoping to nurse him back to health. His Grandpa disapproves--he thinks that crows are pests and thieves! The boy knows that the crow he names "Crowbar" is capable of learning more than how to eat, caw, and fly. But can he prove it?
• It Wasn't Me ! by Udo Weigelt and Julia Gukova
Ferret's raspberries have been stolen. Who has stolen them? Was it the raven girl Sabine again? Hasty conclusions are proved unfounded, but Sabine was rightfully offended to have been wrongly accused. So, who was it?
Raven, the trickster, wants to give people the gift of light. But can he find out where Sky Chief keeps it? And if he does, will he be able to escape without being discovered? His dream seems impossible, but if anyone can find a way to bring light to the world, wise and clever Raven can.
Anya's mother journeys to the glacier to pick the blue gentian flowers that grow there, but this time, she does not return. She has been captured by the Snow-Witch and imprisoned in the ice. Anya and her father set off with the ravens to rescue her. It's a treacherous journey, and there is no knowing what they will find...
• The White Raven by Kathryn Otoshi (coming in July)
When a raven is born different, it must navigate the fear and loneliness of being cast out—but with a child’s kindness and a resilient spirit, this white raven discovers what it means to be seen, loved, and free. Inspired by real-life ravens with leucism, this story is a beautiful reminder that our differences can become our wings.
When I put out a display this week I will also include these:
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