Winslow Scarecrow

by Stephen G. Bowling

He’s friendly as can be! But when his kindness causes a stir, can this cornfield guardian use his noggin to make everyone happy?

Winslow the scarecrow wouldn’t hurt a fly. Full of song and wearing a silly hat, the bespectacled fellow stretches out his arms and welcomes the crows to rest their weary wings. But he’s shocked when the other straw-filled-scarers get upset because they think he’s falling down on the job.

Listening to his brightly dressed pals argue over what is proper, he thinks hard to come up with a better way. And hoping to find an agreeable solution, he spies the fallen corn on the ground going to waste and the kernel of an idea begins to sprout.

Can Winslow protect the farmer’s crops and still welcome the rascally rooks?

Winslow Scarecrow is a charming children’s picture book. If you or your child like resolving conflict, seeing problems from all sides, and bringing people together, then you’ll adore Stephen G Bowling’s beautifully illustrated tale.

Read Winslow Scarecrow to be a ray of sunshine today!

Genres: Childrens

34 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Stephen G. Bowling is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.

Much like Peter Pan, Steve never wanted to grow up. Or rather, while he didn’t mind getting older, he never wanted to lose the child-like enchantment of imagination and wonder. Creating colorful worlds and stories for children has allowed Steve to both preserve his own imagination while sharing the joy of learning with children worldwide. He currently has six children’s books published and his books have also won several illustration awards.

Steve has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Brandeis University. He is an entrepreneur who has worked on and holds several U.S. Patents. He heads The Prometheum Foundation, a non-profit philosophical organization that helps teach students critical and analytical thinking, freedom of thought, and entrance into the marketplace of ideas.

He is a lifelong weightlifter, an avid student of history and philosophy, and has a fascination with astrophysics.

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/stephengbowling

Visit the website ➜ stephengbowling.com

Send an email ➜ info@stephengbowling.com

Reviews

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winslow Scarecrow written by Stephen G. Bowling and illustrated by Vitali Dudarenka is an amazing addition to any family's autumn book collection. As an educator, I found it to be a touching story through both the words and artwork. I would like to thank Book Sirens for the advanced reading copy. I will be buying this for my personal library once it is available on September 24th.

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book! I loved numerous elements of this book, and each of them worked together really well to make an overall awesome book.

1. Rhyming. The rhyming wasn't forced, and allowed the story to flow nicely. The author's cleverness shines through in the flawless writing.

2. Illustrations. It was perfect how the illustrator decided to make every scarecrow unique and different, with varying personalities and looks.

3. Message. This message is so important for young readers: you get so much further with kindness rather than rudeness. Winslow definitely sets a good example for kids to imitate in their own lives.

I had so much fun reading this heartfelt book, and I know that many others will, too!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read for all children for the fall time. It starts out with Crow named Cranberry who is our narrator of the story and is telling us the story about a friendly scarecrow. The images are beautifully drawn and very colorful for kids of all ages. Winslow is a very friendly looking scarecrow and I like how he kind of resembles a human being my daughter liked this too.
We truly enjoyed how there was a community of scarecrows in this book that were protecting the corn and the fields from the crows. I loved how there was a message of the scarecrows being nice about scaring off the crows and not being mean. The end of the story has a great message and I love how the scarecrows are now friendly. I also love how the author put in facts about crows which I didn't know and I found that interesting and so did my daughter. I have previously read another book by this author called Grandma's House is Haunted and he is a great children's author that I highly recommend.

[Uilani Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the ease of reading this book, it’s great for read alouds. The story covers differed opinion on what their job as scarecrows are which conflicts with wanting to be kind. I love the conclusion which doesn’t compromise their job and allows for kindness. This can help parents teach their children kindness, even if they're the only one and that their kindness can spread.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

What should you do if society’s expectations and what you feel are right don’t agree? Winslow Scarecrow and some of the others on the farm don’t wish to scare the birds away; they would prefer to be friendly. Others in the group insist that they must frighten the birds and protect the crops in the fields. After some discussion, they find a compromise that keeps everyone happy - even the farmer.

The story is narrated in rhyming text by Cranberry Crow. We first see Cranberry perched on a book, holding a quill, and wearing a pair of pince-nez. As the story begins readers get a birds-eye view of the farm with the scarecrows just tiny little figures far below. When each of the scarecrows shares its opinion, there is a closeup view and we can notice distinguishing details. Winslow has wire rim glasses. Others have on a wedding gown, a striped scarf, a bowler hat, or a pink dress. Bill is very stereotypical with a red plaid shirt and blue overalls and Jack has a pumpkin for a head (the others have stuffed gunny sacks).

The process of each group member having a turn to share their thoughts and then working together for a solution that benefits everyone is a great model for young readers. Winslow’s idea that the crows can eat the corn that has fallen to the ground keeps the birds and the farmer satisfied. The illustration of all the scarecrows holding hands and smiling across the field is a visual reminder that working through conflict can make a stronger group.

[Matt Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the premise of the book! Breaking the mold of expectation and forging your own path, and bringing others along to make for a better world. I really enjoyed the rhyming and the artwork was fantastic!

Great for teaching children about challenging the status quo, the importance of open discussion, conflict resolution, being true to themselves, the power of words, compromise, compassion, and positivity. Would recommend!

[Lisa Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art in this book about scarecrows is absolutely stunning! I just loved the beautiful colors and wonderful characters that were brought to life. The story is sweet and talks about finding a different way to do things and how change is okay. The rhyming was a bit off in places, but the story itself was clear and sweet.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an entertaining and engaging experience - Winslow Scarecrow written by Stephen G Bowling uses imagination and rhyming verse to create a fun story for young and old. The delightful illustrations by Vitali Dudarnka are so detailed and the quirky elements make this story a joy to share with my children. With a powerful message about kindness and solving problems together, this charming picture book is a great addition to any family or school bookshelf!

Many thanks to the publisher for the digital review copy, via BookSirens. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

[Lolisa Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bowling takes you right to the cornfield to meet Winslow Scarecrow and his scarecrow friends. Each has a unique personality and appearance that is shared in a rhyming cadence. Their mission is to protect the fields from the crows, but perhaps there is a kinder way to do it! This is a wonderful book that shows children there are different ways to approach a problem and that a better answer may be right in front of them. The illustrations by Dudarenka bring the cornfields alive and align beautifully with the story. Bravo!

[Kim Wilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible illustrations adorn the pages of this children’s picture book. Written in rhyme, the story teaches a very important lesson; do you. Scarecrows don’t have to be scary any more than (insert social expectations). Do you and make a difference. Transparency and communication drive the story that could make a huge difference in the world.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We proudly announce that WINSLOW SCARECROW by Stephen G. Bowling has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG. This award is a testament to this book's quality and the impact it has had on readers.

[Mom1kori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winslow is such a lovable character! The book is beautifully illustrated and tells a touching story about solving problems and being kind. Winslow Scarecrow is a must-read for kids who love colorful art and meaningful stories.

[Carolyn Watson-Dubisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A scarecrow with a big heart stands in a field and convinces o others to welcome the crows to broke pieces of cor that remained and rotted in the field. Beautifully illustrated and a cute story.

[Fred Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful children's book. The pictures are perfect for this story and add great enjoyment to the reading. This is also unlike most scarecrow stories you will read.