Scarecrow

by Cynthia Rylant, Lauren Stringer (Illustrator)

From a Newbery Medal-winning author, a look at life from a scarecrow’s point of view, accompanied by “magnificent” illustrations (School Library Journal).   Scarecrows. They perch high above gardens and fields, with borrowed coats and button eyes and pie-pan hands that glint in the sun. What else is there to know about them? Perhaps more than we realize. Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant’s rich and poignant story, powerfully illustrated by Lauren Stringer, will resonate deeply in the hearts of readers, who just might find themselves seeing the world in a whole new way.   “Rylant lyrically imagines the scarecrow as a grateful ‘witness to life,’ while the acrylic paintings evoke a warm, even nostalgic sense of plenty.”—Publishers Weekly    "Rylant uses casual, conversational language with simple elegance and pleasing rhythms.”—School Library Journal   “Rylant is in fine form.”—Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Nature, School, Environment, Halloween

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 1998

About the author

Cynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a little too depressing for a children's storybook.

And the illustrations need to be a bit more clear I feel.

Love the artstyle though.

A story about how a scarecrow feels. Like his life is not his own and everything about it is not its own.

[Rebecca Crunden]

✾ children’s book review ✾

Wow. I am so impressed by this little book. A very thought provoking tale told with poignant brevity.

You know, for some reason my mind immediately went to the quote ‘imagine Sisyphus happy’ , although I don’t think the comparison is necessarily similar to this story, it is still what the message evoked for me. I really enjoyed this take on a scarecrow’s perspective.

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[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, simple story about the beauty of leading a simple life. Scarecrow is a great example of "being in the now" and appreciating everything life gives to him, without ever being worried about what will come next or be taken away. There's some good wisdom for grown-ups here!!! (Tolle fans will probably like this.)

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very peaceful and soothing story.

[Lia Anshar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells you about how it feels to be a scarecrow. Stay silent in the garden all day, friendless, except for the birds. Even though it gets no praise from others, it still does its best for its job, taking care of the garden happily.

It might be just a simple story about a scarecrow, but it has a lot of important lessons that children can learn. Such as giving appreciation for simple things in life. Some items might look ordinary, but they can play a major part in our lives.

Not just the story that makes me fall in love with this book, but also—and, of course—the illustration. It is so beautiful! The colors Stringer used to draw enhanced the melancholy side of the story.

I would love to give this book to my students. I think it would be a great book to add to my lesson plan.

More reviews: https://liaanshar.wordpress.com/

[Cathy aka The Attached Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, if I could give this book 6 stars out of 5 I would. Why in the world are people only giving this wonderful book 3 stars?? I think this was a lovely story.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, simple book about scarecrows and what they do. I do find it strange that Rylant says the scarecrow has to be gentle and kind to birds since scaring away birds is their main purpose.

Good for preschool or toddler storytimes.

[Alicia Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a little bit over the head of my 3 year old. Seemed a bit forced in a melodramatic way. I think it'd be a athlete named Deep Thoughts by a Scarecrow. It was a read-once-and-return kind of book for us.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very Zen, fine, whatever. But making friends with the birds? Sorry, I'm a farmer's daughter and I cannot accept the premise.

[Dian Arum Firnanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in the morning after I've done with my work. It makes me realize few things. I used to think scarecrow is just to make animals scared, like its name. But it does have different perspective. That scarecrows are there to be animals friend. So the birds can land on its warm arms. Or the spiders can make a net on his. It's so beautiful if I think about it. Scarecrow feels so blessed just because they can sit there watching sun come and go, or when the snow drops, or even watching stars all night long. With his smiley face that human used to think it's scary. Maybe it's for some animals but it does have different perspective.

[Malory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a sweet book. There wasn't a lot of action in it but that's ok. I liked how it was kind of teaching the lesson that not everything has to be over the top or exciting to be a good life. The scarecrow was content to simply be a part of the world and to see nature around him. I think it's a good lesson for kids to teach them to "stop and smell the roses." I would read this for next Fall!

[Ali Book&Seaglasshunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rylant’s writing style ways appeals to me, and I enjoyed this calm and poetic story of a scarecrows life. Even though the scarecrow is made up of random, tossed out pieces he is confident and stable in who he is. He knows what his purpose in life is and he finds joy in where he is. The illustrations were alright, I liked the color choices but they were missing something to make them stand out a little extra.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarecrows. They perch high above gardens and fields, with borrowed coats and button eyes and pie-pan hands that glint in the sun. What else is there to know about them? Perhaps more than we realize. Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant’s rich and poignant story, powerfully illustrated by Lauren Stringer, will resonate deeply in the hearts of readers, who just might find themselves seeing the world in a whole new way.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book were exquisite! I had seen posts where people said they cried when reading it; it didn't quite touch me that much! The transitions from season to season are so wonderfully done. I think my favorite page is the autumn spread with the close up of the scarecrow's face; you can practically feel the texture of the burlap.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an interesting concept: to see autumn through the eyes of a scarecrow. However, this book is almost a little too conceptual for younger readers in that there y it s no plot or storyline—the scarecrow doesn’t even get a name! I thought it would have been cool too to explain why the scarecrow had to be out in the garden surrounded by birds.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend described Rylant's writing as flowing from a mountain brook. I agree. This simple picture book describes the place of a scarecrow in a garden, watching everything, being a friend, and showing gentleness. A must read for any student, parent, teacher, or lover of beautiful words!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. I didn’t love the illustrations because they were blurry sometimes but they did add to the story. This book, like “Life” both have a wonderful message of appreciation for what you have. Good imagery as well. Great for gratitude.

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this a long time ago, forget the introspection of the scarecrow, knowing he is borrowed parts, that to live is to experience all around him. Love that philosophy. Pair it with The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry for a thoughtful storytime.

[Scarlett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Attempt to be artsy in a forced way (a scarecrow that doesn’t scare crows? And contemplates life?). It ends up with “nothing really matters” (he’s fine with no longer existing, basically).
The artsiness wouldn’t appeal to a kid.
Makes me wary to check out the Henry and Mudge series.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful kids book on the "life" of a scarecrow. The wording and the illustrations are just gorgeous!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poetic writing. Haunting and dreamy. I love how the illustrations capture the sadness and wistfulness of autumn moving into winter.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, wonderful book! The life of a scarecrow as he lives through all kinds of weather thinking long, slow, thoughts. Happiness and pure joy to share with kids.

[Christine Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scarecrow Story Time. Looks at a homemade scarecrow in the cornfield. Boring. Probably won't use again. 2.5 stars rounded up.

[Leslie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this again yesterday but many many times before. It is one of my all time favorite books. It has the sweetest sentiment, lovely thoughts about contentment.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

1/26/19 Read with Julia

[Tam Newell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used as a mentor text for reading to teach about Mental movies.

[Cheyenne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok then.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

AR 3.3

[Octavia B. Sithole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute for kiddies

Aww, this is such a cute little book for kiddies. The repetition of words and phrases makes it all the more exciting!

[Jean Doolittle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quiet, meditative story. It leaves you with a peaceful feeling. Not a story with a lot of action or adventure, but oh so lovely for a reflective child.