Coyote Cry

by Byrd Baylor, Symeon Shimin (Illustrator)

used-very good

Genres: Childrens

34 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Byrd Baylor has always lived in the Southwest, mainly in Southern Arizona near the Mexican border. She is at home with the southwestern desert cliffs and mesas, rocks and open skies. She is comforted by desert storms. The Tohono O’odham people, previously known as the Papagos, are her neighbors and close friends. She has focused many of her writings on the region’s landscape, peoples, and values. Through her books of rhythmic prose poetry, written primarily for children, she celebrates the beauty of nature and her own feelings of rapport with it.
Byrd has written many books for children.

Her books have been honored with many prestigious children’s book awards, including the Caldecott Award and the Texas Bluebonnet Award. All of her books are full of the places and the peoples that she knows. She thinks of these books as her own kind of private love songs to the place she calls home.

Reviews

[529_Quincy Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coyote Cry by Byrd Baylor is the story of two shepherds, Antonio and his grandfather. Antonio is angered by the distant cries of coyotes he only sees as his enemy. One night while he is asleep a coyote steals into the camp and makes off with one of his dog’s puppies. They spend the next few days looking for the pup, Antonio only expects the worse. His grandfather who sees the coyote as their “companero” instead of enemy believes the coyote has taken the pup for its own. One day they find the pup is indeed being cared for by the coyote. Antonio steals the puppy back and reunites him with his original mother. By the end of the story, Antonio realizes his grandfather was right and the coyote just is not his enemy.
As a teacher I could utilize this book in lower grades in order to teach the importance of understanding and respect. Antonio’s characterization allows the reader to clearly see how his hatred prevents him from seeing anything he is not looking for. As the story progresses he is able to grow as a character by questioning his beliefs and the world around him. The illustrations by Symeon Shimin are unique and gripping. The black and white drawing of Antonio listening to the coyote at night clearly depicts his escalating fear.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very touching story with many layers weaving through it. Byrd Baylor is fast becoming an author I really respect and enjoy reading, though many people don't know who she is, despite the fact that her books as still in print. Unfortunately, this one is out-of-print. While Byrd doesn't write in her usual poetic style, and the illustrations are done by Dymeon Shimin, instead of Baylor's usual illustrator, Peter Parnall, this book has a lot to offer the reader.

Coyotes are generally viewed as enemies in most literature, and perhaps for good reason. They are perhaps misunderstood, which is how the boy in this story, Antonio, sees them. Antonio and his grandfather keep a flock of sheep. At night the two can hear the howls of the coyotes in the night and Antonio has always hated them because they threaten the flock. But one night one of the pups from the sheep dog's litter is taken and Antonio is filled with hate and revenge towards the coyote that took it. He is determined to find the lost pup or the coyote who took it and take his revenge.

But what happens, what Antonio experiences, is something more fascinating... This was a deeply told story of misconceptions and I really loved reading it. I will say that the story is in the form of a picture book, with very beautiful illustrations both in black and white and watercolors. But I have to say that it reads more like an early chapter book. I could see it being alongside shorter works like Sarah, Plain, and Tall, as far as structure and the fact that it's much longer than the usual picture book.

Be that as it may, this was a very engaging read for me. I also enjoyed the aspect of it being told of Mexican characters who are not demoralized by their creations. It was very beautiful. They were fleshed-out characters and I tip my hat to Baylor and Shimin. While Baylor is white, she definitely wrote with respect and humanity towards another race that often gets written (even in children's literature) as caricatures. Definitely will be keeping this book in my collection. Coyote Cry (1972). My rating - 5/5

[Waqar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't purchase this book if someone has this book scanned copy kindly send me at waqarsiddiqi640@gmail.com because I had this book when I was a kid but unfortunately lost it during shifting to my house.

[Gian Zaleta · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story! I love how the boy's heart melts on the poor animal. Taught us about being respectful to every living thing that roams the earth.

[ThePinkCarrot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some complex emotions going on here. This might be a good story for bigger children who can understand complex situations.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coyotes are often viewed so negatively that it's nice to read a story that features a coyote as one of the characters. What I particularly like is that a boy with strong negative feelings changes his mind. Change is an important part of growing and learning, and kids need to know that.

[Mai Keyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching story of tolerance. The previous review says it all.

Makes me think of how wolves are shoot-on-sight in many places.