The Company of Crows: A Book of Poems

by Marilyn Singer, Linda Saport (Illustrator)

You’d think I learned color from the cardinal or the goldfinch, But no— I learned it from the crow.

As a group of crows travels through a small town, everyone has something to say about them—from the painter whom they inspire, to the pig who enjoys their company, to the birdwatcher who wonders what the crows think of people. Here are 23 poems, in the voices of humans, animals, crows, and other birds, that offer a unique perspective on the American crow, a bird commonly thought of as a symbol of bad luck. Whimsical, varied, and easily accessible, Marilyn Singer’s well-crafted poetry reveals surprising truths about crows, such as their fondness for games like “Pull the Clothespin” and their devotion to family and flock. Linda Saport’s breathtaking pastel illustrations are a visual treat, celebrating the natural world and our relationship to it. Author’s note.

Genres: Poetry, Animals, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Marilyn Singer was born in the Bronx (New York City) on October 3, 1948 and lived most of her early life in N. Massapequa (Long Island), NY. She attended Queens College, City University of New York, and for her junior year, Reading University, England. She holds a B.A. in English from Queens and an M.A. in Communications from New York University.

In 1974, after teaching English in New York City high schools for several years, she began to write - initially film notes, catalogues, teacher's guides and film strips. Then, one day, when she was sitting in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, she penned a story featuring talking insect characters she'd made up when she was eight. Encouraged by the responses she got, she wrote more stories and in 1976 her first book, The Dog Who Insisted He Wasn't, was published by E.P.Dutton & Co.

Since then, Marilyn has published over seventy books for children and young adults. Her genres are many and varied, including realistic novels, fantasies, non-fiction, fairy tales, picture books, mysteries and poetry. She likes writing many different kinds of books because it's challenging and it keeps her from getting bored. She has won several Children's Choice and Parents' Choice Awards, as well as the following: the Creature Carnival, Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book, 2005; I Believe in Water: Twelve Brushes with Religion, New York Public Library's "Best Books for the Teen Age," 2001; Stay True: Short Stories for Strong Girls, Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, 2000 (YALSA); On the Same Day in March, Booklist's Top Ten Science Books of 2000; NCSS-CBC Notable Book, 2000; Deal with a Ghost, finalist, YA category, Edgar Award, 1998; It Can't Hurt Forever, Maud Hart Lovelace Award, 1983; The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth, ALA Best Book for Young Adults, 1983; Turtle in July, NCTE Notable, N.Y.Times Best Illustrated and Time Magazine Best Children's Books of 1989; Turtle in July was also a Reading Rainbow review book.

Marilyn currently lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband Steve; their standard poodle Oggi, a cousin of their beloved and recently departed poodle Easy, seen in the home page photo; a cat named August ; two collared doves named Jubilee and Holiday; and a starling named Darling. Her interests include dog training, reading, hiking, bird-watching, gardening, meditation, playing computer adventure games and going to the movies and the theatre. She's also a major Star Trek fan.

Reviews

[Becky Loader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corvids have a special place in my heart.

These illustrations are so evocative of crows and their singular appearance. I found them positively delightful!

The poems are light-hearted and cheery. Just what everyone needs!

My favorite?
The Poet
"Winter is a quiet crow
stepping stately, sedately
across a frozen lake."

Ahhhhhh. So nice.

[Emily Kanelis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group of crows travel through a town and all the people and animals within the town has an opinion on the crows. Each of the 24 poems within this book are written in the point of view of a flock of crows, other animals and various people. All the people in this book are either irritated or curious of the crows and has something to say about the crows. But the crows believes they are misunderstood. This book gives a new perspective on crows and brings attention to their unseen side.

This book was not very engaging to me and lacked purpose. The poems did not come naturally as the reader read them. I believe a non fiction version of this book that teaches students about crows and their habitats would of been more effective. Though teachers can use this book to teach the importance of getting to know someone before making assumptions about them.

[Addy Wooldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book was a poetry book for children to help get children into liking poetry by using a story to go along with it. The book talking about crows and how everyone views them differently is a great story to tell and by telling the story through the use of poetry.

[Rina April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book so much! The story and illustrations ❤️❤️❤️

[Victoria Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has an interesting way of giving a new perspective on crows. The book consists of a multitude of poems from different people and animals, [perspectives] all describing their thoughts and relationships with the crows around them. With both the human and animal perspectives established it is easier to understand the life of a crow. This book is a great example of how a single poem can tell a complete story as well as a collection of poems to create a bigger picture.

[Danyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book purchased for our future children.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the illustrations and some of the poems.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big, colorful illustrations but, at points, the poetry felt forced.