Clever Crow

by Nina Lawrence

Clever Crow is 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. Crow spots a big turtle egg waiting to be cooked, and he cries out, ‘Yummy, food for me!’ But it is not an easy task stealing a turtle egg – even for a clever crow. Crow has to be more clever than he has ever been before! Children will love Bronwyn Bancrofts’s distinctive illustrations, and how the Djambarrpuynu language translation – Yolnu language from North East Arnhem Land – is woven into the design.

Genres: Picture Books

43 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2018

Reviews

[Underground Writers]

This review was first published on the Underground Writers website: http://underground-writers.org/review...

Clever Crow is a stunning union of English and Djambarrpuynu language. Djambarrpuynu is the language of the Indigenous people of North East Arnhem Land, and the use of the language in this book is mentored and aided by Yolnu Elders. Every page has the story transcribed in both English and Djambarrpuynu. Clever Crow follows a very cunning—and sneaky—crow that steals a big turtle egg from people—right under their noses! Children will love the wit of the story and admire Bancroft's beautiful illustrations of the crow's exploits. An orthography and glossary of the Djambarrpuynu language is located at the back of the book, which is a fantastic way to encourage readers to recognise and respect a language that has existed for over 40, 000 years. A fantastic book to enjoy Lawrence's writing and Bancroft's illustrations, and to educate children and adults alike!

[Emily Limey Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pictures, an engaging story and love that it's bilingual.

[Mooni Baronets · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay so first, I recognize the importance of preservation of languages. Now with that out of the way, this book was boring. I’m sorry.

[Kamana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives you a food for thought.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully presented book - from the imprint of the wonderful Magabala Books.
The story - enticing in its simplicity - is carefully told by Nina Lawrence in both English and Djambarrpuynu (one of the Yolngu languages of North East Arnhem Land), and is a real treasure for preserving and promoting Indigenous language. Bronwyn Bancroft's rich and sumptuous illustrations are, as always, a feast for the eye and the heart.