Zo in the Roosting Tree

by Sara Webley, Robin Prisland (Illustrator)

Caw! Zo looks like a crow, sounds like a crow, and flies like a crow. But Zo thinks she’s a human girl inside!

Zo in the Roosting Tree tells the story of a clever crow, through the eyes of a human girl. A girl who loves being a crow, but who must find the secret to being human. Follow Zo’s adventures as she wakes up one morning in the roosting tree, learns to fly, plays games with a goofy cardinal named Rufus, and surfs the wind with her wings in the clouds. Kahr! Kahr!

Being Zo the crow is fun. And Rufus has become her best birdy friend. But when Zo discovers the dangers of her new life—owls and bobcats and cars—she misses her human family. Time is running out. Can a mysterious snapping turtle help Zo find the magic she needs to go home again?

This warm, nature-based fantasy is told by Zo herself. Readers will learn about quick-witted crows, while Zo learns to use her instincts and her smarts—with some help from her animal friends.

111 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2019

About the author

When Sara Webley was ten years old, her grandmother’s journal published Sara’s poem about a lobster… minus the final stanza. Not too happy with Grandma’s editing, Sara became an editor and writer herself, and now she helps others do their best writing. As an author, Sara combines her love of animals with her love of books for young readers. She has worked in the zoo and aquarium world, caring for seals, otters, porcupines, coyotes, snakes, monkeys, turtles, and other animals. Now she volunteers with hawks and owls at a nature center, where she has met one very special crow. Sara lives in the wooded hills, far from the city. She loves to watch the crows gather at dusk in their roosting tree near her home.
https://www.sarawebley.com
amazon.com/author/sara_webley

Reviews

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I thought I would be bored as an adult to read this book. Nope! I love nature, and a vivid imagination about how animals think and react. I knew that the author either had a background in Science, or had done very good research. The ability to imagine and develop empathy toward the animals was amazing. The story had vivid imagery, and really flowed. I don't think I would ever want to be a crow, but I know I will never look at a crow the same way again!

[Children's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this remarkably creative children’s fantasy book. Such an interesting idea for a book! What would you do if tomorrow morning you woke up and you had switched places with a crow? You have all your memories of being a human and no idea how to be a crow. In this strange new body you have to learn to live life as a completely different creature. Written and narrated from the perspective of the human girl trapped in a crows body, this story is sure to get you thinking about nature in a different way. Life as a crow may not be as carefree as you would think. Will Zo the crow ever get to bottom of this mysterious situation? Can Zo figure out how to change back into her human body or be stuck being a crow forever. This is a great read for 8 years old and up or as a chapter by chapter read aloud.

[Leonore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute.

[Raviteja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zo in the Roosting Tree is a refreshing reminder of the beauty that exists when imagination meets nature. Sara Webley creates an immersive world where the boundaries between human and animal dissolve, allowing readers to truly understand life from another creature’s perspective. The transformation of Jae into Zo is described with such detail that one can almost feel the lift of air beneath the crow’s wings.

This book isn’t just about a girl’s magical adventure; it’s about the quiet lessons that nature teaches—resilience, curiosity, and connection. The writing flows like poetry, and Webley’s empathy for the natural world gives every page warmth. It’s a story that invites readers to slow down, listen, and rediscover wonder.

[Surya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Webley’s Zo in the Roosting Tree is a perfect blend of fantasy, nature writing, and heart. The story begins with Jae waking up to discover she’s become a crow, and from there unfolds a moving narrative of adaptation and growth. What stands out most is Webley’s ability to weave emotional depth into every flutter of a wing.

Through Zo’s eyes, we see both the beauty and peril of the natural world—the thrill of flying, the threat of predators, and the simple joy of belonging to a family. The book carries a subtle message about empathy and the interconnectedness of life, wrapped in accessible, lyrical prose. It’s an enchanting read for both children and adults.

[IRAH121987 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Webley’s novel is a celebration of curiosity and the quiet wisdom of the natural world. Zo in the Roosting Tree takes readers into the mind and body of a crow in a way that feels startlingly real. Every detail—from the glint of sunlight on feathers to the joy of soaring over treetops—draws you closer to Zo’s journey.

This is a book that teaches without preaching. It shows the reader that every being, no matter how small, has purpose and intelligence. Through Zo’s eyes, the forest becomes a place of wonder, danger, and discovery. It’s a deeply satisfying read that leaves you changed in some small, beautiful way.

[Srinivas Kaushik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Zo in the Roosting Tree feels like stepping into a dream that you don’t want to end. The story of Jae’s transformation into a crow is described with such imagination and heart that it’s impossible not to be swept away. The forest, the sky, the sounds of wings—all come alive in Sara Webley’s vivid descriptions.

What makes this story exceptional is how it handles the idea of identity. Zo’s confusion, excitement, and ultimate acceptance mirror the universal human journey of self-discovery. It’s rare for a children’s story to balance whimsy and wisdom so gracefully.

[Anasurya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few books for young readers manage to combine emotional honesty with sheer imaginative delight as beautifully as Zo in the Roosting Tree. The story takes a simple “what if” and turns it into a profound exploration of empathy and belonging.

Sara Webley’s writing is graceful and compassionate, guiding readers through Zo’s experiences as both human and bird. The friendship between Zo and Rufus the cardinal adds humor and heart, while Shelly the snapping turtle brings wisdom to the tale. It’s a story that entertains and enlightens in equal measure.

[Sri Mohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zo in the Roosting Tree captures the childlike wonder of discovering the world anew. Jae’s transformation into a crow becomes a metaphor for learning, adaptation, and acceptance. Through Webley’s delicate storytelling, readers experience the thrill of flight and the tenderness of connection.

What stands out most is the authenticity of emotion. Zo’s longing for her human life blends beautifully with her love for her crow family, creating a poignant tension. It’s a moving story that encourages readers to embrace both change and belonging.

[Prabhakarrao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Webley’s Zo in the Roosting Tree is one of those rare stories that manage to feel timeless. It reads like a modern fable, filled with wonder and quiet truths. The writing is tender and deliberate, allowing readers to savor every moment of Zo’s journey.

Beyond the fantasy of transformation, this is a book about perspective—how seeing through another’s eyes can expand our understanding of life. It’s beautifully written, filled with gentle humor, and brimming with heart. A genuine treasure for readers of all ages.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

From its first line, Zo in the Roosting Tree captures the reader’s imagination and refuses to let go. Sara Webley’s ability to make the reader see, hear, and feel the forest through Zo’s senses is remarkable. The author balances playfulness and wisdom in perfect measure.

The story encourages curiosity about the natural world and invites reflection on what it means to belong. As Zo learns the rhythms of bird life, readers learn something about patience, bravery, and love. It’s an imaginative journey that feels deeply human.

[Akhil Murarishetty · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something magical about a story that makes you feel both grounded and free, and Zo in the Roosting Tree achieves exactly that. The narrative is filled with texture—rustling leaves, rushing wings, and glimmering lakes. Sara Webley brings nature to life with empathy and precision.

Zo’s adventures with Rufus and her crow parents are exciting, but what truly resonates is her emotional growth. She learns that love and identity can take many forms, and that understanding others begins with openness. It’s an uplifting, memorable book.

[Vidhitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zo in the Roosting Tree is a tender, beautifully crafted story that celebrates transformation and discovery. The idea of a young girl waking up as a crow feels whimsical, but Sara Webley handles it with such sincerity that it becomes believable and moving.

Every page carries the pulse of life—flight, danger, friendship, and longing. Zo’s dual identity as girl and bird mirrors the universal experience of finding one’s place in the world. This is storytelling at its most heartfelt and imaginative

[Thanuja Shetty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Webley’s Zo in the Roosting Tree stands out for its balance of adventure and emotion. The world she creates feels real, down to the last flutter of feathers. Jae’s transformation is not treated as a trick of fantasy but as a profound journey of learning and empathy.

The characters—both human and animal—are drawn with sensitivity and charm. Webley reminds readers that nature is not something separate from us, but a mirror of our own emotions and instincts. It’s a thoughtful and inspiring read.

[Harshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Zo in the Roosting Tree, Sara Webley takes the reader on a sensory-rich journey through the eyes of a crow. The story captures the beauty and danger of the wild with poetic clarity. Zo’s adventures are both exciting and deeply emotional, reflecting the tension between freedom and safety.

What makes this book special is its quiet wisdom. It shows young readers that courage often means embracing the unknown and learning to trust themselves. It’s a rare kind of story that delights the imagination while nourishing the heart.

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: "Zo in the Roosting Tree"

by Sara Webley ✨📚

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉Dive into a world where imagination knows no bounds and the wonders of nature come to life in "Zo in the Roosting Tree" by Sara Webley. 🌿🌟 This captivating tale follows the extraordinary journey of Zo, a young girl who wakes up one day to find herself transformed into a crow. 🐦✨

👉As Zo adjusts to her new avian form, readers are transported into a realm where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. 🌈 Webley's masterful storytelling paints a vivid picture of Zo's adventures, from soaring through the skies with grace to forging unlikely friendships with the denizens of the forest. 🌲🐿️ Each page is infused with a sense of magic and wonder, inviting readers of all ages to join Zo on her quest for self-discovery and belonging. 💫

👉But "Zo in the Roosting Tree" is more than just a fantastical romp through the woods—it's a heartfelt exploration of identity, empathy, and the power of connection. 💖 Through Zo's eyes, we learn to see the world in a new light, appreciating the beauty and diversity of life in all its forms. 🌟 From the playful banter between Zo and her feathered friends to the tender moments of reflection beneath the roosting tree, every page is imbued with warmth and authenticity. 🌟📖

👉What truly sets this book apart is its ability to resonate with readers on a profound level. 🌟 Whether you're a child discovering the magic of storytelling for the first time or an adult seeking refuge in the pages of a beloved tale, "Zo in the Roosting Tree" offers something for everyone. 📚💖 So let your imagination take flight and embark on a journey that will leave you spellbound long after you've turned the final page. 🌟📚

#BookLovers #MagicalAdventure #NatureInspired #MustRead 🌿📚

Happy reading 😁😁