Corvus
By Shallen Anne Chitwood (Turtle Top Publishing, 2026)
Genre: Fiction/Children – Middel Grade
Pages (Print): 146
Via: Author Request
Note: we received a complimentary copy of this book for honest review.
Did you know that butterflies can taste with their feet? Yup. It’s a thing. Like a superpower. Did you further know that crows have “monocular vision”? That’s a thing, too. It means crows can look in two directions at the same time. Kinda like I, Kimber the Magnificent, can keep a close eye on a rib eye steak at the same time I’m watching a new, juicy burger. What?
Well, yes sirree, Lassie! One of us learned a lot in this charming and highly engaging new book by one of our favorite indie authors, Shallen Anne Chitwood. (Kimber: Her work is like, Totally PAWsome! Just sayin’. See our review of one of her previous books, Big Love and War Horse.) True to form, Chitwood delivers again in this heartwarming and heartfelt story about a crow who’s afraid to fly and his chatty caterpillar chum with a heart of gold. We Totally Love-if-ied this book. Here’s why:
Clarence is a caterpillar with big ideas. Corvus is a little crow with a big problem – he’s afraid to fly. Together, these unlikely friends discover a world full of surprises, danger, and change.
Winter is coming and a legendary one-eyed hawk is stalking the crow clan. With his family preparing to migrate south, Corvus must decide if he can trust his wings and himself. Can Clarence help Corvus face his fears and find the courage to fly before it’s too late?
As danger closes in, Corvus learns that help can come from mysterious allies and unexpected friends. And that sometimes, the greatest “magic trick” of all is… Oh, wait. To find that out, you’ll have to read the book yourself.
“You know, when crows are given their names, it has great meaning. Your name defines who you are and what you will become. It is your fate. At least, for crows it is.”
Narrated by Clarence, who’s one sharp cookie, Corvus is a delightful read. Themes include friendship and transformation. Kindness. Honesty. Loneliness. Loss. Family. Loyalty. Hope. Masterfully written with pitch-perfect pacing, the plot is propelled by superb story-telling skills. It’s a lithe and agile read, moving as fast as Golden Tempo around the final turn at the Belmont Stakes. Descriptions are rich and robust, creating a You Are There vibe like you’re smack dab in the midst of the action. And in this warm and wonderful read, there’s plenty! Indeed, this charming and engaging story will grab young readers at page one and keep them turning pages until the very end.
“Well, I’ll come find you and let you know it’s me. Friends for life, Corvus, that’s what we are.”
There’s also the cycle of life. Life purpose. Perspective. The fabled one-eyed hawk, Zenith. The distinguished Monarch Extraordinaire, “Clarence Silkwood the Fourth, MD, Ph. D, LLC, Esquire.” Kimber: How’s that for a mouthful? Can I eat it?
“But Corvus’s battle was with fear, and fear is a formidable opponent.”
Scene stealers: Valia the Valiant and Lily Jane, famer’s daughter extraordinaire. And oh yeah. The illustrations by Michael Schulbaum? Que magnifique!
We also loved the way the author skillfully weaves fun and fascinating facts about science and nature into the story without sounding like school. Or even worse, homework. Like how crows have a special relationship with a farm, helping out “in ways that other animals can’t.” That includes eating grubs and bugs that would ruin a garden. And keeping the rodent population down. How ‘bout this: Did you know that crows don’t bury their dead? They might place sticks, leaves or pebbles near them, but they don’t bury them. But crows are also one of few animals that hold funerals, grieve and mourn the loss of their loved one. Handy-dandy sections at the end include Fun Facts for Curious Readers, Nature Notes, and Discussion Questions.
“But you’ll never know how something is gonna turn out unless you stick around to find out.”
Brimming with wit, whimsy, and wonder, Corvus is another winner. So, if you’re on the look out for a book for children ages 8 to 12 that’s uplifting, inspiring, and informative without feeling like a classroom lecture, grab a copy of Corvus. Now would be good.
“The truth is, if you put kindness out into the world, it usually comes back to you.”
On a personal note: We got interrupted while reading this book. Had to put it down for a few weeks due to external circumstances beyond our control. But when we returned to its pages, we found the story waiting patiently for us. Welcoming us back. Like an old friend. Or a really, really good dog (Mom: Don’t tell Kimmi I said that, okay? I’ll never hear the end of it!) We finished the balance of the book in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down!
“He sat down next to me so I wouldn’t be alone. Sometimes that is the best thing you can do for a friend. Just be there.”
Finally, Corvus is one of the finest children’s books we’ve read since a pig named Wilbur and a clever barn spider named Charlotte. Or a “sheep pig” named Babe. We like, Totally Love-ified it! You will, too.
Pages & Paws 