The Crows of Pearlblossom

About this book

Sophie Blackall illustrator of the Caldecott-Medal-winning book Finding Winnie created standout illustrations for this timeless picture book. Written in 1944 by Aldous Huxley as a Christmas gift for his niece The Crows of Pearblossom tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Crow who live in a cottonwood tree. The hungry Rattlesnake that lives at the bottom of the tree has a nasty habit of stealing Mrs. Crows eggs before they can hatch so Mr. Crow and his wise friend Old Man Owl devise a sneaky plan to trick him. This funny story of cleverness triumphing over greed similar in tone and wit to the work of A. A. Milne shows a new side of a great writer. Paired with stunning illustrations by Caldecott-winner Sophie Blackall this timeless tale is sure to grab the attention of many readersadults and children alike. Praise for The Crows of Pearblossom With Huxleys mordant wit in ample supply this tale will entertain literary novelty seekers. Publishers Weekly Huxleys story starts good and grimjust the thing to hold a young audience. Kirkus Reviews A rather charming childrens book. The story is clever wittily told and bristles with spiky humor and it could quite possibly become a new favorite among schoolchildren. In the reissued edition Brooklyn-based illustrator Sophie Blackwell transforms the chapter book into a picture book. Huxleys standing as one of the grandfathers of dystopian Y.A. is already established. Perhaps the next generation will think of him as that guy who wrote about crows eggs. New York Times ARTSBEAT blog A vivid picture-book edition with robust and suitably disquieting illustrations by Sophie Blackall. Wall Street Journal