Pig and Crow - Hardcover

Enter Crow. This time the crafty bird has no problem trading his "magic" for the baked goods. Crushed from the loss of Olive, Pig takes the magic egg without argument, dutifully covering it in flannel pajamas to keep it safe and warm. Just when he's forgotten about it, he hears a "tap! tap! tap!" and out comes a baby Canada goose! From that day on, Pig is lonely no more. He's learned about the hard work of nurturing from the magic seeds, patience from caring for Olive Worm, and wisdom from the moment Olive Butterfly spread her wings and flew away. Though Crow is no hero in this story, he does show Pig that nature itself is magical. Kay Chorao, who raised a caterpillar to prepare for this book, has written and/or illustrated more than 70 books for children. Her detailed, expressive gouache and ink illustrations (reminiscent of Garth Williams's work in Charlotte's Web) make this sweet story of the wonder of nature and the power of hard work to cure loneliness absolutely irresistible. (Preschool to age 6) --Karin Snelson