Tabor, Corey. Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World). Corey Tabor, Illus. Harper Collins, 05/2025. [34]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-0-06-337358-7. GRADES Kindergarten–1. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Crow is an undercover agent, guarding Earth from incoming asteroids. While Squirrel, Bat, Hummingbird, and Cat believe Crow is simply cranky, the truth is that Crow is quietly awaiting the moment to leap into action to save the planet. The colorful digital illustrations bring Crow’s secret agent world vividly to life, featuring a rocket, a car, an astronaut suit, and four computer screens—plus a hidden underground living room accessed by an elevator inside a utility pole. The artwork is rich in detail, depicting everything from missiles, bubbles, and lasers to cupcake buttons inside the rocket. Dynamic scenes of the rocket zooming through outer space and dramatic views of Earth add excitement as the story unfolds. These imaginative details make the story appealing and the repeated “Kaw” adds a playful rhythm that makes it ideal for reading aloud. To top it off, the conclusion rewards readers with a secret code, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Eboni Weston—San José State University iSchool Student