Description
2026 ALSC Notable Children’s Book
A riveting informational picture book that explores the beguiling mysteries of crow behavior. Gorgeous illustrations take us into a crow’s environment and community, making this an incredible—and unforgettable—reading experience.
Caw‑Caaaaw! Crows are fascinating and resilient birds. What is the secret to their abundance and survival, especially throughout fall and winter seasons, when temperatures drop and crow-eating creatures lurk in the dark? I Am We unpacks these mysteries, exploring how and why crows roost together by the thousands and their reliance on cooperation and community.
Sharing a home in our urbanized ecosystem, crows are the ideal subject for learning about how animals interact with the environment and with each other. With dazzling color illustrations and irresistibly engaging and educational text, this beautiful, bewitching book will delight readers throughout the spooky season and all year round.
CROWS ARE EVERYWHERE: Whether hopping along the road or chattering in trees, the common crow has caught the attention of countless kids (and adults). This book turns that attention into an arresting, informative story that reveals how much we have to learn from our neighborhood bird!
EDUCATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT: I Am We directly supports learning about ecosystems, interactions, energy, and dynamics while relaying an engaging, suspenseful story that teachers, children, and caregivers won’t want to put down.
TEACHES TEAMWORK: Crows have a lot in common with humans: We share an important reliance on community. Focusing on how crows cooperate, communicate, and even cuddle, this picture book highlights the positives of working together to solve a problem, imparting the value of a real-world life skill.
Perfect for:
- Kids who love birds, nature, and exciting facts
- Teachers and librarians seeking engaging STEM-related resources
- Birdwatchers and bird lovers
- Gift-givers looking for a unique Halloween or fall book for kids
Author Bio
Leslie Barnard Booth is the author, most recently, of the PNBA Bestseller I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive as well as the award-winning titles One Day This Tree Will Fall and A Stone Is a Story. Her lyrical picture books about science and nature have been named Best Books of the Year by Kirkus and Bank Street, and she was the recipient of the International Literacy Association's 2025 Book Award in Primary Nonfiction. Leslie grew up in Washington state among giant trees and rugged mountains. She has taught at preschool, elementary, and college levels and holds an MFA in creative writing and an MS in education from the University of Oregon. She is also a mom to two daughters, and her children often inspire her creative work. Thanks to them, she has relearned what children seem to know intuitively: that every snail, stone, and clump of moss is full of wonder, if only we take the time to look. Leslie lives in Portland, Oregon. Visit her at lesliebarnardbooth.com.
Alexandra Finkeldey is an illustrator based in Ottawa, Canada. Her art is focused on noticing and capturing the small, pleasant details of daily life, featuring organic subjects and natural textures, and she has illustrated several picture books, including When the Storks Came Home, Talala: The Curious Leopard Cub Who Joined a Lion Pride, Saving the Spotted Owl, and The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale.
Review Quotes
Biographical note
Alexandra Finkeldey is an illustrator based in Kingston, Canada. She illustrated On a Mushroom Day by Chris Baker; A Horse Called Now by Ruth Doyle; and Saving the Spotted Owl by Nicola Jones, among other titles. She is an avid admirer of the natural world and enjoys capturing the small, cozy details of daily life. She lives with her husband, two cats, and an elderly gecko.
