Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
An unlikely hero saves Earth and friendship in amusing tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A crow rebuffs the playful overtures of squirrel, hummingbird, rat, and bat while sitting on a telephone wire in CRANKY, CRABBY CROW (SAVES THE WORLD). Cat reminds Crow that such less-than-stellar behavior might lead to loneliness. Then a new storyline emerges, and Crow's behavior begins to make sense. A phone goes off at the top of the telephone pole. Crow answers, listens, and hops into action. What follows has to do with a rocket ship, an asteroid, heroism, saving the Earth, and, in the end, making amends.
Is It Any Good?
In this amusing picture book, full of dry wit, seemingly unrelated storylines converge to show that priorities may not be obvious and that things are not always as they appear. Crow sits on a telephone wire and rebuffs the playful overtures of animal friends in Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World). But, risking loneliness, Crow has good reason for his behavior. Earth is in danger! He aims to step in. Fans of Mac Barnett, Jon Klassen, Jon Sciezcka, and Mo Willems will find something to crow about in Corey R. Tabor's quirky mash-up that offers some sophisticated social emotional lessons. The writing is crisp, with comic art filling in detail. There's even a secret code. Crow's story can be enjoyed as a silly but suspenseful read-aloud or as an enjoyable beginning reader, in either case, promoting discussion of space science and behavior.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) and ask about why Crow seems so cranky and crabby when meeting up with animal friends on the telephone wire. Why does he behave like that? Do you think he has a good reason? What else could he have done?
Have you ever heard of asteroids? If so, what are they? Have you ever seen a shooting star?
In the end, Crow tries to make amends with his friends, to make up for being cranky and crabby. What do you think about the way he does that?
Crow shows courage trying to save the Earth from disaster. Have you ever had a chance to save something or rescue something?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Corey R. Tabor
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Greenwillow Books
- Publication date : May 6, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : March 19, 2026
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