Six Crows cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)
Book Level 3.2
Points 0.5
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 523
Points per Word 0.000956
Page Count 36
Points per Page 0.013889

Description

In this original fable, a farmer tends his ripening wheat while six hungry crows watch from a nearby tree. To protect his crop, he sets up a scarecrow, but the clever birds outwit it, creating a playful standoff. Through gentle negotiation, the farmer and the crows reach a compromise that lets both share the bounty. With vibrant collage art, Lionni draws parallels between animal and human behavior, showing how cooperation can resolve conflict.

Quick Summary

Kids love the way the crow characters argue over the wheat, and the owl steps in as a wise mediator, showing that listening and talking things out can save a whole harvest. The simple, collage-style illustrations are classic Lionni, and the short, rhythmic text makes it easy for early readers or a quick bedtime read-aloud. It's a great pick for children who enjoy animal stories with a bit of humor and a clear lesson about compromise, and it works well for classroom discussions on conflict resolution. Parents will appreciate that the tension is light-hearted and the ending leaves everyone feeling good, with no scary moments. If your child liked Lionni's "Frederick," they'll find the same gentle wisdom and colorful artwork in "Six Crows."