Friday, 2 April 2021
Review: Mo and Crow
Strange sounds are heard from behind the wall. Mo ignores them. In fact, he is irritated by the invasion on his silence. The persistent tapping removes a stone and reveals a beak. The stone is replaced, but again it is pushed out to reveal Crow.
Full of anger, Mo tries in every way he can to get rid of this invader. Slowly the hole gets bigger. He throws a stone in his last attempt. Crow won’t be moved.
Crow sits and watches as Mo sits and watches him. Then Crow isn’t there. But the rock pile grows as Mo, determined to rebuild, mixes the cement.
But there is space, and light, and hills and things that weren’t there before. But now, no Crow.
This is an emotive reflection on solitude, the human need for company, and acceptance. Also, the breaking down of walls erected in any form that separate us, and the value these bring to life.
Beautifully translated by multi-award winning illustrator Jonathan Bentley, in bold colours and lines. The book carries messages of diversity and inclusion; differences and similarities.
The multi-talented Jo Kasch has a history of creating children’s entertainment. An award-winning television writer, her debut as a writer in Mo and Crow reflects the things she believes in.
Title: Mo and Crow
Author: Jo Kasch
Illustrator: Jonathan Bentley
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $ 24.99
Publication Date: 2 March 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760631758
For ages: 5 – 8
Type: Picture Book
