Book Descriptions
for I Am We by Leslie Barnard Booth and Alexandra Finkeldey
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
“[W]hen winter comes / and hunger thrums / and danger hovers overhead” it’s roosting time for the murder of American crows that narrates this poetic informational picture book. As the sky reddens around the setting sun, the crows call to one another, cackling “like witches” casting a simple spell: “I follow him, / and he follows she, / and they follow me, / and me turns to we—and we roost in these trees / together.” Their purpose is survival; more eyes means a greater chance of spotting and defending against predators like owls and cats. When day breaks, “[n]ow we lift off Now we disperse. / The weave is unwoven. / The magic reversed”—until the crows come together again for the night. Magnificent illustrations depict crows in small and large groups against moody blues and grays and glowing orange skies; once they seem to burst from a witch’s flowing cape. Rich, lyrical language emphasizes the corvids’ social nature and intelligence, while back matter covers other characteristics of these fascinating birds. (Ages 4-7)
CCBC Book of the Week. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2025. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
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 winter seasons crawling with crow-eating creatures? 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:
Caw‑Caaaaw! Crows are fascinating and resilient birds. What is the secret to their abundance and survival, especially throughout winter seasons crawling with crow-eating creatures? 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
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.

