I got this handsome ex-library hardcover at a local Savers thrift shop, for another release copy. It's based on the old counting rhyme "one is for bad news, two is for mirth," etc. and is lavishly illustrated by Holder, who incorporates herbs, flowers, insects, and birds to add symbolism to each picture. Oh, and the main illustrations tell a story, following along with the rhyme; a handsome young ferret bids his sweetheart farewell and sets out to make his fortune. The crow-count increases, fortunes rise and fall - will the lovers be reunited? It's hard to describe just how lovely and charming the illustrations are, but if you can find a copy of this book I heartily recommend it. [If I can find another copy of this book I may be able to release this one!]

At the end of the book Holder mentions that the original counting rhyme used magpies, not crows, and that the text varies quite a bit. [I was reminded of the rhymes (and this book) while listening to an audio version of Terry Pratchett's "Carpe Jugulum" recently; there's a running subplot involving magpies, with Nanny Ogg arguing with Agnes Nitt about how the rhyme goes. I didn't try to see whether the number of magpies visible at any one time actually matched, rhyme-wise, what was going on!]

Holder has done another lavishly-illustrated book, this one on The Lord's Prayer.

I left this book in the Little Free Library on this warm day; hope someone enjoys it!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2018 One Word Title release challenge. ***

We were so excited to find this book in our free little library! We are off the beaten path and don’t get many visitors. We love sharing children’s books!

We have enjoyed this book, stamped it and tomorrow it will be placed back into our little free library to await a little visitor! GoryDetails thanks for stopping by our library! Hope you will take a book on your next visit to pass on!