The CCG Shadowers

Create Group Magazine

Clever Crow
This book is nice and I think crows are very clever. I thought this was going to be just a children’s book but I learnt a lot from it. They style of illustration is really good, and the colours. I love this picture where the crow is in the front, against the background of newsprint. I wonder why they used newspaper and lined writing paper. Perhaps it’s about recycling or to show that crows are intelligent. There’s a page with the skull of a crow. I always sense crows looking at me, watching, but they don’t seem as aggressive as seagulls. They just watch and they don’t try to snatch your food.

Clever Crow
The illustrations are nothing short of mesmerizing. Each page is a stunning work of art, rich with intricate details and a deep sense of atmosphere. It is a captivating tribute to the intelligence and fascinating habits of crows. The hand-drawn, mixed-media illustrations, rendered in a muted, earthy colour palette, evoke a sense of timelessness and connection to nature. Olivia’s mastery of light and shadow brings the world of the story to life, making the landscapes feel expansive and the characters deeply emotional, each crow brought to life with character and personality. Her delicate yet bold strokes capture the essence of the narrative, drawing readers into the magical world where every image tells a story of its own. The illustrations are, indeed, a standout feature of this delightful picture book. The illustrations are not only visually captivating but also work in harmony with the text, enhancing the mood and themes of the story, making Clever Crow a truly immersive experience for both children and adults alike. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned new and insightful lessons about the crows that are sometimes taken for granted in our every day life.

Flying High
"This book is fantastic. It is full of interesting perspectives, pattern, colour, different media and symbolic references including kite-flying. I can relate to the theme of feeling small and unnoticed, also to some of the frustration felt by the boy. The illustrator portrays mood, emotions and movement well. The picture with the grandparents hints at ancestors and spirituality. There is depth in this book and it has many layers." [Chang’e (嫦娥) is the Chinese goddess of the moon, best known for stealing an elixir of immortality from her husband, Hou Yi. Her story is celebrated as part of the annual Mid-Autumn Festival. https://mythopedia.com/topics/chang-e]