Publishers Weekly
Caldecott Honor artist Rohmann's (Time Flies) thrillingly elegant paintings immediately immerse readers in the medieval setting of Armstrong's (Hugh Can Do) resonant tale of two kings. Reluctantly drawn into battle with the wicked, jealous Bregant, wise Cormac is defeated, thrown from his horse and left for dead on the field. Awakening the next day, the newly blinded king hears pleas for mercy from a wounded crow; when Cormac removes an arrow from its wing, the bird promises to repay the king's kindness. The promise is amply fulfilled before this heroic adventure reaches its conclusion. Armstrong's heady storytelling, with its symbolism and formal diction, finds a match in Rohmann's almost operatic compositions and dramatic use of light and shadow. This collaboration takes wing. Ages 5-10. (Apr.)
Caldecott Honor artist Rohmann's (Time Flies) thrillingly elegant paintings immediately immerse readers in the medieval setting of Armstrong's (Hugh Can Do) resonant tale of two kings. Reluctantly drawn into battle with the wicked, jealous Bregant, wise Cormac is defeated, thrown from his horse and left for dead on the field. Awakening the next day, the newly blinded king hears pleas for mercy from a wounded crow; when Cormac removes an arrow from its wing, the bird promises to repay the king's kindness. The promise is amply fulfilled before this heroic adventure reaches its conclusion. Armstrong's heady storytelling, with its symbolism and formal diction, finds a match in Rohmann's almost operatic compositions and dramatic use of light and shadow. This collaboration takes wing. Ages 5-10. (Apr.)
