Crow Call by Lois Lowry (2009, Reinforced Hardcover)

An exceptional children's book encompassing all the elements of greatness: a timeless story, insightful writing, and brilliant artwork. Lois Lowry has brought her Newbery-winning talent to this story of a little girl re-connecting with her father upon his return from the War. Though semi-autobiographical and referencing World War II, the contemporary relevance of this storyline is unmistakable. I was struck by Ms. Lowry's ability to say so much, and to make it so real, in such a simple tale. The artwork by Bagram Ibatoulline is, in my opinion, Caldecott-worthy. His ability to render facial expression and haunting landscapes literally took my breath away.