Blacky the Crow
By Thornton W. Burgess
Published 1922
In the bustling world of the Green Forest, no one sees more or talks more than Blacky the Crow. Often misunderstood as a mere troublemaker, Blacky is actually the "policeman" of the woods. This story follows Blacky as he uses his sharp eyes and loud voice to keep track of everyone from Reddy Fox to the Hooty the Owl.
The central plot involves Blacky’s ongoing battle of wits with those who try to outsmart him, particularly his efforts to protect his nest and discover the secrets of his neighbors. Through his adventures, readers learn that being "sharp-eyed" is about more than just seeing—it’s about understanding the world around you and knowing when to sound the alarm for the good of the community.
Main Themes: Observation, Communication, and Wit
Nature & Character Connection
Blacky the Crow: The Intelligent Sentinel
In the natural world, Crows are members of the corvid family, widely considered some of the most intelligent animals on Earth. They are famous for their ability to recognize individual human faces and use simple tools. Thornton Burgess captures this "high intelligence" by making Blacky the most observant character in the forest. In the story, Blacky’s "cawing" isn't just noise; it is a complex system of communication. Just as real crows use "sentinels" to watch for danger while the flock eats, Blacky acts as the forest's primary lookout, proving that knowledge is the greatest power a small creature can have.
Hooty the Owl: The Silent Hunter
Hooty represents the Great Horned Owl, a nocturnal predator with specialized feathers that allow for near-silent flight. Because owls see perfectly in the dark but are less active during the day, they are the natural rivals of the crow. In the book, the conflict between Blacky and Hooty highlights a real-life behavior called "mobbing," where crows gather to loudly harass an owl to drive it away. This teaches readers how different animals use their unique strengths—vision and silence for the owl, and teamwork and noise for the crow—to survive.
Reddy Fox: The Cunning Competitor
Reddy Fox is a Red Fox, an animal known for its "cunning" or ability to use camouflage and stealth to hunt. While the fox is clever, the crow is often one step ahead because of its vantage point in the sky. Their relationship in the story illustrates the tactical struggle between ground predators and aerial observers. It shows students that in nature, being the strongest or fastest isn't always enough; you must also be able to outthink your opponent.
Simple Activity Ideas
"Crow Call" Coding: Crows have different calls for "danger," "food," and "all clear." Have students create their own secret "caw" codes to communicate across a playground or park.
The Watchman's Journal: Give students 10 minutes to sit silently outside and write down every single movement they see (a leaf falling, a bug crawling, a car passing). This practices Blacky’s art of observation.
The Shiny Object Test: Crows are famously attracted to bright things. Set up a "nest" and hide various objects (some natural, some man-made) to see which ones a crow might find most interesting.
Discussion Prompts
On Reputation: Blacky is often called a "scoundrel" by other animals. Is he actually bad, or is he just doing his job as a watchman?
On Perspective: How does being able to fly change the way Blacky sees the forest compared to an animal like Reddy Fox?
On Communication: Why is it important for Blacky to tell everyone when he sees "The Man with the Gun"? How does one voice help the whole forest?
Morals & Values Learned
The Value of Awareness: Blacky teaches us that many problems can be avoided simply by paying close attention to our surroundings.
Community Responsibility: Even though he can be annoying, Blacky’s warnings save lives. He shows that sharing information is a form of helping others.
Persistence: Blacky never gives up when he's trying to solve a mystery, reminding us that curiosity and persistence lead to discovery.
Public Domain Notice: The original text of this book is in the public domain. Site layout, study guides, and supplemental materials are © burgess-books.com.
