Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) Book Cover Enlarge Book Cover

“Storytelling at its most brilliant—and whimsical.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Everything is on the line for crabby, cranky Crow. But why, exactly, is Crow so moody? The reason will delight readers in three-time Geisel Medal and Caldecott Honor winner Corey R. Tabor’s funny and surprising twist on friendship, science, and saving the world.

Cranky, crabby Crow does not want to play with Squirrel or do loop-de-loops with Hummingbird. He doesn’t have time for Rat or Bat. From high atop a telephone pole, Cat warns Crow that he will soon be all alone if he turns his friends away with his very cranky “kaw!” one more time. But, unbeknownst to all, Crow has bigger, world-saving fish to fry—he must protect planet Earth from an asteroid headed our way!

With playful illustrations and a classic “Tabor twist,” Cranky, Crabby Crow is an excellent choice for readers who love Mo Willems and Jon Klassen. Kirkus Reviews calls Corey R. Tabor “a master of the early reader” with good reason, and here he once again proves himself an innovative and unforgettable storyteller. Cranky, Crabby Crow explores perennial, age-appropriate social and emotional themes through Corey R. Tabor’s signature subtlety and silliness. Includes a secret code.

ISBN: 9780063493940
Imprint: Greenwillow Books
On Sale: Aug 26, 2025
List price: $13.5
No of pages: 40
Trim Size: 1.000 in (w) x 1.000 in (h) x 1.000 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Humorous Stories
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Science Fiction / Space Exploration
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Birds
BISAC 4:
BISAC 5:
BISAC 6:

Corey R. Tabor

Biography

Corey R. Tabor is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor–winning Mel Fell, three-time Geisel Award winner for Fox Has a Problem, Fox at Night, and Fox the Tiger, and Geisel Honor recipient for Fox versus Fox. His other acclaimed titles include the young graphic novel chapter books Sir Ladybug, Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee, and Sir Ladybug and the Bookworms; the picture books Bear for a DayCranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World), Ursula Upside Down, Simon and the Better Bone, Snail Crossing, Fox and the Bike Ride, and Fox and the Jumping Contest; and the I Can Reads Fox versus WinterFox Is Late, and Fox Plays Ball. Corey R. Tabor lives in Tacoma, Washington, with his wife and son and spends his time making pictures and stories. 

Mark Sanderlin

“Storytelling at its most brilliant—and whimsical.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Everything is on the line for crabby, cranky Crow. But why, exactly, is Crow so moody? The reason will delight readers in three-time Geisel Medal and Caldecott Honor winner Corey R. Tabor’s funny and surprising twist on friendship, science, and saving the world.

Cranky, crabby Crow does not want to play with Squirrel or do loop-de-loops with Hummingbird. He doesn’t have time for Rat or Bat. From high atop a telephone pole, Cat warns Crow that he will soon be all alone if he turns his friends away with his very cranky “kaw!” one more time. But, unbeknownst to all, Crow has bigger, world-saving fish to fry—he must protect planet Earth from an asteroid headed our way!

With playful illustrations and a classic “Tabor twist,” Cranky, Crabby Crow is an excellent choice for readers who love Mo Willems and Jon Klassen. Kirkus Reviews calls Corey R. Tabor “a master of the early reader” with good reason, and here he once again proves himself an innovative and unforgettable storyteller. Cranky, Crabby Crow explores perennial, age-appropriate social and emotional themes through Corey R. Tabor’s signature subtlety and silliness. Includes a secret code.

ISBN: 9780063493940
Imprint: Greenwillow Books
On Sale: Aug 26, 2025
List price: $13.5
No of pages: 40
Trim Size: 1.000 in (w) x 1.000 in (h) x 1.000 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Humorous Stories
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Science Fiction / Space Exploration
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Birds
BISAC 4:
BISAC 5:
BISAC 6:

Corey R. Tabor

Biography

Corey R. Tabor is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor–winning Mel Fell, three-time Geisel Award winner for Fox Has a Problem, Fox at Night, and Fox the Tiger, and Geisel Honor recipient for Fox versus Fox. His other acclaimed titles include the young graphic novel chapter books Sir Ladybug, Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee, and Sir Ladybug and the Bookworms; the picture books Bear for a DayCranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World), Ursula Upside Down, Simon and the Better Bone, Snail Crossing, Fox and the Bike Ride, and Fox and the Jumping Contest; and the I Can Reads Fox versus WinterFox Is Late, and Fox Plays Ball. Corey R. Tabor lives in Tacoma, Washington, with his wife and son and spends his time making pictures and stories. 

Mark Sanderlin