The Summer of Shadow

by Pat Payne

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E-Book

$3.99

E-Book

$3.99

Other Book By Author

The Summer of Shadow

Pat Payne

$17.25

Book Details

Language : English

Publication Date : 11/12/2013

Format : E-Book

Dimensions : N/A

Page Count : 33

ISBN : 9781490715131

About the Book

The Summer of Shadow

by Pat Payne

Trafford Publishing

reviewed by Caroline Blaha-Black

THE US REVIEW OF BOOKS

"That evening Shadow was not inclined to fly to the roof to seek a roost due to his drooping or re-sprained wing, so we resurrected his intermediate cage and placed it on the ledge of the front bedroom bay window where he spent the night in safety."

Shadow, a fledgling crow, was rescued and rehabilitated by the author and released back into the wild. Payne shares the crow's journey, highlighting Shadow's many trials and tribulations—being rescued, learning to fly, meeting other crows, and finally making full transition back into the wilderness.

The author discovered the injured young crow on the forest floor, and he took him home to rehabilitate him, along with his wife, Dot. Payne describes with much delight the few months that he spent with the bird and the many habits and behaviors that the crow developed while with his human family. Crows are known for their intelligence and the ability to figure things out, which is highlighted in this book: Shadow stashing food, communicating with Payne to make his presence known, pestering the family dog with a stick, or bringing other crows over for a visit, there is no shortage of clever things that Shadow entertains the reader with. Also interesting to note are the first days of flight and meeting other crows around the author's home atop a Missouri Ozark ridge. Especially touching is Shadow's interaction with the author and his subsequent visits to the author's home upon his complete return to the wild.

Colored photographs of Shadow, the people who raised him, and Murphy, the family dog, are scattered throughout the book, making it a visual treat for the reader. This is a great read for the lovers of crows and ravens, wildlife rehabilitators, and anyone with the interest in learning more about birds in general.

About the Author

This true story took place at our home atop a Missouri Ozark ridge not far from St. Louis. The experience provided the opportunity for us to share with others the nature of this remarkable bird.

The author has been married to his wife, Dot, for more than fifty years and has five adult children and four grandchildren. Interests include camping, fishing, and clay target shooting. Favorite pastimes would include old friends and music.

Customer Reviews

"An intriguing story about man and nature and what even one person can do to make a difference. You experience several emotions reading it -- admiration, sadness and even bittersweet happiness. The book is great for all ages. Youngsters can learn about the respect towards nature and anyone would enjoy the story. Well written and a great read!"

"MK - Milwaukee, WI"
"I just finished reading ""The Summer of Shadow"" by Pat Payne and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a very simple story about raising a young crow, written in a very straightforward style, but it manages to capture perfectly the magic that happens when humans and crows get to know each other well. Stories about raising fledgling crows are always bitter sweet. The bond that forms between young crows and their human helpers and companions is often very deep and made more magical by the knowledge that it cannot last forever, that if all goes well, the young bird will someday rejoin its wild family. The sadness of parting remains even when we celebrate the youngster's reunion with its family. Everyone who ever has had a crow friend remembers it forever.

""The Summer of Shadow"" has lots of great pictures of Shadow the crow, his dog companion Murphy, and a few of his human friends. The book is good reading for adults and would be a particularly good read for youngsters who are in the process of discovering the magic of the natural world. "

Michael Westerfield
"The book was easy, smooth reading. Even though I never experienced the raising of a crow, it made me feel like I have! I passed the book to my nieces and nephews- a perfect read for those in the 7-10 year old range."

"WB - Baton Rouge, LA"
"The Summer of Shadow--a heartwarming story of patience and compassion and in the end, unselfishness about a family who rescued a wounded crow, nursed it back to health, then returned it to its natural habitat. The story will appeal to all ages. "

"RC - Bluffton, SC"
"This book is a heart-warming story of an injured young crow that makes daily visits to a family's porch for food and companionship while recovering from it's injury. It shows how birds and people can relate to each other to their mutual benefit and enjoyment.

This book is a real treat for every backyard bird watcher, young and old. It is a heart warming tale you can relate to as you observe the birds in your own back yard."

"AH - Ballwin, MO"

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