Science Comics: Crows: Genius Birds

I never would think that a graphic novel about crows would have me completely rapt, but this book Crows: Genius Birds is exceptionally good. I've read almost all the books in the Science Comics series and this one is easily one of the best. It has a fun framing sequence and is chock full of interesting facts about corvids. The framing sequence involves the smartest crow in the world recruiting a dog named Buddy to help him dump over receptacles on garbage day so they can both feast. Along the way, the crow regales Buddy on all sorts of crow facts, including how they can learn to identify people's faces, imitate bird calls and human voices, and even use tools.

What is most fascinating about this book to me is how well it uses the framing narrative to present science facts. It works in almost seamless fashion to both entertain and inform. I was fascinated to read about the various experiments people have done to learn about crow's behaviors, including seeing how they use specific tools, solve problems, and even learn to complete complex tasks. The fact that they have uniquely shaped brains gives them the ability to perform in ways that match the intelligence of small children. Their abilities to adapt and learn are part of why they come into conflict with people, because they are constantly figuring out ways to circumvent whatever obstacles they encounter. This book really calls into question the simple way of thinking of crows as mere pests, and I think that books that can change people's thinking in this way are rare and noteworthy.

The artwork in this volume is very clear and colorful. I admire how it switches back and forth from propelling the plot and elucidating information or explaining an experiment. It is one of the most accessible and engaging science books I have read, and I think it would be attractive and useful for a wide array of readers.

I am very impressed by what I think is the graphic novel debut of Kyla Vanderklugt. She is not a novice comics creator, and in the past she has contributed to a number of comics anthologies, including Flight and Spera.

I have not seen many reviews of this book, but the ones I've read have been very positive. Johanna Draper Carlson wrote that it "is one of the best of this series. It’s everything a non-fiction graphic novel should be: informative, attractive, well-drawn, and fun to read!" Jonathan H. Liu concluded, "If you like crows and want to learn more about them, this book is a great resource." It currently has a 4.53 (out of 5) star rating on Goodreads.

Crows: Genius Birds was published by First Second, and they offer a preview and much more here.