Crow Boy

Crow Boy is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Taro Yashima, first published in 1955. The story centers on a young, shy boy named Chibi who is ostracized and bullied by his classmates in a rural Japanese school. He walks to school from a remote village every day and is often late.

Over the years, Chibi is largely ignored and misunderstood by both his peers and teachers. He spends his time observing the natural world around him, including the crows that inhabit the mountains near his home. He learns to imitate their calls and finds solace in his connection to nature.

Eventually, a new teacher, Mr. Isobe, arrives at the school. Mr. Isobe takes the time to understand Chibi and recognize his unique talents. He encourages Chibi to share his knowledge of the crows with the class.

At the school talent show, Chibi performs his imitation of the crows’ calls, astonishing and captivating his classmates. For the first time, he is recognized and appreciated for his individuality. He is then affectionately nicknamed "Crow Boy" by his peers, a name that symbolizes his connection to nature and his eventual acceptance.

The book is known for its sensitive portrayal of a lonely child, its celebration of individuality, and its message of acceptance and understanding. It highlights the importance of teachers recognizing and nurturing the unique abilities of each student. It is often used to teach themes of empathy, inclusion, and the beauty of the natural world. The book has received numerous awards and accolades and remains a popular and influential work in children's literature.