A Quirky Fable by Aldous Huxley

Today I'd like to share with you the book The Crows of Pearblossom by Aldous Huxley, who died on this day in 1963 (July 26, 1894 - November 22, 1963).  Yes, the famous English essayist, critic, and novelist - author of Brave New World - wrote a children's book!
  

Illustrations by Sophie Blackall

Huxley, born in England and educated at Balliol College, relocated to Southern California with his family in 1937.  He wrote The Crows of Pearblossom for his niece, Olivia, in 1944 as a Christmas gift.  In 1967 it was published in a small-format edition chapter book (now of of print) illustrated by Barbara Cooney.

The quirky tale is about how two silly crows - with the help of a wise owl - outsmart a sneaky snake who's been devouring their eggs.  This is a story about cleverness triumphing over greed.

I recently ordered the 2011 edition because I was so intrigued that Huxley wrote a children's book - and because I couldn't resist Sophie Blackall's (Ruby's Wish) wonderful illustrations!  Happily, I was not disappointed.

You can read a great overview and history of this chapter book transformed to picture book, HERE.