• Age: 4 to 7
• Grade: 1 to 4
• Reading age: 4 to 7

Lila is bullied because of her dark skin, but the crows have a solution for that!

Lila has just moved to a new town and can't wait to make friends at school. But on the first day, a boy points at her and shouts: "A crow! A crow! The new girl's hair is black like a crow!" The others whisper and laugh, and Lila's heart grows as heavy as a stone.

The next day, Lila covers her hair. But this time, the boy points at her dark skin. When she covers her face, he mocks her dark eyes. Now every day at school, Lila hides under her turtleneck, dark glasses, and hat. And every day when she goes home, she sees a crow who seems to want to tell her something. Lila ignores the bird and even throws rocks at it, but it won't go away.
Meanwhile, the great autumn festival is approaching. While the other kids prepare their costumes, Lila is sadder and lonelier than ever. At her lowest point of despair, a magical encounter with the crow opens Lila's eyes to the beauty of being different, and gives her the courage to proudly embrace her true self.

GABRIELLE GRIMARD a illustré plus de 30 albums, dontLes mots volés, Quand j’avais huit ans, Fatima et les voleurs de clémentines, Aujourd'hui peut-être... et les livres de la série Petit Gnouf. Elle est aussi l'auteure-illustratrice de l'album Lila et la corneille. Gabrielle habite aux environs de Montréal.

From the time she was little GABRIELLE GRIMARD loved art, dismaying her elementary school teachers by constantly drawing in class. Later Gabrielle studied art in high school and university. After her son was born, she began illustrating children’s books and has now created more than 25, including When I Was Eight (Quand j'avais huit ans), Stolen Words (Les mots volés) and Not My Girl (Où est ma fille?). Lila and the Crow (Lila et la corneille) is the first book she both wrote and illustrated. She uses watercolours, gouache and oil to create images of amazing warmth and depth. Gabrielle lives near Montreal, QC. Visit her at https://www.gabriellegrimard.com.

Gabrielle Grimard's profile page

• Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre
• Joint winner, The Year’s Best List, Resource Links
• Joint winner, Skipping Stones Honor Book
• Joint winner, Toronto Public Library’s First & Best List

“The images created in watercolor by Gabrielle Grimard are perfectly in keeping with the story told.”

Sal’s Fiction Addiction, 03/17/17

“The mixed-media paintings are emotive and appealing.”

School Library Journal

“One of the most beautifully illustrated children’s books I’ve ever seen. The landscapes and scenes are full of a sense of place and Lila’s emotions are easy to feel through the illustrations.”

The Metropolitan Field Guide, 05/26/17

“Lila is a meaningful example of a girl who finds strength in her differences.”

Quill & Quire

“A painful story of exclusion and bullying, tinged with magic.”

Publishers Weekly, 12/01/16

“An engaging narrative.”

CM Reviews, 03/17/17

“A very powerful story to share with children who are learning to accept themselves and others.”

Resource Links, 02/01/17