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Crow Stories
The Outlaw
In this spare and powerful story set in the Old West, people in a small town live in constant worry of another visit from the Outlaw. Then the Outlaw suddenly and mysteriously disappears. Time passes, and one day a stranger rides into town. He takes it upon himself to fix everything that is in disrepair — the clapboard schoolhouse, the train station platform. He even builds a horse trough. But when someone recognizes him as the Outlaw, the crowd turns on him. It takes the courage of a small boy to change the course of events …
The subtle, beautiful mixed-media art with its nineteenth-century textural references perfectly complements this original story from debut author and illustrator Nancy Vo.
The subtle, beautiful mixed-media art with its nineteenth-century textural references perfectly complements this original story from debut author and illustrator Nancy Vo.
38 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 29, 2019
The first in a trilogy Vancouver artist Nancy Vo calls "westerns" to bring attention to the fact that most westerns are associated with gunfights. I read the second one, about the friendship between a ranger and a fox, first. But both defy stereotypical expectations, created by books and films, about the violent forging of the west. In this one an "outlaw"--even that term closes discussion, obviously a bad guy who deserves to have a gun drawn by him--decides to change his life, and make amends.
The lovely, muted, mono-chromatic art I appreciated maybe more than a small child would, not sure. I think maybe older children would appreciate the story and themes a bit more, too. It's a simple tale, with a "moral," yes, but a good one about conflict resolution and forgiveness and restitution.
The lovely, muted, mono-chromatic art I appreciated maybe more than a small child would, not sure. I think maybe older children would appreciate the story and themes a bit more, too. It's a simple tale, with a "moral," yes, but a good one about conflict resolution and forgiveness and restitution.
August 11, 2018
Excellent book that teaches young children that forgiveness is a two way street - very important message that is often lost.
August 12, 2024
Outlaws put fear in the hearts of young and old alike. This particular outlaw is said to have left behind a “trail of misdeeds” and then dropped out of sight. That is…. until a stranger comes to town with ideas of making things right. Is this really the same outlaw? Will the town folk forgive him for his past?
Ah, the power of words. The word outlaw makes my big, word wondering heart so happy. The letters throw such a strong sound and shadow. Outlaw, all by its lonesome, conjures up old west images and legends. And this book captures that power on the page. The story makes you wonder about this outlaw’s life. Is he lonely? Does he have regrets? Is he really a changed man?
Nancy Vo spins together texture and dust and muted greys, browns, and dashes of yellow to tell her tale of redemption. The look of the pages set the tone perfectly.
My take away….Even if people continue to see you as an outlaw, you still had the heart and grit to ask for forgiveness and try. Try to change.
“And maybe that was what mattered in the end.”
A unique picture book for law-abiding and not so law-abiding readers of all ages. Check it out!
Ah, the power of words. The word outlaw makes my big, word wondering heart so happy. The letters throw such a strong sound and shadow. Outlaw, all by its lonesome, conjures up old west images and legends. And this book captures that power on the page. The story makes you wonder about this outlaw’s life. Is he lonely? Does he have regrets? Is he really a changed man?
Nancy Vo spins together texture and dust and muted greys, browns, and dashes of yellow to tell her tale of redemption. The look of the pages set the tone perfectly.
My take away….Even if people continue to see you as an outlaw, you still had the heart and grit to ask for forgiveness and try. Try to change.
“And maybe that was what mattered in the end.”
A unique picture book for law-abiding and not so law-abiding readers of all ages. Check it out!
October 25, 2019
This picture book is the first in the Crow Stories trilogy. We all have certain stories that spring to mind when we think about Westerns, but there are other tales to be told about the Old West.
I liked this story, and really appreciated the unusual and unexpected twist. The art is lovely, and one could spend a bit of time simply looking at these pages. Does one have to be defined by one's transgressions, or can one make amends?
I liked this story, and really appreciated the unusual and unexpected twist. The art is lovely, and one could spend a bit of time simply looking at these pages. Does one have to be defined by one's transgressions, or can one make amends?
March 26, 2020
A town in the Old West breathes a sigh of relief when the outlaw who has been plaguing them disappears from the scene. Then, some time later, when the town has fallen on hard times, and has become a bit dilapidated, a stranger turns up, and begins helping out in ways large and small. When the stranger is recognized as the outlaw, many of the citizens are angry, but one boy steps forward to speak for him, arguing that he is doing the best he can to make amends...
A picture-book debut from Canadian author/illustrator Nancy Vo, The Outlaw is a title I picked up with some interest, struck by the bold cover, and by the unusual theme. I don't see very many new picture-books about cowboys and the Old West, and I was intrigued by the story idea of a villain trying to make amends. Unfortunately, although I did find it interesting, in the end I wasn't that involved, emotionally speaking, in Vo's narrative. Her artwork, on the other hand, was intensely engrossing, alternating between flatter surfaces and more textured ones, created using bits of fabric and newspaper clippings from the 1850s and 60s. The mixed media illustrations are really quite striking, and the definite standout here. The narrative was interesting... but just needed a little something more. I'm not sure to whom I would recommend this one - maybe those searching for new western-themed picture-books? I understand that Vo has another book forthcoming, entitled The Ranger - perhaps that one will strike a stronger chord with me.
A picture-book debut from Canadian author/illustrator Nancy Vo, The Outlaw is a title I picked up with some interest, struck by the bold cover, and by the unusual theme. I don't see very many new picture-books about cowboys and the Old West, and I was intrigued by the story idea of a villain trying to make amends. Unfortunately, although I did find it interesting, in the end I wasn't that involved, emotionally speaking, in Vo's narrative. Her artwork, on the other hand, was intensely engrossing, alternating between flatter surfaces and more textured ones, created using bits of fabric and newspaper clippings from the 1850s and 60s. The mixed media illustrations are really quite striking, and the definite standout here. The narrative was interesting... but just needed a little something more. I'm not sure to whom I would recommend this one - maybe those searching for new western-themed picture-books? I understand that Vo has another book forthcoming, entitled The Ranger - perhaps that one will strike a stronger chord with me.
March 25, 2018
I have been waiting with bated breath for this finished book, since my friend Fred Horler showed an F&G of it last summer...
Debut author/illustrator Nancy Vo evokes the Wild West in this book about second chances. The residents of the town are apprehensive about the next appearance of the man they call "the Outlaw" until the day arrives that he no longer visits the town. When a stranger arrives many seasons later, he fixes up many things in the town until one of the townspeople recognizes him as the Outlaw. Then they kicked at him and spit on him. It took one brave boy to intercede and say "Leave him alone! He is trying!" to make them stop so the Outlaw could make amends.
Vo captures this time period well with both text and images rendered in ink, watercolor and newsprint, with clippings and fabric patterns from the 1850's and 1860's. The gray palette sees occasional color added, however they are muted hues of blue, green, brown, and gold. While she may not necessarily be authentic in every detail, the overall feeling is correct.
Useful to encourage all to give "bad guys" a second chance to redeedm themselves. Grades K-5.
Debut author/illustrator Nancy Vo evokes the Wild West in this book about second chances. The residents of the town are apprehensive about the next appearance of the man they call "the Outlaw" until the day arrives that he no longer visits the town. When a stranger arrives many seasons later, he fixes up many things in the town until one of the townspeople recognizes him as the Outlaw. Then they kicked at him and spit on him. It took one brave boy to intercede and say "Leave him alone! He is trying!" to make them stop so the Outlaw could make amends.
Vo captures this time period well with both text and images rendered in ink, watercolor and newsprint, with clippings and fabric patterns from the 1850's and 1860's. The gray palette sees occasional color added, however they are muted hues of blue, green, brown, and gold. While she may not necessarily be authentic in every detail, the overall feeling is correct.
Useful to encourage all to give "bad guys" a second chance to redeedm themselves. Grades K-5.
July 30, 2018
I need to add this to my classroom library! While the text is simple, I think we could have some amazing conversation around this! It would be so interesting to see how elementary conversations compared to middle school conversations. How a start of the year conversation might compare to middle of the year (when kids have had time to "wrong" each other...) to end of the year.... I think there is a lot of potential in this one with kids- and adults too!
February 13, 2018
An elegantly simple and powerful story set in the Old West and featuring a mysterious outlaw who wishes to amend for his past transgressions.
January 27, 2018
Although some readers might want more from this book, I appreciated the author/illustrator's decision to use text sparingly, thus, prompting them to read between the lines and fill in the blanks for themselves. An outlaw wreaks havoc in the Wild West, prompting parents to warn their youngsters against him. After disappearing for a long time, he returns to the town to do penance for his misdeeds and repair the things that he could fix. I liked the fact that he just quietly goes about his tasks, and when some townsfolk recognize him and became angry, he simply keeps working. The book's concluding lines: "So the Outlaw continued to make amends. And maybe that was what mattered in the end" (unpaged) are powerful and caused me to do a double-take as I thought about how hard it is to make a change and what might have led to the outlaw's decision to do so. Not only does this book make readers think about human nature and forgiveness, but the story is complemented with memorable illustrations, created in ink, watercolor, and newsprint transfer. The illustrations for the transfer came from newspaper clippings and fabric patterns typical of the 1850s and 1860s. For everyone who has ever wondered what happened to all those outlaws back in the day, this debut author provides one possibility.
April 14, 2018
Vo, Nancy The Outlaw. PICTURE BOOK. Groundwood Books, 2018. $18. 9781773060163.
The Outlaw has terrorized the town – up until the day he disappears. Months later a stranger rides into town and helps repair the broken parts of the town – until the day someone realizes that he is the Outlaw.
Nancy Vo has to have read Shane by Jack Schaefer. This reads like an old-fashioned ode to that classic book. It continues the great lesson of look at someone’s deeds and allowing people a chance to grow and change. The illustrations are spot on.
EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
The Outlaw has terrorized the town – up until the day he disappears. Months later a stranger rides into town and helps repair the broken parts of the town – until the day someone realizes that he is the Outlaw.
Nancy Vo has to have read Shane by Jack Schaefer. This reads like an old-fashioned ode to that classic book. It continues the great lesson of look at someone’s deeds and allowing people a chance to grow and change. The illustrations are spot on.
EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
May 4, 2018
A children's picture book which uses the theme of making amends. An outlaw lives near a town causing all sorts of troubles and frightening the townsfolk. Then he disappears for many "seasons". One day a stranger comes to town and settles in fixing up the town such as building a water trough in front of the inn, repairing the school's roof etc. A positive story with a good ending. My favourite thing about this book though is the mixed-media illustrations containing collage and watercolour. an atmospheric colour palette mostly of greys, light blues, sepia and white with splashes of colour for such items as clothes. Lovely book and I'd like to see more of the author's art.
June 1, 2018
Everyone deserves a second chance - even outlaws.
August 20, 2018
Short and powerful. I loved everything about this picture book, from the spare artwork to the lovely, bittersweet story.
September 27, 2018
Very short but good book for young elementary age students about forgiveness and making amends. I think reading the book to the students could bring up a good discussion.
July 2, 2019
Very different feel for a picture book. I think this would spark great conversations with kids and would pair well with The Bad Seed.
July 31, 2018
I was attracted by the illustrations. I like them a lot. The story is good, too. :)
January 1, 2019
Illustrated in shades of brown, not exactly a happy story, but one of hope for someone hated by a town because he was "the" outlaw who created "a trail of misdeeds". What he does later and how he changes is met with skepticism until one ally offers support. Can someone change and begin to do good? Can someone speak up against a crowd in order to help? These are questions to consider, perhaps for older students in a group discussion.
June 15, 2019
I warmed to this story and not just because the monochromatic illustration is unusual and arresting. It's VERY hard to write a straightforward moral into a picture book and make it work but the author manages it. I enjoyed the build of the story, how the reader knows who the stranger in town really is, and the dynamic of the community. Young readers will have much to think about as they turn the pages and go back to the beginning to read again.
April 22, 2019
This had so much potential and is so beautiful but I felt so let down by the plot line. I do love the message at the end. "So the Outlaw continued to make amends. And maybe that was what mattered in the end."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2018
A solid debut about the ways we can make amends, and how sometimes amends aren't enough.
December 13, 2022
See my full review here.
This is a western with a conscience; instead of the traditional gunfight and revenge story, Canadian author/illustrator Vo offers a different take. In this entry to the Crow Stories trilogy, residents of a small town live in fear of an outlaw who terrorizes shops and trains. One day, however, the outlaw simply disappears, and slowly the townspeople’s fears abate. Times are difficult, though, and over the years, buildings fall into disrepair. On a hot summer day, a stranger rides in and silently begins fixing things. Then someone recognizes him as the outlaw. The story is one of forgiveness and amends in spare prose, with multimedia illustrations in a muted palette, lending it a dusty and sunbleached feel. An excellent discussion starter for classrooms as well as a thoughtful lapshare that will spur questions. The second title is The Ranger; the pair would make a great gift for young readers and support an up and coming Canadian artist. My thanks to the Grand Forks (B.C.) & District Public Library for including this title in its children's picture book collection.
This is a western with a conscience; instead of the traditional gunfight and revenge story, Canadian author/illustrator Vo offers a different take. In this entry to the Crow Stories trilogy, residents of a small town live in fear of an outlaw who terrorizes shops and trains. One day, however, the outlaw simply disappears, and slowly the townspeople’s fears abate. Times are difficult, though, and over the years, buildings fall into disrepair. On a hot summer day, a stranger rides in and silently begins fixing things. Then someone recognizes him as the outlaw. The story is one of forgiveness and amends in spare prose, with multimedia illustrations in a muted palette, lending it a dusty and sunbleached feel. An excellent discussion starter for classrooms as well as a thoughtful lapshare that will spur questions. The second title is The Ranger; the pair would make a great gift for young readers and support an up and coming Canadian artist. My thanks to the Grand Forks (B.C.) & District Public Library for including this title in its children's picture book collection.
September 4, 2023
Who is this for?
This is an extremely short story that has an simplistic style and moral message that is trying to be like a modern parable, while being reductive to the point of actually having a bad message.
An outlaw in an old west town does outlaw stuff, like presumably theft, threats, assaults, etc., and then they disappear for a while, before a stranger comes to town and starts doing philanthropic and helpful things around town. Recognising them as the outlaw, somone raised this as an issue, only for a kid to point out they are doing good now.
People can change and grow, which is a good thing. Restorative justice is good and cops and prisons are bad. BUT accountability is a thing. You don't get to decide to do some nice things you want to do and decide that everything is cool now. The people and community you wronged have to do that. That's how that works. Maybe I'm thinking too much about a story from the series that exists for nothing more than the novelty of asking Alexa to play you a story. I can't see how it's for anyone or anything other than that.
This is an extremely short story that has an simplistic style and moral message that is trying to be like a modern parable, while being reductive to the point of actually having a bad message.
An outlaw in an old west town does outlaw stuff, like presumably theft, threats, assaults, etc., and then they disappear for a while, before a stranger comes to town and starts doing philanthropic and helpful things around town. Recognising them as the outlaw, somone raised this as an issue, only for a kid to point out they are doing good now.
People can change and grow, which is a good thing. Restorative justice is good and cops and prisons are bad. BUT accountability is a thing. You don't get to decide to do some nice things you want to do and decide that everything is cool now. The people and community you wronged have to do that. That's how that works. Maybe I'm thinking too much about a story from the series that exists for nothing more than the novelty of asking Alexa to play you a story. I can't see how it's for anyone or anything other than that.
May 5, 2023
Reparation is the theme of this sparsely told tale of the Old West. Folks in a town out west live in fear of a visit from The Outlaw until one day he disappears. Still, damage had been done and the town was in disrepair. One day a stranger ~~ tall, dark, and mysterious ~~ comes to town and begins to repair all that is in need: a trough for the horses, a new roof for the school house. Until one day someone recognizes him as The Outlaw. Skeptics and forgivers stand side by side, but eventually let The Outlaw do what he has come to town to do: make amends and start over.
What an important title for providing a kid-friendly example of the power of forgiveness and change. Nancy Vo's brief text is deeply enhanced by the stark sepia-toned illustrations rendering the mood of this old west tale.
What an important title for providing a kid-friendly example of the power of forgiveness and change. Nancy Vo's brief text is deeply enhanced by the stark sepia-toned illustrations rendering the mood of this old west tale.
June 9, 2020
Der Gesetzlose wird überall gefürchtet. In den Städten schließen die Geschäfte früh, Kindern werden Gruselgeschichten von ihm erzählt und Reisende sind immer auf der Hut, eventuell ausgeraubt werden zu können. Mehrere Jahre leben die Menschen in Angst, bis eines Tages ein Fremder in die Stadt geritten kommt und versucht, ihnen die frühere Lebensfreude zurückzugeben.
In wunderschönen Wasserfarben und mit der Technik des Zeitungsdrucks wird die Atmosphäre des 19. Jahrhunderts wunderbar eingefangen und spiegeln die Stimmung der Geschichte wider. Obwohl der Fremde an einem heißen Tag in die Stadt einreitet, ist das Kinderbuch in kalten Farben gehalten: Weiß, grau und viele Blautöne werden verwendet, um auf der einen Seite die Kaltherzigkeit des Gesetzlosen zu repräsentieren und auf der anderen Seite die Freundlichkeit des Fremden zu zeigen. Die verwendete Schriftart ist ebenfalls besonders, da diese früher auf den sogenannten „Wanted“-Plakaten benutzt wurde und somit Vorsicht und Respekt bei den Lesern hervorruft.
Der Outlaw von Nancy Vo ist eine Geschichte über Fehlverhalten, Vergebung und zweite Chancen. Wegen der künstlerisch aufwendigen Bilder habe ich das Buch mehrmals gelesen – einmal nur für den Text und einmal für die Geschichte, die nicht mit Worten ausgedrückt wird. Die Autorin hat zwei Handlungsstränge clever miteinander verbunden: Es gibt den Fremden, der den Stadtbewohnern zeigt, dass jeder eine zweite Chance verdient hat und es gibt einen kleinen Jungen, der mit Hilfe einer neuen Freundschaft eines Besseren belehrt wird. Durch die Verwendung von verschiedenen Zeichen- und Druckstilen, sind die Bilder teilweise so aussagekräftig, dass Der Outlaw nur wenige Sätze beinhaltet und seine Motive für sich sprechen lässt. Nancy Vo hat ein Kinderbuch herausgebracht, das nicht nur die Kleinen beeindruckt sondern auch Erwachsene zum Nachdenken anregt. Ich blättere mich immer wieder gern durch die wenigen Seiten und habe jedes Mal das Gefühl, etwas Neues zu entdecken.
In wunderschönen Wasserfarben und mit der Technik des Zeitungsdrucks wird die Atmosphäre des 19. Jahrhunderts wunderbar eingefangen und spiegeln die Stimmung der Geschichte wider. Obwohl der Fremde an einem heißen Tag in die Stadt einreitet, ist das Kinderbuch in kalten Farben gehalten: Weiß, grau und viele Blautöne werden verwendet, um auf der einen Seite die Kaltherzigkeit des Gesetzlosen zu repräsentieren und auf der anderen Seite die Freundlichkeit des Fremden zu zeigen. Die verwendete Schriftart ist ebenfalls besonders, da diese früher auf den sogenannten „Wanted“-Plakaten benutzt wurde und somit Vorsicht und Respekt bei den Lesern hervorruft.
Der Outlaw von Nancy Vo ist eine Geschichte über Fehlverhalten, Vergebung und zweite Chancen. Wegen der künstlerisch aufwendigen Bilder habe ich das Buch mehrmals gelesen – einmal nur für den Text und einmal für die Geschichte, die nicht mit Worten ausgedrückt wird. Die Autorin hat zwei Handlungsstränge clever miteinander verbunden: Es gibt den Fremden, der den Stadtbewohnern zeigt, dass jeder eine zweite Chance verdient hat und es gibt einen kleinen Jungen, der mit Hilfe einer neuen Freundschaft eines Besseren belehrt wird. Durch die Verwendung von verschiedenen Zeichen- und Druckstilen, sind die Bilder teilweise so aussagekräftig, dass Der Outlaw nur wenige Sätze beinhaltet und seine Motive für sich sprechen lässt. Nancy Vo hat ein Kinderbuch herausgebracht, das nicht nur die Kleinen beeindruckt sondern auch Erwachsene zum Nachdenken anregt. Ich blättere mich immer wieder gern durch die wenigen Seiten und habe jedes Mal das Gefühl, etwas Neues zu entdecken.
December 18, 2019
Loved all of the debate and questions this book will stir up. Can a person who has done a lot of bad things make up for it? What will be important, their past, or what they are doing to be a better person? Certainly students will be able to make a lot of connections about whether or not they hold a grudge for past wrongs their classmates have propagated.
December 1, 2019
An outlaw terrifies a town with his misdeeds. Eventually he leaves. Years later a stranger arrives and begins mending parts of the rundown town. In time he is recognized as the outlaw. This book makes you question. Can he be forgiven. Can he be redeemed? Is it enough that he is making amends?
October 16, 2020
The art is good and the story, while a bit rushed, leaves a good thinking point: can you make amends after certain acts? How long it takes? Do people have to forgive you? This guy caused havoc, destroyed business and ruined lives...would fixing a roof be enough to make up for it?
October 15, 2021
A nice story about grace and forgiveness...and how sometimes you may not get it even if you try, but it's not really a full story with developed characters. The end is a little ambiguous, perhaps on purpose, but it left me wanting.
April 13, 2022
A nondidactic story about redemption where the child is the one who understands what the right thing is to do. The text and illustrations have a mythic quality, which I love. I have the first two books in this trilogy, and am (not so patiently) waiting for the third to be published.
March 11, 2018
The first few spreads were gorgeous and so promising...but the narrative and the illustrations failed to maintain that promise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews