The Royal Raven

Convinced that he's ""special,"" Crawford the raven is disgruntled with his ordinary appearance. After making several funny, futile attempts to change, the frustrated bird entreats a woman with magical powers to give him ""some color, some flash, some razzle dazzle."" Wilhelm (Bad, Bad Bunny Trouble) has her pull this off masterfully, as holographic gold foil and splashes of blazing color transform Crawford's plumage into a sparkling, kid-thrilling sight. After making an ill-fated attempt at hobnobbing with the royal family, the cocky creature is banished to a cage in the palace garden, where he grows increasingly despondent until finally realizing he must lose his unnatural grandeur in order to regain his freedom. Though the shimmering feathers are obvious scene-stealers, Wilhelm's bustling, double-page watercolor art glitters even where there is no gold. As an extra treat, Wilhelm hides a tiny ladybug on each spread. Ages 3-8. (Mar.)