Who Really Killed Cock Robin? By Jean Craighead George - A Book Review

Who Really Killed Cock Robin?
Written by Jean Craighead George

First published in 1971

Recommended ages 10+

A book review by Anna Kay Thomas.

The first installment of Jean Craighead George’s Ecological Mystery series was partly inspired, by Rachel Carson’s revolutionary book Silent Spring, the author’s own part in similar research, and other environmental resources. The story follows Tony, a young teen who keeps a nature journal to track the goings-on in the town of Saddleboro. When a male robin becomes a local celebrity, something mysteriously begins to go wrong with him and other members of the ecosystem. Tony takes it upon himself to investigate within his town and find out what the true culprit of Cock Robin’s death was.

In a perfect balance of story and information, you follow the adventures and triumphs of children as they are exposed to new ideas and an awareness of how best to protect the environment. The different biocides, the ways they get into our environment, the effects that they have on creatures, and how they alter the land are all rationally written in a way that children can understand and remember without being exposed to anything gruesome.

Though Ms. George’s works never despairingly focus on what’s wrong with how our society cares (or doesn’t care) for the environment, she thoughtfully points out specific issues to introduce solutions. Solutions she presents include being mindful of the products you use, of the world around you, of how best to care for others, and of the power that each of us has to create change, even from the little differences we make inside our home, community, local government, and beyond. There is always something we can do, and this book makes that fact apparent. As Ms. George wrote, “Intelligent kids will unravel these mysteries and do something about them”.

This book is for anyone who wants a solution-focused introduction to environmental issues, who loves unraveling the mysteries of nature, and who is looking for a place to start in making a difference in the world around them. Wishing you the best on your literary trek!

Reflective Question: 

What are some ways that you already help the environment? (Suggestions: Use cleaning products free of chemicals, upcycle, find the natural predators of pests to avoid using biocides, garden, raise livestock, pick up the trash you make and find, show respect and kindness to animals, etc.)

Photography by Anna Kay Thomas