Copyright © 2026 by The Pictou Bee Press

The Crow That Wouldn't Go

About the Publication

Written and illustrated by Matea Drljepan

Paperback

$18.99 CAD

Buy Now

This charming children’s book tells the tale of a little crow who revels in the joys of the place that he calls home. He doesn’t need to fly to exotic places for happiness when it already exists, right under his beak, in a small Maritime town.

In this homage to Antigonish, readers will recognize some of the community’s familiar landmarks, so vividly rendered by Matea. The Wheel, St. Ninian’s Cathedral, Moonlight Restaurant, Koala Cone, and Mount Saint Bernard, just to name a few, are all part of the little crow’s much beloved world.

This story is supplemented with an engaging essay about the unique mystique of crows around the world and Antigonish’s special relationship with its crow residents. The essay also offers insights into the author’s longstanding affection for this remarkable bird.

This is Matea’s first children’s book. It promises to be a delight for readers young and old.

Product Details

  • Publisher: The Pictou Bee Press (June 2025)
  • Language: English
  • Softcover: 32 pages
  • ISBN: 978-0-920297-07-0
  • Item Weight: 138 g
  • Dimensions: 21.59 x 21.59 x 0.3 cm (8.5 x 8.5 x 0.1 in)

About the Author

Dr. Matea Drljepan has three children and enjoys turning her hand to all things artistic. She was born in Bosnia and came to the Niagara region in Canada in 1997. As a child, she took oil painting classes and excelled at drawing. While attracted to art, her interest in the natural world led her to a PhD in geology from the University of Western Ontario. Matea and her partner James moved to Nova Scotia in 2018 and were instantly impressed by the pervasive sense of community. She found work at St. Francis Xavier University assisting faculty with their technology needs. Since moving to Nova Scotia, Matea has honed her writing skills, publishing her first short story, "The Ham Thief" in The Antigonish Review in 2023. The Crow That Wouldn't Go is her first children's book.