Even though the weather has other plans, the calendar is saying that Spring is around the corner. Therefore, the Spring/Easter displays are in full bloom. And on said display for children’s books at work, we have several bird books. Therefore, a lovely theme of birds grace the below reviews.
The first book I want to mention is The Blue Songbird by Vern Kousky is a sweet book about finding your “personal song”, it is obvious this story has been done before (cue: Happy Feet I and II). However, (spoiler) this time the bird finds her actual one-of-a-kind song by going on an adventure. Here you learn about other types of birds (by name and looks) that she asks if they can help her. And the illustrations show you some lovely landscape. Perhaps the favorite part for me was when the little bird politely thanks the Crane and leaves. So many times, it seems like the main character just “flies off” and forgets their manners. This would be a fantastic lap-sized board book.
The second book, Bird Watch by Christie Matheson is a score of a 3.5. While it is a lovely book, and I did enjoy it immensely, there was something missing. The art is bright and bold. The prose fun and moves you and the story right along. Unfortunately, I was not paying as close of attention as I should have when started out and realized a few pages in that it is backwards counting book as well as a “hide and seek” book. This book is very interactive for you and your child. There are facts about birds as well. This would work on many levels (math and science) and can be adapted to the child’s needs and will slightly grow with your child.
Next on the hit parade of titles is Bird Builds a Nest: A First Science Storybook by Martin Jenkins along with some amazing illustrations created by Richard Jones. Your child can grow with this book due to the fact it is a poem/story first and then a science book. Facts about birds are mixed in with the text, therefore neither the facts nor the story stands out, but are blended together seamlessly. As your child grows you can use other parts of the book to grow with them. Bird lovers will enjoy as well as people looking for a nice story. Great for a tie-in to a fiction science story for the classroom. The entire package is a fun and lovely mix.
And last but certainly not least, there is the photographed gem of April Pulley Sayre, Warbler Wave. Her photographs are frame worthy. This realism is a refreshing change from traditional illustrious. The bird’s movements and personality are seen in full color. The text is poetic. The story, life and actions of warblers come across with mixing facts and story format. The afterwards has several facts and information to expand your, and child’s, knowledge. It will grow with your child. Each person will find a line or photograph that will be a favorite. Mine is the clever line about slurping spiders (even though I like the cute little buggers) and wonder how the woodchuck/groundhog sneaked in?
This score is an average of all the books.
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