Birds are fascinating. Birds are beautiful. Birds eat insects that are pests. And here on the cusps of Fall and the promise of cooler and colder temperatures, they mass migrate. Watch the birds in your backyard, on the school playground, and on the ledges of buildings in cities. Be thankful for birds.
CONSIDER THE BIRDS by Jennifer Grant & illustrated by Julianna Swaney
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ISBN: 9780802855626
Eerdmans Young Readers |
My thoughts: Beautiful illustrations gently bring life to the tender, descriptive text that characterizes each bird and what the bird is doing. There is such a sweetness to the pictures and words. The bold, bossy Bluejay; the loving Morning Doves; the skittish Chickadees; and the tiny, brave Wrens. The beautiful book layout with the gentle illustrations is sheer loveliness.
A bit of information about each bird's habit or traits. A bit of counting opportunities, though this isn't a "counting book." A suggestion to "Consider" the birds and how God cares for them. A wrap up that "God loves you....."
Truly a precious book.
About the book: Book 1 of the Consider series, a new picture book series celebrating nature and inviting gratitude.
On a spring day at the birdfeeder, ONE blue jay dives down from way up high, shouting: “Eat! Eat! Eat!” TWO mourning doves scout for seeds on the ground. Next to swoop in are THREE tiny black-capped chickadees, ready for a quick bite. Then we spot FOUR little wrens in a tree—joined by a cardinal to make FIVE. Come count these birds with me!
This lyrical book is a gentle invitation to discover the wonders of nature and the love of God. Jennifer Grant’s simple text and Julianna Swaney’s endearing art will encourage readers to slow down and marvel at the amazing world around them.
Fly Like a Bird (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers (SSCR)) by Olga Ptashnik
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ISBN: 9780802856456
Eerdmans Young Readers |
My thoughts: We have a young Chickadee worried about being able to fly. It's almost time to "wing it" but he's afraid he won't be able to. Hence, the beginning conversation between the little Chickadee and an older one (mother or father bird?).
The way a variety of different birds are able to fly and how fast, high, lots of wing action, little wing action, or even not flying at all is brought to light; and the little Chickadee responds with the realization that it wouldn't work for him and how about something else.
Ultimately, do decides to try and finds that his wings work just fine and he's flying.
This is a different type of educational picture book that works, though I'm not particularly fond of it. The illustrations are adequate to pair with the text though the style is not a style I favor. All-in-all, a good book for libraries and I am sure many will love it.
About the book: A playful tour through the flight patterns of pelicans, peregrine falcons, and other incredible birds.
“What if I never learn to fly?” a baby chickadee asks. “You will when the time comes!” an adult answers. “Let me tell you about how our friends fly.” Will the chick fly like a hummingbird—moving its wings at top speed and sipping nectar from flowers? Will it fly like an Andean condor—using air streams to soar through the mountains? Will it fly like a penguin—flapping its wings like fins underwater? Maybe this tiny chickadee can find its own way to fly.
With vibrant illustrations and incredible facts about each feathered friend, Fly Like a Bird is a thrilling introduction to life on the wing. This warm, conversational book is perfect for nature lovers, aspiring birdwatchers, and anyone who’s ever wondered how to soar into the future.
Other books about birds I've reviewed from Eerdman's Books for Young Readers:
- The Birds of Christmas - My review There's a Giveaway ending Sept. 16. Please visit review & enter giveaway.
- Home by Isabelle Simler - My review
- The Blue Hour - My review
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary books to facilitate their review from Candlewick Press. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given.
