Birds of the World Author(s): Colin HarrisonAlan GreensmithNumber of pages: 280 pagesCopyright: 1999ISBN / ID: 9781564582966Publisher: Dorling KindersleyBinding: Hardcover Subject(s): BirdsGrade / Age level: Grades 6-8Resource Type: Picture BooksReview: This is my favorite of the Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Handbooks and I would venture to guess that it's probably the best bird handbook you can find. Hundreds of birds, from doves and swallows, to hawks and falcons and tropical birds are included with clear photos, a small map of where they can be found, an icon showing how large they are in comparison to the book, and other basic information about their habitat, migration, etc. Our family has used this guide extensively in identifying and learning more about the substantial variety of birds we find in our own backyard. It's also interesting to see pictures of the sorts of birds we probably won't see in our backyard, such as penguins, turkeys, and eagles. The information appears to be limited to facts about different species of birds, rather than getting into more theoretical and philosophical (not to mention controversial) areas such as evolution and the environment. Reviewed by: Alicia Van HeckeFirst reviewed: 1998-99
What Bluebirds do Author(s): Pamela F. KirbyNumber of pages: 48 pagesCopyright: 2009ISBN / ID: 1590786149Publisher: Boyds Mills PressBinding: Softcover Subject(s): BirdsResource Type: Picture BooksReview: We picked a full bag of mostly new picture books from the library as we don't visit it as often as during the school year. Several new publications were examined by my review team – our children. Some were bold, creative, large and colorful. Fiction, informational, biographies: we read many different books over a number of days. In my mind as I hear their comments and listen or watch their reading enjoyment I run my own elimination process. A simple, quiet, gentle book was the clear winner this time, beating all of its "louder" competitors: What Bluebirds Do, by Pamela Kirby. It won all of our hearts with the true photographic story of a pair of bluebirds in the backyard of the author's house. Beautiful photography, a list of resources, and a careful description of the bluebirds' life are combined into the most delightful nature-book we have come across in a while! Reviewed by: Ana Braga-HenebryFirst reviewed: July 30, 2009
Falcons Nest on Skyscrapers Author(s): Priscilla Belz JenkinsIllustrator(s): Megan LloydNumber of pages: 32 pagesCopyright: 1996ISBN / ID: 9780060211059Publisher: Harper CollinsBinding: Softcover Subject(s): BirdsSetting: MarylandGrade / Age level: ElementaryResource Type: Picture BooksReview: This is a very interesting book (with excellent illustrations) that introduces young children to various falcons living in the United States, some of their remarkable abilities and the story of how some scientists were successful in re-introducing the peregrine falcon in the Eastern United States after they nearly became extinct because of an insect spray called DDT which was overused earlier in the twentieth century. The story focuses on Scarlett, a peregrine falcon who was born in captivity, released, and discovered building a nest thirty-three stories up on the ledge of a skyscraper in Baltimore. This location made observation ideal and we learn that she managed to find a wild falcon for a mate and that their offspring have helped significantly in restoring the falcon population. Reviewed by: Alicia Van HeckeFirst reviewed: 12-27-99
How do Birds Find Their Way? Author(s): Roma GansNumber of pages: 32 pagesCopyright: 1996ISBN / ID: 9780060202255Publisher: HarperTrophyBinding: Softcover Subject(s): BirdsGrade / Age level: ElementaryResource Type: Picture BooksReview: A nicely illustrated and interesting look at the amazing phenomenon of bird migration, what we know about how migration works and some various theories about details that are still being studied. Includes a chart of how high various birds fly. Reviewed by: Alicia Van HeckeFirst reviewed: 4-4-01
Birds do the Strangest Things Author(s): Leonora and Arthur HornblowIllustrator(s): Alan D SingerNumber of pages: 61 pagesCopyright: 1965ISBN / ID: 9780679911593Publisher: Random HouseBinding: Sewn Hardcover Subject(s): BirdsGrade / Age level: ElementaryResource Type: Picture BooksReview: Twenty-two stories of the natural but strange and fascinating behavior of various birds. The text covers ostriches, hummingbirds, kiwis, loons, peacocks, emperor penguins, woodpeckers and much more. The text is somewhat lengthy (approx. 12-20 lines per page), but in fairly large print and at a fairly easy reading level. My children find this book completely fascinating. Part of the "Step-Up" series which includes "Meet George Washington" et al. Reviewed by: Alicia Van HeckeFirst reviewed: 4-4-01
