Birds

Hickman's latest nature series entry introduces novices to many varieties of North American bird species, as well as the joys and techniques of birdwatching. The well-organized double-page layouts are filled with information ranging from explanations of bird anatomy and homes to seasonal variations in development and migration. In each, the scientific information presented goes beyond simple facts to include explanations of, for example, how birds stay warm or the importance of plant-eating birds to seed distribution. Gavin's dynamic illustrations portray common birds in their seasonal habitats, along with intricately detailed up-close images of features such as feathers, eggs, and beaks that emphasize the small differences critical for differentiating species. "Strange birds" panels found throughout the book highlight more unusual behaviors and appearances, such as laying eggs in other birds' nests (brown-headed cowbird) and climbing headfirst down tree trunks (nuthatch). Instructions for making a bird feeder are appended, along with a glossary. Danielle J. Ford January/February 2021 p.129(c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

"In this book, you'll find out…about birds…from those you see every day to strange birds, and you'll discover how you can become a bird-watcher." Following Plants (2020), Bugs, and Trees (both 2019), Hickman and Gavin have produced another worthy addition to children's nature shelves, this one focusing on birds that can be observed in Canada and the United States. The text is accessible and graceful. Each short chapter, illustrated with Gavin's signature, appealing watercolors, has just enough information to whet the appetite for more. Readers are unlikely to forget, for example, that baby herring gulls tap on that red spot on a parent's beak to release the chick's food. As in other books in the series, chapters about each season provide an organic way to introduce or flesh out such basic concepts as migration, pollination, and camouflage. Less-common concepts are also clearly explained, as in "determinate" versus "indeterminate layers." (Yes, some birds keep replacing damaged eggs until they reach a set number.) Occasional sidebars entitled "Strange Birds" mention highly unusual behaviors of specific varieties, including the northern shrike's impalement of edible victims on thorns to compensate for its tiny, weak feet. Other than that possibly shudder-inducing fact, the text spends most of its time on birds that eat fish, insects, and seeds. Following a formula that works, other pages devote themselves to human threats and remedies, hints for elementary bird-watching, and a craft project. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-22-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.) Excellent for fledgling naturalists. (contents, glossary, index) (Informational picture book. 7-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.