Nature All Around: BIRDS, written by Pamela Hickman and illustrated by Carolyn Gavin. Kids Can Press, 2020. $19.99 ages 8 and up

 

"A northern shrike is a robin-sized songbird, but it feeds on small mammals and other birds. It has a sharp, hooked beak, like a bird of prey does, but a shrike's small feet are too weak to hold its food. Instead, shrikes stick their prey on large thorns in trees or shrubs, or on barbed wire, to hold the food steady while they eat."

Just when you thought you knew a lot about birds, you open a new book in the Nature All Around series and find out about shrikes. I know others will know what I did not, but I am betting their will be children out there who did not know about them. That is what has happened with each of the previous books in this exemplary series, Bugs and Trees (2019), then Plants (2020). Each new publishing season brings another exemplary book! 

Kids who love birds will be thrilled to take a look at this book that encourages new learning, and an appreciation of the world of birds that surround them. This summer, as we dealt with the effects of the world-wide shutdown, I noticed a number of birds rarely seen in my backyard. It was lovely to sit out in the porch with my bird guide close by. It will be the same for those who read this book, and discover how fascinating birds are. 

The book is a friendly guide for all who are interested in knowing more about species, their unique features including feathers, eggs and nests. A yearlong journey allows readers to think about birds through the seasons, and encourages them to watch for clues in all weather. A bird-watcher section is included, as well as a welcome glossary and index. Realistic images are presented in watercolor and gouache artwork by Carolyn Gavin that is sure to please. 

Did you know that a herring gull has a bright red spot near its beak tip? Did you further know that it is a target for a baby gull? A chick pecks that red spot to remind the parent to open its mouth and regurgitate the food that is there for the young ones. If not, now you do!