I have real wings now.
The others are talking
about leaving the nest.
I like it here. It's safe.
A big bird comes by
and looks inside. He's
too big to reach us, so
he flies away. Phew!"
This first person narrative of an Eastern Bluebird's first year is dedicated to 'all bird and nature lovers'. It provides a very personal and informative look, with clear reporting beginning in front matter.
The author provides a number of useful facts about the bluebird. Clear and colorful illustrations take a close look at both male and female birds, noting the difference in their coloring. A map shows where these birds can be found in North America: in summer, in winter, and all year-round. Their range is extensive, reaching from Texas through to Maine, and into Canada during the summer months.
Migration patterns vary.
"Not all Bluebirds migrate. Some Bluebirds that live in warm places
stay there year-round. In September or the beginning of October, the Eastern
Bluebirds that do migrate join flocks that fly south to warmer climates where
they find more to eat. They travel to the Carolinas and other southern states.
Some Eastern Bluebirds migrate as far as Nicaragua."
The author also includes an illustration of the many insects they eat and shares facts about their nesting habits. The bird that is the focus of this book lives in a human-made house. The building of such houses has helped increase population growth in recent years.
Only now do we get to the story of this one particular Bluebird. Written as a dated diary, it begins on June 1 with the tiny bird breaking out of its shell. Short entries take readers from day to day, then month to month as the bird is fed, learns to fly, migrates, avoids predators and finally returns to its original home. Finding a mate, choosing a house, feathering a nest, laying and hatching new baby chicks brings life full circle one year later.
"June 4
Look at my beautiful chicks!
I'm so happy!"
Back endpapers feature additional illustrations, a glossary, and a list of websites for further research.
Young readers will be pleased to read the straightforward diary entries, while older readers will appreciate the inclusion of dense explanatory text in both front and end matter. This is Paul Meisel's second book in the A Nature Diary series. Digital artwork is appealing and will help inform with its clear details. It is a worthy addition to nonfiction shelves.
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