Superlative Birds, written by Leslie Bulion and illustrated by Robert Meganck. Peachtree, Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2019. $22.95 ages 10 and up

"Turkey Vulture

This vulture
stands
on chickeny feet
and doesn't tweet
or cluck
or peep
or cheep.
It hisses and grunts
and hunts
on the fly ... "

A chickadee pops up in the corner of the first double page spread to let readers know any needed hints will be provided by it. The first poem allows that the book is meant to show which birds are best at what. And that is not all.

"... Who's smallest? Who's the fastest flier?
Deepest diver? Loudest crier?
Stores most dead prey on barbed wire?
This we've got to see!

But ... 
Which traits give birds special flair,
On land, at sea, and in the air.
Traits only birds (and most birds) share?
Do you know? Let's see!

What follows is a series of double page spreads that include a colorful, detailed illustration of the bird presented, a descriptive poem (in a variety of forms), a quick hint from the chickadee, and a science note that adds pertinent and worthwhile information about each 'superlative' bird. The edges of both verso and recto display the trait for the bird shown.

"Walk on Water

The jacana splays spindly toes,
Skip-trots across broad lily pads,
Picks tasty insects as it goes.

Young jacanas kept warm by Dad,
Tuck under wing, with trailing toes
too long to fit, but still - not bad!"

The chickadee asks, 'How long are your toes?'
The verso displays LONGEST TOES. 
And the Science Note adds two fact-filled paragraphs
of further research.

There are 18 of them, and each is exceptional for a particular trait. Poetic descriptions are carefully worded and present ways in which birds can differ one from the other, despite their many similarities. The facts are amazing; the information well researched. The birds come from all over the world and those traits that define them are as varied as the birds themselves. The digital artwork gives life to the birds and their habitats. The chickadee is always helpful, often humorous. Observant readers will note the difference between the front and back end papers.

It is sad to think many of these birds may, in fact, disappear. Ms. Bulion makes reference to that in her final poem. The concluding back matter has a glossary, notes on each of the poetic styles used, advice for doing more exploring in a bird's world, and resources that can be used to help with further study. 

What a terrific book this is!