Hawks Kettle, Puffins Wheel: And Other Poems of Birds in Flight. Written by Susan Vande Griek and illustrated by Mark Hoffman. Kids Can Press. 2019. $18.99 ages 8 and up

"Here in the Arctic
on a barren shore,
the nesting, noisy -
kee-kee-kar!
kee-kee-kar! -
arctic terns
go quiet,
lift up
in a rapid swoosh.

A sudden dread."

This is quite the combination of information concerning birds, shared in both poetry and text. The author begins with a quick introduction that explains to her readers that most birds are built to fly - everything about their bodies help them to ascend into the sky.

"Air rushes over the top of their curved wings and creates lift - the force that
keeps them aloft. Their tail feathers control steering, speed and balance as the
birds maneuver through the air."

She then uses double-page spreads to include a poem about the way they move, faced by a short, informative passage about each of the 12 bird species presented. Many of these words are new to me - both interesting and enlightening. She also includes learning about their specific behaviors.

"Peregrine falcons fly high,
scanning above and below
for prey with their very sharp
eyesight. When the falcon spots
its prey, usually a smaller bird,
it rises up and then drops down
in a steep, fast dive called a stoop.
Tucking wings and feet in close, it
streamlines its body to plunge and
make its kill."

The poems are varied in rhythm, shape, and repetition. Read aloud, as poetry should be read, they introduce listeners to some terrific new language. Mark Hoffman's gouache and digital illustrations provide contextual settings, perspective, and powerful, energetic images of the birds in motion.

In backmatter, Ms. Vande Griek provides additional notes on each species, their global location, and a glossary. Mr. Hoffman adds detailed drawings of the feathers that keep them aloft.