All the Birds in the World, by David Opie. Peter Pauper Press, 2020. $22.99 ages 3 and up

"All birds come from eggs.
Birds' eggs come in assorted
sizes and colors just like birds.
Eggs can be speckled brown
or sky blue
and many colors in between.

Hummingbird eggs
are about the size of a jelly bean,
while ostrich eggs
are as big as a cantaloupe."

Forever fascinated by birds, it seems appropriate that David Opie would choose them as the subject for his first picture book. He says it took him some time to determine the purpose for the book, and to then decide on its design. He chose diversity, and included more than 100 images of birds from around the world. It is obvious to every one who sees this book that he spends a good deal of his time birdwatching and learning about birds, and honing his artistic skills. His illustrations are beautifully done, opening page to ending.

The first bird introduced is small, squatty, with an unremarkable brown color, and a long, pointed beak. Some readers will recognize it immediately; others will not. Mr. Opie provides the bird's name as the book moves forward. We do occasionally hear the little guy ask questions concerning his place in the bird world.

"But what about me?"
asked Kiwi."

The text begins with what birds have in common: feathers, wings, beaks. The author then moves on to mention some of their differences: color, shape, size, leg length, homes, egg size, feet and number of toes. Kiwi plays a prominent role on each page, always observant and inquisitive. None of the characterisics seem to match those of the small bird.

Following that, readers are made aware of the great variety in beak structure, and finally 'the most amazing thing birds can do'. They can fly! Poor Kiwi cannot. Mr. Opie goes on to show water birds, nocturnal birds, the songs birds sing. Finally ... the author gives the tiny bird from New Zealand it's due.

" ... It lays very large eggs
compared to its body size,
and lives in an underground burrow,
instead of nesting in trees.
The kiwi has no tail,
but has whiskers like a cat,
and has soft, fur-like feathers,
nostrils at the tip of a long, skinny beak,
tiny, hidden wings,
and does not fly."

Kiwi humorously admits to knowing all that, and now fully understands that it is certainly part of the bird family!

Back matter includes an author's note, sketches for each numbered and labelled bird that appears in the book, and a further short note that offers even more information about the kiwi.

This is perfect fare for budding ornithologists who want clear, straightforward information, with a touch of humor, and a little twist at the end.