105 Ways to Give a Book

Nonfiction Monday: Bird Talk

When the storms came through knocking out power, I was forced to do something drastic. Open the windows. And if I didn't get the gentle breezes I craved, it made me realize how quiet my summer world had become in my house sealed tight. Outside there was an unending, melodic soundtrack in the bird songs.

I can't say that I've thought much about what conversations are going on in the trees. I have heard some commentary about our white cat who thinks she's stalking so stealthy across the lawn. And there is a loudly obnoxious bird that prefers the early mornings to call out what I can only guess is "Yeah, shake your tail feathers! I got a worm for you right here!" But this new picture book addresses some of those questions.

Bird Talk: What Birds are Saying and Why
by Lita Judge

Roaring Book Press, 2012
review copy from publisher

Bird Talk: What Birds are Saying and WhyDivided into small sections, birds are grouped together as examples of types of communication from "Pick me!" to "Look out!" to a version of "Let's dance!" Short, simple paragraphs describe the actions of the birds within that context, with an additional cheat-sheet in the back of the book listing the birds, their range and habitat, and other facts. If the specific information isn't new, presenting one conceptual look at communication for younger audience is a fresh take. But what really sets this book apart is the beautiful watercolor illustrations that bring the birds to life with color, texture, energy, and even some humor. With careful attention to detail and a gentle artistic touch, the author/illustrator brings the reader into the dynamic scene of Scandinavian Fieldfares diving at an invading crow or the heartwarming vision of Empire Penguins finding their own chick in a crowd of thousands. Overall, it's an enchanting informational title that will hold appeal for a wide range of young readers.

Today's Nonfiction Monday is hosted by A Curious Thing.


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5 comments:

Susan T. said...

This is a good one! I read it to a second-grade class in the spring; they liked it.

Jeanne Walker Harvey said...

This book looks like great fun! I've been enthralled by a bird outside my window where I write -- she keeps arriving with tiny sticks and is building a nest in the vines on the wall. Her chirping is quite insistent -- now I want to read the book to find out what she's saying?

GatheringBooks said...

Hi Pam, I love bird songs and birdcalls - it's good to know that you can have an idea what they mean through this book. Thanks for sharing this! Very interesting.

Anonymous said...

You forget how peaceful bird songs can make you feel until you're constantly surrounded by beeping servers, muzak, and the like. As a reluctant grown-up, I'm also interested in this book!

Jennifer R. Hubbard said...

That's one thing I've come to hate about A/C: the way it seals us off from the outdoors.