Book Bundles: Birds of a Feather

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Angela Harding. "Birds have conquered every continent on Earth," this title begins and goes on to describe many of them, with sections on birds of prey, freshwater birds, flightless birds, tree dwellers, and more. Brief descriptions of each species focus on their unique traits, including appearance, diet, habitat, food-gathering techniques, song, courtship rituals, and even odor (the stink bird's leafy diet makes it smell like manure). The stunning linocut illustrations, many stretching across full pages or spreads, bring these creatures to life and showcase their variety. The lack of index makes this book more suitable for browsing than for reference.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kate Slater. Different species of birds use their beaks for different purposes, this book explains. Right-facing pages show the silhouette of a bird with a beak shaped like a common tool, asking the question, "What kind of bird has a beak that works like a...pair of needle-nosed pliers? ...pair of tweezers? ...sharp knife?" Turn the page to find the enthusiastic answer (a sandpiper! a wren! a hawk!) along with a description of what the beak looks like and how the bird uses it. The rich mixed-media illustrations, full of gentle pastel colors, showcase each bird in its habitat; an explanation of evolution and resources for further reading are included.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) K-3 "From the time they are born birds use their beaks...in many unusual and amazing ways." Single- and double-page spreads detail those ways, e.g., "This beak is for straining" (duck); "This beak is for filtering" (flamingo); "This beak is for climbing" (macaw). Each use is accompanied by a close-up of the bird and a smaller illustration of the bird using its beak; white backgrounds keep the focus on the detailed, vibrant digital illustrations. A final spread shows a graphic of the twenty-one birds drawn to scale, along with information about what they eat and where they live. A bibliography and resources for further reading are included.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Camilla Pintonato. If you've ever wondered about chickens or their eggs--perhaps which came first--this introduction is a good place to start. Separated into five sections (about chickens; chicken anatomy; the egg; chickens and humans; and different breeds), this title effectively makes the case that chickens are intelligent, unique, and fascinating creatures. (Did you know, for instance, that chickens can be taught to play the piano? And that they don't pee?) The clean and colorful illustrations, featuring neatly labeled diagrams and infographics and creative, occasionally whimsical drawings, are a good match for the straightforward text.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns