Explore the fascinating world of superlative birds—from the bee hummingbird, the tiniest bird in the world, to the peregrine falcon, the fastest creature on Earth.
Ever wonder which bird has the loudest voice? Which one builds the biggest nest or has the most feathers? Get to know all about the best and brightest—and smelliest!—denizens of the bird world with this collection of nonfiction science verses. You won’t need your binoculars to observe the superlative characteristics of these avian wonders.
Author Leslie Bulion includes a science glossary, notes on poetry forms, and resources for information about these extraordinary birds in the back of the book. Witty drawings by Robert Meganck add another layer of fun to this humorous and informative gallery of the world’s most accomplished birds. - (Baker & Taylor)
Nineteen poems in a variety of verse forms with accompanying science notes introduce readers to a wide variety of unusual birds. - (Baker & Taylor)
Nonfiction science verses and lighthearted illustrations combine in an introduction to the world's superlative birds that range from the bee hummingbird, the tiniest bird in the world, to the peregrine falcon, the fastest creature on Earth. - (Baker & Taylor)
"Nineteen poems in a variety of verse forms with accompanying science notes introduce readers to a wide variety of unusual birds."-- - (Baker & Taylor)
Get to know all about the best and brightest—and smelliest!—birds in Leslie Bulion's award-winning collection of avian science poetry. You won't even need binoculars!
Ever wonder which bird has the loudest voice? Which one builds the biggest nest or has the most feathers? Get to know all about the best and brightest?and smelliest!?denizens of the bird world with this collection of nonfiction science verses.
Award-winning science poetry author Leslie Bulion dedicates a variety of verse to these impressive birds and includes a science glossary, notes on poetic forms, and resources for more information in the back of the book.
Witty drawings by Robert Meganck add another layer of fun to this humorous and informative gallery of the world's most accomplished birds. Ideal for cross-curricular learning, including units on animals, birds, nature, and poetry. - (Random House, Inc.)
Leslie Bulion has graduate degrees in oceanography and social work. She has written parenting and education articles and is the author of several children's science-related poetry books and novels. When she's not writing, she enjoys exploring nature with her binoculars, hand lens, and camera; collecting specimens to examine under her microscope; or going SCUBA diving and or kayaking. Leslie lives in Connecticut.
Designer and illustrator Robert Meganck, retired professor of illustration, graphic design, digital imaging, and color theory at Virginia Commonwealth University, received a BFA degree from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, and an MFA degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art. He has received over 300 awards for illustration and graphic design work, and been recognized for excellence by such organizations as The Society of Illustrators New York and The Society of Illustrators Los Angeles. - (Random House, Inc.)
Booklist Reviews
*Starred Review* Which bird is smallest or smelliest? Which lays the most brilliantly colored eggs or builds the biggest nest? These questions barely scratch the surface of the fascinating facts contained in this avian-themed poetry collection. A black-capped chickadee guides readers through the book, offering interesting trivia on every spread. A total of 18 birds grace this feathered Hall of Fame, each with its own illustrated two-page spread, a poem in a thoughtfully chosen poetic form, and accessible but precise "Science Notes." Not only will readers learn new things about familiar birds (barn owls' ears are positioned at different heights on their heads!), they will also meet some wonderfully bizarre birds that will be less well known to U.S. readers. For instance, the distinction of longest toes (proportionally) goes to the northern jacana, which ". . . splays spindly toes, / Skip-trots across broad lily pads, / Picks tasty insects as it goes." And Australia's lyrebird wins "Fanciest Courtship/Best Mimic"—appropriately described in a poem that echoes the rhythm and rhyme of "Waltzing Matilda." Meganck's illustrations are one-dimensional and friendly, placing the birds against uncluttered backgrounds while clearly emphasizing the characteristic being highlighted by each poem. A closing poem appeals to readers' sense of environmental stewardship, and informative back matter includes "Poetry Notes" for each poem, as well as birding resources. Grades 2-5. Copyright 2019 Booklist Reviews.
School Library Journal Reviews
Gr 3–7—This combination poetry/science book successfully blends language arts and science into an informative and fun collection of poems about the fastest, smallest, biggest, and most interesting birds. Each page includes a short poem about one of the most notable birds in the world, commenting on what makes them miraculous and a standout, followed by a few paragraphs of additional background information. Each poem is structurally catered to the particular bird it highlights, such as a poem in the shape of a penguin, or a loud free verse poem for the loudest birds, like the Salmon-crested Cockatoo and the Kakapo. The sometimes challenging vocabulary level may seem better suited for an older middle school reader, but beautiful illustrations combine cartoonish and anatomically correct representations with bright colors that pop to make this a treat anyone can enjoy. The notes section explains the structures and rhyming patterns of each poem and helps readers better understand the poems' forms and styles. Also included is a short glossary of terms and reference guide for resources on birding and bird watching. VERDICT A "top of the class" example of combining two different subjects that are approachable and a joy to read. A win for science and English classrooms.-Thomas Jonte, Pensacola State College, FL
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal.