Birds

Pamela Hickman and Carolyn Gavin continue their “Nature All Around” series of informational picture books with the new title,Birds. This title maintains the high standard already established with the Trees, Bugs, and Plants titles. Birds contains a wealth of introductory information about such things as eggs, nests, feathers, and bird migration. Hickman’s written text and Gavin’s colourful illustrations also provide a strong introduction to the life cycles of birds and discussion of bird behaviour during different seasons.

Although the book is primarily introductory-level, the specificity of the work is one of the book’s many great strengths. For example, in the discussion of different beak shapes (and the reasons for such differences), the long and thin beak of hummingbirds is referenced. Rather than mere generic hummingbirds, however, specifically a calliope hummingbird is illustrated. The “short and pointy” beak of a warbler is specifically illustrated with a yellow warbler example. A “flat and wide” duck bill is specifically illustrated with a mallard’s bill. This sort of attention to detail is to be commended. While introducing young readers to the marvellous world of birds, Hickman does not merely lump all birds (or even, for instance, all hummingbirds) in together. Furthermore, despite a careful selection of material at an introductory level, those selections were not made at the expense of accuracy.

As with other titles in the “Nature All Around” series, information throughout the book is presented in double-page spreads focussed upon a variety of topics. In this case, those topics of focus include endangered birds and bird homes. Text features, like a table of contents, an index, and a glossary, all enhance each book in the series and make them “user friendly”. In this case, the glossary defines 32 words or terms, including contour feathers, filoplumes, fledgling, molt, and preen.

Young readers will enjoy Hickman’s engaging written text. Gavin’s vibrantly coloured watercolour and gouache illustrations perfectly complement Hickman’s work. Teachers and librarians will find much of value within the pages of Birds. Young bird enthusiasts will come away with a magnified appreciation for birds. Those many people who have yet to discover the wonder of birds and birdwatching will be inspired to grab a set of binoculars and head outdoors to see what wonders await them.