Birds (see also Zoology)
Arnold, Caroline. Birds : nature's magnificent flying machines / Caroline Arnold ; illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne. Watertown , MA : Charlesbridge, c2003. ISBN: 1570915164. Birds: Nature's Magnificent Flying Machines
Grade A: Focuses on the anatomical design of birds that allows flight and the physics of flight. At the same time it is part field guide with detailed and colorful illustrations of a wide variety of birds. Some topics covered are lift, wings, feathers, taking off, flapping, gliding, soaring, and migration. There is a cursory mention of other flyers and gliders like bats, squirrels, and extinct flying reptiles. KWR, UIUC MLIS (1-04). |
| Favorably reviewed. "Kirkus reviews calls this "a terrific example of the best sort of science book for young readers" as it uses detailed illustrations to explain about flight by birds and other animals. (Grades 2+)" Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS (12-03). |
Bishop, Nic. The secrets of animal flight / Nic Bishop. Boston : Houghton Mifflin, 1997. ISBN: 0395778484. Favorably reviewed. The Secrets of Animal Flight
[F]illed with vivid photographs and interesting facts about nature's flyers such as insects who have trouble taking off if they are cold and that bats' hearts can beat 1000 times a minute; includes diagrams of wings and feathers. Starred reviews by Horn Book and School Library Journal . (Grades 3+)." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS (12-03).
Chrustowski, Rick. Blue sky bluebird / Rick Chrustowski. 1st ed. New York : Henry Holt and Co., c2004. Ages 4-8. Grade: A
Blue Sky Bluebird, told as a story, describes the lifecycle of bluebirds. Starting with a pair of bluebirds, describes how they build their nest, how the eggs develop and hatch, and how they grow. Mentions migration and shows the three types of bluebirds found in North America. Chrustowski skillfully includes basic zoological information and precise terminology within story (except for the peek inside the egg section, which is outside of the main story). A note at the end mentions the decline and recent resurgence in the number of bluebirds and the increasing number of nest boxes. The illustrations are warm, colorful, and detailed. KWR (06-04)
Cooper, Jason. Birds / Jason Cooper. Vero Beach , Fla. : Rourke Press, c1997. ISBN: 1571031928 [Rourke Guide to State Symbols: Birds] Favorably reviewed.
"It gives the scientific name, size and year chosen as state bird, plus a few facts about each bird for use in state reports." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03).
Davies, Nicola. Birds / Nicola Davies. Larousse Kingfisher Chambers, 2003. ISBN: 0753456176. Favorably reviewed. Birds on Amazon.com
"A Kingfisher Young knowledge book, this is filled with interesting facts and many pictures for young readers to enjoy. Includes index and project suggestions. (Grades 1+)." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03).
Foster, Joanna. The Magpies' nest / retold by Joanna Foster ; illustrated by Julie Downing. New York : Clarion Books, c1995. ISBN: 0395621550 Note this book is Folklore. Favorably reviewed. Magpies' Nest on Amazon.com
"One not to miss is the Magpies' Nest retold by Joanna Foster. Sadly, this book is out of print, but it excellently narrates the tale of why no two types of birds make their nests in the same way. Based on British folklore, the tale is further explained in an author's note. (Grades 1+)." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03).
Gans, Roma. How do birds find their way? / by Roma Gans ; illustrated by Paul Mirocha. New York : HarperCollins, 1996. [Read-and-Find-Out Series] 0060202246 Favorably reviewed. How Do Birds Find Their Way
"The excellent Let's Read and Find Out series has a title called How Do Birds Find Their Way by Gans. It's filled with interesting facts and maps of migration, perfect for a study of birds and their habits. (Grades 2+)." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03).
Kalz, Jill. Robins / Jill Kalz. Mankato, Minn. : Smart Apple Media, c2003. 1583401318 (alk. paper) (Ages 6-10) [Birds Series] Grade: A-
Very good, detailed introduction to Robins in easy to read language. Here is an example of the detail. "Both males and females talk to each other using a variety of calls, including a cheep, a tuktuk, and a scolding chirp." Discusses robins' diet, migratory patter, life cycle, and predators. Text appears to be written on white lined paper. The photos are appropriate and of good quality. Includes an index, glossary, 3 item each bibliography and webography. Includes an activity. KWR (02-04).
Lerner, Carol. On the wing : American birds in migration / Carol Lerner. New York : HarperCollins Publishers, c2001. ISBN: 0688166490, 0688166504 (lib. bdg.) Favorably reviewed.
"[R]eceived starred reviews from Horn Book, Kirkus and School Library Journal. This is a slightly more sophisticated discussion of migration. The local author lives in Chicago and studied botanical illustration at Morton Arboretum. (Grades 3+)" Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03).
Loves, June. Flying animals / June Loves. Broomall , PA : Chelsea House Publishers, 2002, 2000. ISBN: 0791065618 Flying Animals
| Scientist review:
Grade: A Flying Animals covers insects, birds, bats, and gliding animals such as flying squirrels, flying lemurs and flying frogs. Information is up to date and includes a brief history of the evolution of flight. Includes the lifecycle of the dragonfly and the butterfly. Excellent labeled illustrations and photographs. © 2004 Catherine Wong, MLIS, MS Biology. (01-04) |
Grade: A Starting with prehistoric flyers, discusses flying and gliding animals, birds, and insects. Fabulous close-up photographs and clear illustrations illuminate the information presented. Includes explanation of flight and discussion of how the various species fly or glide. KWR, UIUC MLIS (12-03) |
Favorably reviewed. "Covers [birds and] other animals (squirrels, fish, frogs and insects) who fly. (Grades 2+)." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03). |
Rockwell, Anne. Two blue jays / Anne Rockwell ; pictures by Megan Halsey.
New York : Walker, 2003. Ages 4-8. Grade: A-
Told as a story, describes the lifecycle of two blue jays as seen from a classroom window. Describes how they build a next and care for their young. Also shows what jays eat. Mixed media illustrations are bright and have a three dimensional look. KWR (06-04)
Stewart, Melissa. Birds / by Melissa Stewart. New York : Children's Press, c2001. ISBN: 051622039X [A True Book] Favorably reviewed. Birds on Amazon.com
This book has large typeface, plenty of white space and lots of color photos to describe how birds fly, what they eat, and how they grow. Recommended readings, web sites, glossary and index included. (Grades K-2)" Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03).
Wilkes, Angela. Question Time: Birds / Angela Wilkes. Kingfisher Books; 2002. ISBN: 0753454505. Favorably reviewed. Question Time: Birds
"When do owls hunt? Why does a pelican have such a big beak? Why do birds sing? are some of the questions which this books answers. Glossary and index included. (Grades 1+)." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03).
Williams, Nick. How birds fly / Nick Williams. New York : Benchmark Books, 1997. ISBN: 0761404546 Favorably reviewed How Birds Fly
"[I]t uses diagrams and photos to explain how birds glide, soar and land. (Grades 1+)"
Winer, Yvonne. Birds build nests / written by Yvonne Winer ; illustrated by Tony Oliver. Watertown , MA : Charlesbridge, 2002. ISBN: 1570915008 (jrb), 1570915016 (pbk.) Note: Includes Bib and web sites. Note: This is poetry. Favorably reviewed. Birds Build Nests
"Winer is a more recent title (and NSTA award winner) which uses poetry to introduce the young students to different bird nests. (Grades K-2)." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03).
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