Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 3-5. This handsome introduction to birds in winter begins with a discussion of how their anatomy and behavior help them survive the cold weather in northern climates. The heart of the book presents the physical features, diets, habits, and ranges of more than two dozen relatively common species. Precise watercolor paintings of birds, usually shown as three-quarters life size, appear on nearly every page, making this a beautiful as well as a practical way to learn about wildlife that even city children can observe. Lerner mentions winter bird feeding as a possible reason for the increasingly northern range of many birds but reasssures readers that birds do not rely solely on backyard bird feeders except in extreme conditions. An appended section provides practical advice on food, feeders, and water for backyard birds. An informative guide to the birds that North American children might expect to see at their bird feeders in winter. (Reviewed November 15, 1994)068812819XCarolyn Phelan
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-A guide to identifying and observing birds that survive in the cold climate of the U.S. and southern Canada. Introductory statements point out that their range may vary due to lost habitat, milder winters in some areas, and the ability of some to adapt to urban environments. A flowing narrative and realistic illustrations combine to present chickadees, cardinals, sparrows, juncos, and more. Species found only in specific regions are carefully identified and have adjacent range maps. The material is well organized, with species grouped under appropriate headings. Birds are drawn to scale in natural tones with distinctive markings for easy identification. Simple backdrops unique to each one's natural habitat are set against white to create an open, airy format. Providing more information than is found in basic identification guides, Lerner's book describes requirements for survival, adaptation to cold temperatures, and diet as well as distinguishing physical characteristics. One section discusses the best seeds for individual species and well-designed feeders that attract birds and discourage squirrels. A valuable selection to include alongside Golden Guides, Peterson's guides, and Rob Hume's Birdwatching (Random, 1993), which includes more detailed advice for observing birds in all seasons.-Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
An excellent introduction to bird watching for young children, the attractive, cleanly designed handbook describes and pictures over forty of the most common species of winter birds in the United States, from black-capped chickadees to purple finches. Bib., ind. From HORN BOOK 1994, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
An excellent introduction to the birds found on or around the feeder in winter. Lerner (Plants That Make You Sniffle and Sneeze, 1993, etc.) answers all manner of birding questions: How do birds stay warm? Why do you see them at some times and not at others? Where do they go at night? Why have some vanished altogether? Thumbnail sketches of more than 40 winter visitors follow, including old pals like chickadees and cardinals, the furtive red-bellied woodpecker, and true eye-popping wanderers like evening grosbeaks and common redpolls (the last capable of dropping by in numbers well over 100). Lerner has fun taking some sly pokes at English sparrows, rock doves, and starlings--nasty, befouling creatures, and imports at that. Shot through with bird histories and lore, the book concludes with notes on bird food and feeders (some built with everyday items found around the house). Lerner's illustrations are meticulously crude, as disarmingly enjoyable as the rest of the book. Birdfeeders are as hypnotic as ocean waves and hearth fires. If you are going to daydream, you might as well be informed, and Lerner gives young birders all the needed tools. (Nonfiction. All ages)
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
