Backyard birds

Gr 4-7-Field guides that offer tips on identification. Backyard Birds features types "...you are likely to see where you live"; Birds of Prey, the "...swift and often silent hunters..."; Bizarre Birds, North American birds with a unique characteristic; and Shorebirds that can be found "...near the bodies of fresh water and salt water in North America." Each guidebook includes a rather subjective selection of about 20 creatures. The organization of material is different in each title: the backyard birds are grouped by color, the raptors by size, and the bizarre birds by such characteristics as odd bills. The shorebirds are arranged by where they are likely to be seen-the air, water, ground, or grass. A two-page entry for each creature instructs readers on how to recognize it and provides a solid introduction to individual characteristics. Although the information is clear, there are some omissions. For example, three of the texts stress the importance of knowing the size of the bird as a clue to its identification but neither measurements nor range maps are included. However, bright, full-color photographs and drawings clearly indicate distinguishing features. Useful, accessible additions.-Frances E. Millhouser, Chantilly Regional Library, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.