An eagle's feather Based on a story by the Philippine Eagle Foundation

K-Gr 3-Kalayaan is a Great Philippine Eagle searching for food in the Tambala forest when he is shot by a hunter but saved by a kind passersby who takes him to the Philippine Eagle Foundation. Ho's succinct writing reveals that Kalayaan meets another eagle named Pinpin, who has only flown in captivity, but dreams about soaring in the forest. Alvarez's whimsical yet detailed watercolor illustrations show that although humans hunt, they can also protect eagles, like Kalayaan and Pinpin, and help them survive in the wild or in captivity. The story tells readers of the species' past, present, and possible future: "there was a time people thought of us as kings of the sky, because we were the strongest birds in the whole of the Philippines." This picture book combines a hopeful story line with information segments that include photographs and QR codes. Future conservationists will enjoy Ho's vibrant tale and that a portion of the proceeds go towards the Philippine Eagle Foundation. VERDICT A gentle tale for young readers, especially those with an interest in birds.-Hilary Tufo, Columbus -Metropolitan Library-Reynoldsburg © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A pair of critically endangered Philippine eagles in captivity aspire to life in the wild despite growing developments surrounding them."Flying high above the forest of Tambala at sunrise, Kalayaan spots a monkey. Food! / The young Philippine eagle swoops down to follow the monkey. Where did it go?" In concise and evenly paced text, Kalayaan is pursuing his prey when "BOOM!": He is shot by a hunter. Luckily he is rescued by a father and son before "everything turns dark." Upon awakening he meets Pinpin, a female eagle bred in captivity. Pinpin informs him that he is in rehabilitation and is optimistic that both can be released in the wild. Alvarez, a Philippine-based artist, illuminates the eagles' dreams of the forest with bleeding layers of pastel-hued watercolors embellished with highlighting patterns. While they wait for Kalayaan to recover, both birds discuss how "the forest has been cut down for timber, so that eagles have less and less space to hunt for food." Ho successfully addresses the complex issues with clarity without detracting from the heart of the story. Both eagles eventually find a hope-filled conclusion. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Philippine Eagle Foundation.A soaring read-aloud that makes the rare national bird of the Philippines accessible to young environmentalists. (author's note, bibliography) (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.