Superlative Birds

April 1, 2019

Gr 3-7-This combination poetry/science book successfully blends language arts and science into an informative and fun collection of poems about the fastest, smallest, biggest, and most interesting birds. Each page includes a short poem about one of the most notable birds in the world, commenting on what makes them miraculous and a standout, followed by a few paragraphs of additional background information. Each poem is structurally catered to the particular bird it highlights, such as a poem in the shape of a penguin, or a loud free verse poem for the loudest birds, like the Salmon-crested Cockatoo and the Kakapo. The sometimes challenging vocabulary level may seem better suited for an older middle school reader, but beautiful illustrations combine cartoonish and anatomically correct representations with bright colors that pop to make this a treat anyone can enjoy. The notes section explains the structures and rhyming patterns of each poem and helps readers better understand the poems' forms and styles. Also included is a short glossary of terms and reference guide for resources on birding and bird watching. VERDICT A "top of the class" example of combining two different subjects that are approachable and a joy to read. A win for science and English classrooms.-Thomas Jonte, Pensacola State College, FL

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from January 1, 2019
A chatty chickadee introduces bird species standouts.With characteristic humor and carefully crafted language, poet Bulion offers readers amazing facts about birds of our world. Poems and accompanying science notes describe 18 birds that excel in some fashion and explain what nearly all birds have in common; the first poem introduces her focus, and the last notes environmental threats. These engaging poems read aloud beautifully. Thoughtful word choices allow for repeated sounds and pleasing internal rhymes. Each is constructed according to a different pattern, described in the backmatter. Meganck's digital illustrations reflect the humorous tone. The round eyes of his bird caricatures often stare directly at readers. An amusingly anthropomorphic chickadee, "the great communicator," guides readers through the text from beginning to end, pointing out in speech bubbles those characteristics birds share with other species and three that are theirs alone: feathers, a furcula (wishbone), and syrinx ("a two-sided voice organ"). (The two unfamiliar words are defined in context.) Like any good teacher, this avian instructor summarizes and repeats at the end. From the tiny bee hummingbird in Cuba through the well-traveled Arctic tern to the familiar chickadee whose warnings many species understand, these record-breaking birds come from all over the world, and their special characteristics vary widely. Excellent resources for further bird study complete this delightful offering. Entertaining and educational, a superlative package. (glossary, acknowledgements) (Informational poetry. 7-12)

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Starred review from March 1, 2019
Grades 2-5 *Starred Review* Which bird is smallest or smelliest? Which lays the most brilliantly colored eggs or builds the biggest nest? These questions barely scratch the surface of the fascinating facts contained in this avian-themed poetry collection. A black-capped chickadee guides readers through the book, offering interesting trivia on every spread. A total of 18 birds grace this feathered Hall of Fame, each with its own illustrated two-page spread, a poem in a thoughtfully chosen poetic form, and accessible but precise Science Notes. Not only will readers learn new things about familiar birds (barn owls' ears are positioned at different heights on their heads!), they will also meet some wonderfully bizarre birds that will be less well known to U.S. readers. For instance, the distinction of longest toes (proportionally) goes to the northern jacana, which . . . splays spindly toes, / Skip-trots across broad lily pads, / Picks tasty insects as it goes. And Australia's lyrebird wins Fanciest Courtship/Best Mimic ?appropriately described in a poem that echoes the rhythm and rhyme of Waltzing Matilda. Meganck's illustrations are one-dimensional and friendly, placing the birds against uncluttered backgrounds while clearly emphasizing the characteristic being highlighted by each poem. A closing poem appeals to readers' sense of environmental stewardship, and informative back matter includes Poetry Notes for each poem, as well as birding resources.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)