Feathers : Poems About Birds

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Summary: Feathers -- Poems About Birds
Review: This book, written by Eileen Spinelli, is an utter delight. The title of each poem is, in itself, a concise description of the bird in question. For example, the crow's poem is entitled "Country Bumpkin" for obvious reasons, and that of the Fairy Tern, who doesn't build a nest, is called "Homeless." The illustrations by Lisa McCue are sharp, colorful and accurate in their portrayal of each bird, including its locale, be it the plover ("The Wading Bird of Egypt"), the lyrebird of Australia or the elf owl of the North American desert. This is a splendid way for youngsters - those of all ages, in fact -- to study birds, not only of their own region but also of far-off places, combining, as it does, learning with cheerful and clever poetry. The book begins with a wake-up call from the woodpecker and ends with the lullaby of the nighthawk. Its final two pages feature a list of facts about each bird. This book cannot help but awaken the birdwatcher in everyone who reads or hears it. Feathers - Poems About Birds is sure to encourage reading; the poems are perfect to be read aloud because of their flowing language. It is likely to encourage writing as well because of the catchiness of each verse. It can also instill the love of nature, through the vivid illustrations of birds and foliage as well as the poetry. Certainly, anyone who enjoys this book will want to make sure that a "silent spring" never happens again. A must for children of all ages, it belongs on everyone's bookshelf, next to Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses.