April has been a busy and exciting month with National Library Week and National Poetry Month. We were so caught up, we almost missed the release of a fabulous new nonfiction picture book perfect for spring: A Nest Is Noisy
When you think of nests, you probably think of birds like the hummingbirds right there on the cover. As soon as you peek into the book, however, you realize that a whole assortment of animals make nests.
A nest is noisy.
It is a nursery of chirp-chirping… [hummingbirds]
buzzing…[honey bees]
squeaking…[alligators]…
You get the idea. Author Aston has found insects, frogs, fish, alligators, and even orangutans that make nests for their offspring. The reader finds out not just what the different kinds of nests there are, but also what purposes the different nests serve.
The team of Aston and Long have already written and illustrated several award-winning books, including An Egg is Quiet, A Butterfly Is Patient, A Seed is Sleepy, and A Rock is Lively. Because this book follows a similar format, some people might dismiss it with, “Oh, I’ve seen that.” Passing it over would be a mistake, however, because even though it is part of a series with a predictable format, it is still gorgeous and rises heads above many other nonfiction picture books out there.
The only negative aspect of the book is that the designers chose a cursive font for the main lines. Yes, it is lovely, but very few children are taught enough cursive writing to be able to read it fluently these days. No matter, it becomes an opportunity for adults and children to read together.
A Nest Is Noisy is a must for libraries, for children interested in animals, and anyone interested in nature. It would be an ideal gift book for any occasion.
Related:
All About Nests: Nature Activities for Kids at Growing with Science
There’s a free Common Core aligned teacher’s guide (link goes to .pdf) for the books at Chronicle Books.
Age Range: 5 – 8 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (April 14, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1452127131
ISBN-13: 978-1452127132
Disclosures: I found this book at my local independent bookstore. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.
Come visit the STEM Friday blog each week to find more great Science, Technology, Engineering and Math books.