Tag: Informational fiction

Posted on

STEM Friday #Kidlit Waiting for a Warbler

Today we’re highlighting a new informational fiction picture book, Waiting for a Warbler by Sneed B. Collard III and illustrated by Thomas Brooks.

The story is told in two separate strands. The main text shows two children, Owen and his sister, as they watch for birds to return to their area. They particularly anticipate the arrival of the Cerulean warbler whom they had briefly spotted the year before.

The second strand follows a group of migrating birds as they take the harrowing journey north across the Gulf of Mexico. It is intense and fraught with danger.

The story switches back and forth between the two story lines before converging. Along the way, readers learn about the importance of providing habitat for birds.

Thomas Brooks has a background as a scientific illustrator, which is readily apparent. Although the illustrations have a soft focus rather than being photo real, the birds look like they can fly off the page. The baby birds are adorable.

The backmatter (we love backmatter) includes an “Author’s Note”, birding information for kids, and guidance for using native plants to transform yards into bird and wildlife habitats.

Waiting for a Warbler is perfect for young birdwatchers and nature lovers. They will likely want to return to it again and again. Enjoy a copy today!

Related:

Check out more books by Sneed B. Collard III (links to reviews here or at Growing With Science). Many of the posts have activity suggestions.

See the bird category at Growing with Science for many more hands-on activity suggestions based on children’s books.

And be sure to visit our growing list of children’s books about bird migrations at Science Books for Kids.

 

Reading age : 6 – 8 years
Publisher : Tilbury House Publishers (February 2, 2021)
ISBN-10 : 0884488527
ISBN-13 : 978-0884488521

 

Disclosure: This book was provided by the publisher. 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.

Posted on

#kidlit for John James Audubon’s Birthday: Ivy Bird

For John James Audubon’s birthday today we have a delightful picture book for the youngest set,  Ivy Bird by Tania McCartney and illustrated by Jess Racklyeft.

 

The story follows Ivy, a creative young girl, as she takes part in a series of fanciful activities, all inspired by birds. Throughout her day Ivy swims and forages and flaps her wings alongside her bird friends.

The illustrations also take the reader on flights of fancy, mixing colors and textures in a rich, complex way.

Regardless of the inventiveness, however, this book falls squarely in the realm of informational fiction. The back matter includes facts about each of the twelve different birds from around the world that are featured in the main text  — from bower birds to robins — as well as a challenge to find them in the pages of the story.

Ivy Bird is a fun read-aloud for preschoolers that is sure to spark their imaginations, as well as an interest in learning more about birds.

Activity Suggestion:

Visit the Audobon Society for an extensive list of activities and DIY projects to help birds.

Try some of the activities for observing backyard birds at Growing with Science.

Looking for more books about birds for children? Check our growing list at Science Books for Kids.

Age Range: 3 – 6 years
Publisher: Blue Dot Kids Press (April 7, 2020)
ISBN-10: 1733121218
ISBN-13: 978-1733121217