I don’t
usually review middle grade non-fiction, but this book is so lovely I couldn’t
resist! Such a perfect book for the Year of the Bird in 2018 (see more about the Year of the Bird). Even though it's now 2019, I love birds and I think every year should be the year of the bird!
Description from the publisher
Enchanting
stories, lyrical poems, stunning photography, and fascinating science fill the
pages of this treasury celebrating the amazing world of birds.
This
thoughtful and beautifully curated collection of our flying, feathery friends
highlights the role birds play in human life from centuries ago to present day.
While it’s beautiful, it’s also full of valuable real science about these
wondrous creatures. From history and behavior to spotting and photographing,
there’s sure to be something for every bird fan in your flock. Young birders
will learn all about migration and the importance of habitat conservation.
They’ll find stories about bird rescues and fun facts about the fastest,
strongest, and tiniest fliers. They’ll also discover the best bird nests, sweet
songs to sing, ways to listen for and identify the birds around them, and more.
Paired with stunning art and photography and beautiful design, this treasury is
sure to become a classic for bird enthusiasts of all ages.
Fly with Me
was created to help celebrate Year of the Bird, National Geographic’s 2018
initiative to bring awareness to the plight of birds around the world.
Why you want to read this book…
This book
seems to have everything anyone could want – gorgeous photographs, cool bird
facts, information about state birds and extinct birds, legends and stories
about birds, lovely poetry – and even some information about dinosaurs! I really enjoy picking up this book when I
have a quiet moment. It’s fun to discover something new or read a bird-related poem
before I gaze out the window at my bird feeder. I’m going to have to track down
some of the movies in the “birds on screen” list.
If you’re a writer…
You might like to spend some time studying the lovely poetry in this book. It reminded me of how
nature and science can inspire our writing work.
You wait as quite
as leaf or lawn
or the moment
before dawn.
If you’re an educator…
This book is
a great resource for students who are learning about or interested in birds.
It’s packed with information so some kids may be overwhelmed if they think they
have to read it all. A book that is well-suited to flipping though and finding
things that catch the eye. It would be lovely to have on hand to go with a bird
feeding station or in a quiet area for students to sample from when they have a
free moment.
To see birds, you need only to open
your eyes and look.
For more
resources about the Year of the Bird at National Geographic’s Kids site.
If you’re looking for more to read, check out
the list of fabulous middle grade books over at Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
on Greg
Pattridge's blog.
