On the Wings

Birds come alive through the poetry of David Elliott and the illustrations of Becca Stadtlander. From the tiny ruby-throated hummingbird to the massive Japanese crane, short poems highlight the majesty, music, and merriment of seventeen birds from around the world. Most, like the oriole, the woodpecker, and the crow will be easily found in the United States. The meticulous gouache illustrations include landscapes and foliage that show where the birds are found. Children and adults will pore over details, like the difference in coloration between male and female cardinals while enjoying the clever words that clearly synthesize some of the birds traits. ("He's a hotshot/ valentine./ She's a Plain Jane./ But one without/ the other.../a song without refrain.") Young readers will learn a bit about birds but also find inspiration to try their own hand at writing poems about the birds they see in their

neighborhood.


I do wish that a few facts had been included as back matter in the book. Kids will need to look elsewhere for additional information, ranges, and characteristics for the birds that intrigue them.







Note: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher, Candlewick Press.