Bound To Stay Bound

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Booklist - 03/01/2019 *Starred Review* Which bird is smallest or smelliest? Which lays the most brilliantly colored eggs or builds the biggest nest? These questions barely scratch the surface of the fascinating facts contained in this avian-themed poetry collection. A black-capped chickadee guides readers through the book, offering interesting trivia on every spread. A total of 18 birds grace this feathered Hall of Fame, each with its own illustrated two-page spread, a poem in a thoughtfully chosen poetic form, and accessible but precise “Science Notes.” Not only will readers learn new things about familiar birds (barn owls’ ears are positioned at different heights on their heads!), they will also meet some wonderfully bizarre birds that will be less well known to U.S. readers. For instance, the distinction of longest toes (proportionally) goes to the northern jacana, which “. . . splays spindly toes, / Skip-trots across broad lily pads, / Picks tasty insects as it goes.” And Australia’s lyrebird wins “Fanciest Courtship/Best Mimic”—appropriately described in a poem that echoes the rhythm and rhyme of “Waltzing Matilda.” Meganck’s illustrations are one-dimensional and friendly, placing the birds against uncluttered backgrounds while clearly emphasizing the characteristic being highlighted by each poem. A closing poem appeals to readers’ sense of environmental stewardship, and informative back matter includes “Poetry Notes” for each poem, as well as birding resources. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2019 Gr 3–7—This combination poetry/science book successfully blends language arts and science into an informative and fun collection of poems about the fastest, smallest, biggest, and most interesting birds. Each page includes a short poem about one of the most notable birds in the world, commenting on what makes them miraculous and a standout, followed by a few paragraphs of additional background information. Each poem is structurally catered to the particular bird it highlights, such as a poem in the shape of a penguin, or a loud free verse poem for the loudest birds, like the Salmon-crested Cockatoo and the Kakapo. The sometimes challenging vocabulary level may seem better suited for an older middle school reader, but beautiful illustrations combine cartoonish and anatomically correct representations with bright colors that pop to make this a treat anyone can enjoy. The notes section explains the structures and rhyming patterns of each poem and helps readers better understand the poems' forms and styles. Also included is a short glossary of terms and reference guide for resources on birding and bird watching. VERDICT A "top of the class" example of combining two different subjects that are approachable and a joy to read. A win for science and English classrooms.-Thomas Jonte, Pensacola State College, FL - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

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