The Blues Go Extreme Birding

June 1, 2011

K-Gr 1-Five little bluebirds travel the world finding candidates to include in their checklist of bird records, such as fastest, slowest, pinkest, and boldest. They are trying to decide which category might best suit their qualifications. Each possibility profiles a breathtaking feat of avian accomplishment. In the end, the Blues decide to become X-treme bird-watchers. This thin story line holds together a variety of random information that might interest children who enjoy knowing record-breaking facts. The watercolor illustrations of birds in their natural environment are pleasant and attractive. However, the bluebirds and their travels seem superimposed on the natural scenes rather than being fully integrated. Also, the authors work too hard to convey each one's characteristic personality, resulting in a somewhat superficial aspect to the story. Overall, the volume is appropriate for interesting children in unusual birds and perhaps translating that interest into backyard bird-watching.-Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2011
Armed with a twelve-item checklist, a team of five cartoon bluebirds flies worldwide to view avian extremes such as "fastest-moving" and "pinkest." Useful sidebars include "Field Guide" compare-and-contrast details about the record-setting creatures; serious birders will likely want to skip the forced story and focus their attention on the facts. Illustrations differentiate between the cartoon animals and their quarry.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)