Sunday, December 11, 2022

Fall Reading 2022 How Birds Sleep

 


This fascinating look into the various ways birds sleep is gorgeously illustrated and full of facts for hungry young minds. The endpapers themselves showcase birds picked out as constellations in the starry sky. Each illustration shows the birds in their natural habitat as they prepare to sleep. The text talks about the different ways in which birds find a safe, warm, or cozy spot that suits their needs. They may line up on branch, or hang from it upside down. They may cuddle together in a big feathery ball in a nest, dive into a snowbank, or drift on an ocean wave. The common name, scientific name, and location for each species is noted at the bottom of the page. 

Several things make this a fun and informative book to share with youngsters. It showcases a variety of birds from around the world and the incredible ways they sleep (soaring over the sea, standing on one leg, even underground). The barn owl from the first page, who is just setting off for a busy night as everyone else settles down, shows up again on the last page returning to its nest as the other birds wake and begin their day. That circular feeling of coming back to where it all started is very satisfying. Back matter includes a discussion of what sleep is, the effects of climate change on birds, and a few resources for more information about feathered friends.

It is hard to believe that this is the first picture book from this husband and wife duo, and readers can only hope that more are to come. Whether this is used as a bedtime read-aloud, or as part of a class unit on birds or animal adaptations - it is sure to capture the attention and imagination of young readers.

I read a review copy provided by the publisher. Release date is scheduled for March 28, 2023.

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