Magnificent Birds

Gr 2–4—The word magnificent can mean many things, and each of these birds possesses a special quality or ability. This picture book aviary features full-color spreads with one or two informative paragraphs for each. The artwork is intricate reduction linocuts. The soft colors reveal each bird in its natural habitat, often shown with a piece of fruit, fish, or other prey in its bill. The Bald Eagle and its spectacular flight displays and the tiny Ruby-throated hummingbird's amazing flying represent North America. From New Zealand is the Kakapo, a rare large green parrot that can live up to 90 years. This introduction to some of the world's most amazing birds—largest wingspan (Wandering Albatross), longest bill (Australian Pelican), most unusual plumage (Great Bird of Paradise), and the furthest nonstop flight (Bar Tailed Godwit)—is a fabulous starting point for nature lovers and bird watchers.