National Wildlife Federation's World of Birds: A Beginner's Guide

Gr 2–5—Upwards of 120 representative birds of the world are described in colorful two-page entries, arranged in sections by habitats—"Fields," "Thickets & Backyards," "Woodlands & Forest," "Wetlands, Shores & Bodies of Water," "Deserts, Scrublands & Rock Slopes." The introduction describes such traits as size, behavior, feet, legs and bills, plumage, and songs and calls for beginning birdwatchers to notice. These and other traits (especially prey and eating habits) are touched upon in each entry. Bright, full-color illustrations invite both new and experienced birders to read the attractively arranged facts. Because not every bird in the text is the primary bird of each entry ("North Cardinal," for example, also discusses the pyrrhuloxia) and therefore not listed in the table of contents, the comprehensive index, which contains every bird mentioned here, is useful. The in-depth bibliography includes field guides, classics of nature literature spanning 1939 to the present, as well as magazines and websites. Fun and informative, this title will be a popular and valuable addition to library collections.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA