Robin, Where Are You?

K-Gr 3—Lucy and her grandfather are birdwatchers. Both look for an elusive robin with their binoculars and see many other birds before finding the redbreast. Each spread focuses on one or two birds, with a flap to lift for interesting facts. For example, "tufted titmice like hair to line their nests and will pluck it right off a live animal!" The cut-paper collage illustrations are appealing, and the pages feature interesting fonts and other materials. The interior of the book is lively, colorful, and creative with simple shapes covered with details. The audience for lift-the-flap books tends to be young, perhaps up to age six, but the text seems far more sophisticated. Steve Jenkins's books also provide interesting, sometimes quirky facts and also use cut-paper illustration, but in a more straightforward, accessible way for young audiences. Despite its shortcomings, Ziefert's book is recommended for general purchase.—Mary Hazelton, formerly at Warren & Waldoboro Elementary Schools, ME