NONFICTION

Spit Nests, Puke Power, and Other Brilliant Bird Adaptations

by Laura Perdew (text) & illus. by Katie Mazeika
Nomad. (Picture Book Science). Aug. 2020. 32p. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9781619309494.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3–Perdew captures readers’ interest right away, starting with the title. Throughout the text, fascinating bird adaptations are highlighted, including special body features, unique mating rituals, and other seemingly bizarre behaviors. The bird world favorites are covered (owls, penguins, hummingbirds), but some unusual species make appearances as well. The book’s layout includes beautiful illustrations of the birds in action and at rest. The artwork portrays other animals that could be found in some of the birds’ habitats. An activity page in the back, a glossary, and a connection page that mentions other facts are included. On these appendix pages, readers can see photographs of the birds spotlighted in the book.
VERDICT A cool science title for younger readers to learn about bird adaptation. Educators can use this text in the classroom; many STEAM lessons could be inspired by these funky adaptations.
Reviewed by Erin Olsen, ­Hunter Coll. Elem. Sch., NY , Jun 01, 2020

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