Have You Heard the Nesting Bird? - by Rita Gray (Paperback)

About the Book

In this paperback nonfiction picture book for young readers, we learn just why the mother nesting bird stays quiet and still while sitting on her eggs. Shh. . .

Book Synopsis

Woodpecker calls from a tree, "cuk-cuk-cuk." Starling sings, "whistle-ee-wee." But have you heard the nesting bird?

In this book, we hear all the different bird calls in counterpoint to the pervasive quiet of a mama bird waiting for her eggs to hatch. Fun and informative back matter takes the shape of an interview so that readers learn more right from the bird's bill. Ken Pak's lively illustrations, paired with Rita Gray's words, render a visual and sonorous picture book to be enjoyed by young naturalists. Now in paperback.

Review Quotes

"The pleasing text is well constructed, with rhythm and rhyme altered in different types of stanzas and distinctive birdsongs included in the verse. . . . A beautifully crafted, informative picture book."
--Booklist, starred review "This charming and unusual nature story contributes something new to the overstuffed field of bird-related picture books. . . . As welcome as the robin in springtime."
--Kirkus, starred review "The restraint of the artwork dovetails nicely with the story's themes: caretaking. . . and observation. . . A fine book about watching living things in the wild, and it also serves as a beginning birders' guide, identifying the features and cries of common backyard birds."
--Publishers Weekly "[A] lovely introduction to common neighborhood birds."
--School Library Journal

"With its many birdcalls that invite imitation, the text is enjoyable in its own right, as are the softly texture, earth-toned setting in which children and birds enjoy each other's company."
--Bulletin

About the Author

Rita Gray is the author of several acclaimed picture books for children. She lives in New York City with her family. www.ritagrayreads.com

Ken Pak has worked at both Dreamworks Animation and Walt Disney Feature Animation. He lives in San Francisco. www.pandagun.com