Bird's-Eye View

April 1, 2020

Gr 4-8-Eriksson explains why birds are important to humans and describes how they play a key part in virtually every ecosystem. This engaging book is well organized and easy to navigate with lots of big, beautiful photographs and graphic elements to help readers understand vital topics. The text includes scientific information about the classification and variety of bird species, chapters about how humans can help birds, and information about how birds are negatively impacted by humans and invasive species. Single-page insets highlight young people who are making a difference with wild birds. Ornithologists and other scientists are also profiled, giving readers an opportunity to see how people who love birds can use their passion to make a living. The text is conversational and easy to read. A glossary, two pages of additional resources, and an index are included. Throughout the book, there are also references to clubs or organizations that readers can contact to further their own interests in birding. VERDICT Eriksson offers a detailed book explaining why birds are endangered and how humans can help them. For a library that has a need for environmental activism for upper elementary, middle, or possibly high school, this would be a strong addition.-Debbie Tanner, S D Spady Montessori Elementary, FL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2020
What are birds, why are they important, why are they in trouble, and what can we do to help them? Biologist Eriksson, who explored our connections to the ocean in Dive In (2018), here turns to another of her passions, birding. In six nicely organized chapters, she provides both an overview and a close-up look at ways to get involved in learning about birds and supporting them. "Amazing Avians" offers a clear definition of the avian order, even showing its evolutionary connection to dinosaurs. "Winged Wonders" presents some significant bird phenomena such as migration, the dawn chorus, and tool use. "Zooming in on Wild Birds" talks about bird feeding, bird-watching, and citizen science. "Why Wild Birds Matter" explains the importance of birds to the environment as well as to humans. "Beating the Big Bad Three" describes the major reasons bird numbers have declined: habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. Finally, she invites her readers to help in "Giving Wild Birds a Boost" and reports on group efforts internationally toward "Keeping Wild Birds in Flight." There are plentiful photographs of both birds and birders of many ages, nationalities, and races; sidebars and small features offering additional information; and full pages devoted to introducing some young birders. With the recent announcement that billions of birds have disappeared from North American skies in the past 50 years, this is a particularly timely title. An accessible and appealing invitation to connect with the world of birds. (glossary, resource, index) (Nonfiction. 9-14)

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April 15, 2020
Grades 4-7 Eriksson infuses her book with a sincere admiration for wild birds, both for their intrinsic value and the important roles they play in shaping and maintaining the ecosystems in which they (and people!) live. She takes a personal approach to her subject, injecting her own experiences and encounters with these feathered animals into a factually solid text, replete with up-to-date statistics and well-chosen bird photos. Over six chapters, she explains what makes a bird a bird, explores their intelligence and migratory behaviors, and zeroes in on the challenges?some of them dire?confronting birds, such as global warming and human activities that result in pesticide use, bird habitat loss, and pollution. However, Eriksson offsets these sobering realities by consistently integrating opportunities for young people to become involved in citizen science and the birding community. Regular Young Birders features profile kids who are passionate about protecting and watching birds, and Tweets from the Flyway sidebars expand ideas introduced in the main text. It's an uplifting and informative read with an extensive resource to aid newly hatched birders.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)