Birds Books

This is probably going to sound strange, but there is a sweetness to Monica Wellington's simple book that makes me feel as if it were written and illustrated with an abundance of care and love - which makes it that much easier for me to lovingly read and share the book with my baby.

Bunny's Rainbow Day goes from a brilliant dawn to perhaps an afternoon shower and ends, of course, with a rainbow. The cut-out illustrations on each two-page spread are bright and bold, friendly with a touch of funky. Each illustration repeats four elements - a white bunny, rainbow-colored bird, blue butterfly, and red lad bug - which lend themselves for pointing games ("Where's the butterfly?" or "Show me the bunny.") The sparse words are full of imagery ("morning sparkles") and alliteration "plip plop splash") that have a fun, gentle cadence.

My one complaint, and it's a minor one, is that the pages are too long for my baby to hold the book easily (which she likes doing). I imagine she'll outgrow this problem before too long, though.

My daughter loved this book. We started reading it to her when she was about 6 months old. The combination of bright colors, distinctive pictures, cute animals and rhythmic words ensured that this was a hit with her. She would demand that we read this book to her multiple times a day. As she got older, we found that the book was good for "can you point to the bunny" and "who is that" type games. Now that my daughter is 2 1/2, she has pretty much outgrown the book--she wants books with more of a story. However, if you have a small child between the ages of 6 months and 2 years, I would strongly recommend this book for you.

My year-old son and I loved Bunny's First Snowflake. We have read that sooo many times and I went looking for more in the series. Amazon was out of print for Rainbow Day, but I bought from one of their resellers, with great results.

This book is cleverly written, just like Snowflake, the text is suggestive of sounds... woosh, rustle, etc. I'd say I like the illustrations in Snowflake a teensy bit better, but Rainbow day has lots more bright colors and action.

Recommend highly!

Our 11 month old loves this book. The bold colors and rhythmic text are appealing both to her and to her parents! We read to her several times a day, so it's great to find a book that we can stand to read over and over again...

My daughter loves this book! The bright colors and animals keep her attention! Excellent for infants and toddlers!

We have appreciated so much Ronald Himler's illustrations in "I Wonder as I Wander" (by Gwenyth Swain), and find a similar haunting quality in "The Caged Birds....." Here, his drawings of young Ary and the birds in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, add color & poignancy to a simple but profound tale of HOPE.

Both stories are served well by pictures that illuminate a child's anxieties, determination and hopefulness. Frederick Lipp draws us into his story of families trapped by poverty and living in polluted cities where they never see the beauties of the countryside. Young Ary dreams of her family moving from the city. She saves to buy a bird, clinging to the tradition that "letting a caged bird . . . a blessed bird . . . go free . . . makes wishes come true."

One day Ary studies carefully the birds before choosing one from the cage. She takes one great breath and then releases it as the bird takes wing with her dreams. The story of yearning for freedom is universal. Children will love not only the allure of another culture but also the author's gentle telling of one child's hopes following the light. Reviewer mcHAIKU suggests that reading this with children will encourage the sharing of dreams - - don't miss such a chance!

My husband and I have read this book numerous times to our 7 month old son and for our own pleasure. What a wonderful gift we received. Thank you. Outstanding story about work, wisdom and the future. Very inspirational for all ages. Artwork/illustrations are fabulous. Author and Illustrator harmonize beautifully.

This book is for all ages- beautiful words, message and illustrations. The book takes place in Cambodia and opens us to the universal human themes of hope, love and dreams in the midst of despair and treachery. Read it and share it with others and "Fly with wishes on your wings."

This book will take you to a far away place that is filled with hopes and dreams. Simple wishes that mold a little girls world are realized through her desires and youthful determination. A book that can actually be enjoyed by all ages.

I bought this story for my girls aged 3 and 6. They were moved by Ari's struggle and I found myself in tears by the joyful ending. I even hear them playing out the roles of Ari and the birdlady.The rich language and quiet beauty of the illustrations makes The Caged Birds a pleasure to read. Then it got even better. If you think Frederick Lipp is a good writer, he's an amazing speaker. He now lives in Portland, Maine and accepted an invitation to come speak to my Artists Books class about writing cultural children's stories. When he read his story the highschool group of 40 were completely silent. Then he engaged them in an amazing reflection on the importance of sharing the stories which move us. His presentation was honest, dynamic and he totally connected with even the most disconnected students in the class. The Cambodian student in my class was especially excited to connect with someone who had written about his homeland and walked the same streets as he did in Phnom Penh.

Get the book for your classroom and then see if you can't get him to come speak. Few kids books carry with them such richness of experience. This one is not to be missed.

Informative and nice pictures, but I didn't take note of the size before ordering. At app 7"x7", not the nice "coffee table" edition I was looking for.

This book was a wonderful teaching tool for anyone interested in learning about loons. Not only was there a wealth of information in the book, but the addition of the DVD really augmented the learning process. I would recommend this book very highly.

I have been giving public nature talks on loons for years and I find Call of the Loon the best researched,up to date source yet. The beautiful photographs illustrate the loon data so the book appeals to all ages. I recommend it daily in my talks.

Buy this today for your favorite birder, environmentalist, outdoor enthusiast and for your own coffee table! Beautifully written with exquisite photographs, Call of the Loon is a thoroughly readable and enjoyable treatise on the loon for the lay person and biologist alike.

The text and photos in this book are excellent, so I highly recommend the book. BUT the accompanying DVD "Loons, Lakes & Mist", which I was very much looking forward to, was a big disappointment. Yes, the live loon webcam captures the loons in special situations. However the constant, loud, pounding, music is all wrong as background for any film about loons. You want quiet, so you can hear the call of the loon. You can turn off the sound, which I suggest you do, but then there is no call of the loon.

I have plans on becoming a world class carver one day. If Floyd keeps putting these books out im afraid the competition will be to much for me to handle! In all seriousness its a great book! Thanks!

Very informative book, I would recommend it. Lots of good photos and very detailed step by step instruction. I'm using this book to teach 3 beginning students to carve birds of Prey. Floyd Scholz books have been among the best. Thanks

Floyd Scholz has developed into a world class carver and his books reflect that care and precision with excellent instructions.

GREAT BOOK FOR THE POWER CARVER. HAND CARVERS CAN ALSO USE SOME OF THE TIPS AND INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN. HIGH A++

This is the best of the 'Carving & Painting' series of books, and should be on the shelf of every serious bird carver. Not only does it cover carving and painting techniques, but it provides some beautiful reference photos of male and female kestrels. It also discusses wood choices, tools, patterns, and design and composition. It's a lot of information at a very reasonable price!

Great book to show the overview of the cat world. Gives the history, talks about shows, points, and breeds of cats. If you are getting into showing cats this books is for you.

a very informative book for the cat lover, with bright color pictures, discriptions of temperment , hair color of each cat. a very good book to have on hand.

My family consists of 4 members which includes our baby girl, a 3 and a half year old persian. I have been on a hunt for reading material that best describes the feline nature, behavior, needs and healthcare and I have finally found that in this book. After reading other cat care books I feel this one has a lot of fact not opinion. I would highly recommend this book whether you have a pedigree cat or not.

The book is excellent and a good source for reference regarding breeds. I also found the health information section quite informative, and would recommend it to anyone with any kind of cat.

After a disasterous false start with the "Encyclopedia", which was simply an outdated, mediocre European book with the CFA logo sloppily applied to it, the Cat Fanciers' Association's ambitious project to present the world of pedigreed cats to the public is finally here. The sections on the different cat breeds are written by actual experts on the breeds: CFA breed council secretaries. The section on feline health, written by one of the world's foremost "cat breeder vets", Dr. Susan Little, makes this book an indispensible part of any cat lover's library. With so much dated feline health information currently on bookshelves, it is refreshing to see this section reflect the cutting edge of feline medicine. Those with cats of less prestigious heritage than the National Award Winning pedigreed cats pictured in full-color generously throughout the book will find this volume valuable for the section on feline health alone.

Congratulations, CFA, on a job well done!

CAW OF THE WILD: OBSERVATIONS FROM THE SECRET WORLD OF CROWS arrived nearly simultaneously to CROWS and provides an intriguing contrast in style and approach. Barb Kirpluk is a passionate observer of crows and here shares her findings while tracking three urban crow families through their daily routines. She's befriended them, gained their trust, and thus provides a more personal observational style on crow habits and social relationships, including a healthy dose of scientific literature but adding a personal touch which brings the crow family to life.

I had this book pop up quite awhile on Amazon, probably based on prior crow searches I'd done, but it took me awhile to order it. Once I did, two things got me right away. The first was the author's dedication to her grandmother, and the memory of her beloved canaries, for didn't my own granmother gently hold her canaries (each suceeding bird always named Dickie bird) in her hand as she trimmed their nails? Then, the first line of the introduction grabbed my attention: "I loved crows even before I knew I did." Me too! And though my love for them didn't take me as deeply into their lives as Barb went, their presence on the periphery of mine was certainly profound, as they lived around me in my busy suburban life, and quite confidently swaggered their way into my writing, ending up as pivotal characters in my fantasy series. It's just like them, they're there and they let you know it, one way or the other!
Caw of the Wild to me stands as a very unique book among those I have read on corvids, because Barb is not a trained biologist, but thinks like one whose heart is still connected to her brain. I guess that's what I mean about this being a very unique book. I love the feeling I got reading it and knowing there's a kindred spirit out there too, who can see the wonderous individuality in each bird. Really, she gives each reader a gift in sharing this incredible experience, that is more than worth the price of admission. Highly recommended.
Dawn Killen-Courtney,
author of The Trollton Chronicles

With a beautiful and engaging style, the author tells of her personal experiences with 4 families of crows from her neighborhood. The details she gives are so thorough and heartwarming, you will come to know her crow friends as if you were actually there with her, experiencing what she did. You'll be drawn in and captivated as the human relationship with them evolves and strenghthens. You'll also learn much about crow behavior, and when you're not sure why the crows are behaving a certain way, the intuitive author offers her theories, which are quite plausible.

The second part of the book tells of her experiences while volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center, as she studies the behavior of the 2 indoor and 3 outdoor crows which reside there. Because they are confined to a cage, individual personalities as well as the relationships between the 3 outdoor crows can be intimately viewed.

If you are at all interested in befriending crows, or are just curious what they are like, I can't imagine a better book to read. Crows are so intelligent; I especially loved the emotional bond that developed between crow and human. This is one of the best books I have ever read!

Vivid prose packed with informative engaging stories of crows the author has studied over the course of several years. This study of crows is both personal and rich in extraordinary anecdotes. The author's patience at befriending the crows pays off in up close insights about their lives that puts in practice what ornithologists have discovered and written about in scholarly type books and journals. This is a very entertaining journey through a very compelling subject. If you love birds, and were ever the least bit interested in crows you won't be disappointed.

It's unusual to find two specific bird books on the same species in the same publishing season, but CAW OF THE WILD: OBSERVATIONS FROM THE SECRET WORLD OF CROWS arrived nearly simultaneously to CROWS and provides an intriguing contrast in style and approach. Barb Kirpluk is a passionate observer of crows and here shares her findings while tracking three urban crow families through their daily routines. She's befriended them, gained their trust, and thus provides a more personal observational style on crow habits and social relationships, including a healthy dose of scientific literature but adding a personal touch which brings the crow family to life.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

What can I say? Just when the world seemed too complicated, too unfair, and too harsh to bear... along came Charlie. I have been infected with the spirit and perseverence of this wise and glorious Hong Kong Cockatoo.

Readers will find themselves seeing Charlie everywhere they look. I often find myself in new situations where there doesn't seem to be a reasonable way out. Often, when faced with these dilemmas, I ask myself, "What would Charlie do?" Sacriledge say you? I think not. If the lord's glorious message cannot be found in our multicolored and multicultured fine feathered friend, then where can it be found? Amen.

Again, without the inspiration of Charlie and all he has taught me about friendship and seeing the world for what it truly is: a world of beauty, adventure, and peace; I don't know where I'd be today.

Thank you Charlie. I shall always think first before eating another deep-fried breaded chicken sandwich. I will even pause and remember the sacrifice of the muppet before putting on my warm fleece. I will not cast away these materialistic things however. I know that you will want the world to continue as it is. For in trying to change the world to fit your own view, there is only disappointment.

Thank you Charlie, for helping me see the world for what it is, so that I may walk upon this earth without unrealistic expectations or harsh judgements.

You go bird. Do that thing you do.

If you love companion parrots, especially cockatoos, you will probably appreciate this book. I found the book was more about the life of the Topping family, though, which I also happened to find fun and interesting to read about. The book is fast-paced and upbeat as it delivers funny snippets from the author's life with her "baby boy" - any cockatoo owner can easy relate. However, I would have enjoyed more real stories about Charlie rather than the focus on sensationalistic "one-liners" from Charlie. The last chapter takes a dramatic turn and left me sobbing - I don't think the tone or abruptness of the ending added anything to the book and is definitely not for the faint of heart. Overall, though, the book is well worth the read. It left me wishing I had known Charlie, as well as his family.

I fell in love with the beautiful bird, and I admire the way story is presented. It is funny, it is personable and written with a great talent. Audrey Topping helps one to appreciate the wonderful world of birds and animals.

"Charlie's World" is very well written book. I was reminded of the time when Audrey was ten years old, and came to the house with two crows on her shoulders. Both crows were talkers. Audrey is an exceptionally good writer, and the book is a MUST for all. I had to read it in One sitting.

I love this enchanting memoir of a brilliant and irreverent cockatoo who adopts a family of 7 humans and then guides, instructs, and scolds them, while roving the world with them. It is hilarous, tender, wise, and all true. This isn't just a pet book. This book is rich with cultural history, psychological nuance, and drama. It's a book that readers in virtually every culture can relate to. I couldn't put it down.

After I read this story to my daughter a single time, she has asked me for it every night since.

Children's books are harder than they look. It's not enough to exaggerate a "childlike sense of wonder" and write in a forced babytalk that too many authors imagine approximates a child's speech. A good children's book will hold a child's attention, stimulate thoughts in a young brain and have a distinctive look. A great children's book will do all that, plus get at the heart of what it means to be a child.

Chatterbox belongs to that rare class of children's book that transcends the genre by being all of those things, and more -- soulful, deep, funny. The rhyming language will doubtless conjure mentions of Dr Seuss, and they're apt -- the rhythms and playfulness merit the comparison. But to my mind, Chatterbox rises above even that high bar. Like the best of its brethren (Frog and Toad, No, David, Curious George) Chatterbox gets that the relationship at the core -- in this case, a sad and lonely girl who meets an extraordinary bird -- is what comprises a memorable story.

Chatterbox: The Bird Who Wore Glasses is a heartwarming picturebook, illustrated in soft colors, story about a lonely girl named Nancy A. Nobody, who befriends a misfit talking parakeet named Chatterbox, or C.B. for short. She makes her parakeet special spectacles so that he can fly better, and makes every effort to take care of her pet. Best of all, she learns the vital lesson that she is special just being herself, and being a good friend to the animal she is responsible for. "With morning's dawning, C.B. said to me, / 'You're Nancy A. Nobody surely you see. / You feed me and bathe me, no ifs, buts or ands. / My little life is in God's and your hands." An accompanying audio CD includes a story reading and two songs, rounding out Chatterbox: The Bird Who Wore Glasses , a charming and confidence-boosting story.

Remember the Batman movies? Well, the movie producer of successful movies like these and entertaining children's television shows such as Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego?, Michael Uslan, has released this adorable children's book. Chatterbox - The Bird Who Wore Glasses is available in a durable, hard-cover format with a lovely cover sleeve that will help prolong the life of the book. At 40 pages and full of excellent illustrations, this book is sure to entertain children.

Sad, red-headed Nancy doesn't fit in well with the other kids who call her "Nancy Nobody". She wished and wished for a new friend and one day the dream came true when a feathered, sight-challenged friend flew her way. Nancy felt needed, she was loved, and her world was set right by her new funny bird.

John Steven Gurney, a very successful artist and illustrator, colorfully illustrates the large pages with plenty of things to look at. Written in playful, light verse the author does mention things like prayer and "God's love", there fore it may appeal to a religious audience.

The book includes a CD with 2 songs and the orated version of the story by actress Brittany Murphy (voice of Luanne on King of the Hill, also known for her parts in Clueless and Up Town Girls). This could certainly appeal to the independent child who wants to "read" the book themselves. As well, the CD option may provide a few extra minutes for busy caregivers. The bullying shown in the beginning of the story, though very minor, may be useful for building empathy in the classroom for lonely and segregated individuals.

Children with family pets, especially birds, would definitely enjoy this book. Also, kids that are just becoming used to either themselves or someone they know who has recently gotten eye-glasses.

Chatterbox - The Bird Who Wore Glasses is actually the first book in a series by the author Michael Uslan. Check out the website for the book at: www(dot)chatterboxthebirdwhoworeglasses(dot)com


ISBN#: 0-97538432-5
Author: Michael E. Uslan
Illustrator: John Steven Gurney
Publisher: EE Publishing & Productions, Inc.


~ Book Reviewer: Lillian Brummet - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment - Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit)

The eye-catching colors and characters on the cover of this book drew me into it - and I am so glad. This book is a delight for the eyes and for the heart. It seems everyone, particularly children finding their way in this great big world, can relate to Nancy, who discovers through kindness to another that she is certainly NOT a "nobody" but a likable "somebody". Through dynamite illustrations and clever, but never cutesy rhyme, this book has it all. I wish it would become a series.

After reading the book review I thought it would be a nice surprise for my niece. I put this book on my niece's desk and more or less forgot about it. Not realizing, but that evening she asked me to check her homework. I was completely surprised, her book report was all about Chatterbox and Nancy. I read her report and then read the book I do believe she was really touched by the story as I was as well.
An Uncle

This book won both the 2001 Ruth Schwartz Award for Excellence in Canadian Children's Literature and The Mr. Christie Award for best Canadian Children's book for children ages 7 and under published in 2000.

This is a lovely story about the power, energy and wonder that love can create. It has been shortlisted for the 2001 Ruth Schwartz Award for Excellence in Canadian Children's Literature.

A truly charming story, with illustrations to match. This book is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of children young and old. I look forward to future books by this gifted author. This book is a `MUST HAVE' for every home and classroom

The Chicken Cat is a delightful fantasy picturebook tale about an old hen adopting a lost kitten. Stephanie McLellan's charming, entertaining story is wonderfully showcased by Sean Cassidy's lively and realistic artwork. The Chicken Cat will prove a welcome and popular addition to any school or community library picturebook collection for young readers!

I have 8 grandchildren and am constsntly looking for books they will enjoy. What a pleasure Chicken Cat is! My grand children insist it be read constantly and the older ones read it to their younger siblings. They love the magic of it all and realise you can do anything you really want to.

I hope this author continues to provide us all with her imaginative stories. The illustrations are fun!

I own an earlier edition of this book, written before
the internet stuff was added.

Still, Drayton Bird is a fine writer and he explains
things lucidly and he has hella' experience and knows
of that which he writes.

He has a good sense of humor. Sort of droll.

No book can cover it all, but this one does a good job
of touching on major points any direct marketer should
really get a grasp of.

It isn't until about half-way through that Bird gets into
Copywriting but he covers a lot of ground quickly in this
area. If you write copy you SHOULD read a lot of books
and read a lot of copy - one book doesn't do it.

It's not obvious to everyone but there are some "copywriters"
out there that don't actually know marketing very well.
They are best avoided if you are paying for copy, and this
book will help you a lot if you are thinking of writing
your own copy or thinking of hiring somebody to do it for you.

Favorite quote (of many):

"If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys"

Funny guy, that Bird.

I read a number of marketing books before this one,but after read Drayton's book I understand how to create and execute a direct campaign.The best side is,I think, the simple words due to the writer experience in the marketing business .If you are looking for the best combination of experience and easy reading with a ''How to...'' aproach ,this book is the best.

Possibly a great book for those that know something alreadytoo, just look at the endorsements. Not a step by step book - no hardand fast rules to DM - goes to the principals derives guidelines and provides examples. A good approach that suited me - I always want to know why something should be done a certain way not just follow a prescription.

This book contains all of the information you need to know about direct marketing. It puts aside the myth regarding the 1-2% return on mailings. I had no idea that a 50% return was possible! The book is full of proven advice and tips; planning, list selection, the offer, pricing...it goes on and on. Reading it from cover to cover gave me the information necessary to execute my own mailing which cost me less than $200 but reaped close to $100,000. Read it!