The Tale of Pale Male: A True Story - Hardcover

Winter, Jeanette

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0152059725 ISBN 13: 9780152059729

Publisher: Clarion Books, 2007

Synopsis

Here is the incredible true story of a Red-tailed Hawk that makes himself at home in the most unlikely of places--atop a high-rise apartment building in New York City. Named Pale Male by his many fans, this majestic bird not only endures in this urban environment, he thrives. But when the residents have Pale Male's nest removed from their building, a historic battle--and triumph--ensues, uniting bird lovers everywhere.
     With Jeanette Winter's beloved folk art-inspired illustrations and soulful insight into the spirit of this beautiful hawk, this is a book that will delight nature enthusiasts of all ages.     Includes an author's note.

About this title

About the Author:

JEANETTE WINTER has written and illustrated many books for children that grew out of true-life stories. She lives near Central Park in New York City.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 1–5—Winter documents the controversy surrounding New York City's famous red-tailed hawk. When Pale Male and his mate built a nest high on the side of a Fifth Avenue apartment building, they attracted the attention of local bird-watchers. The humans celebrated when baby hawks hatched, grew, and learned to fly. However, some residents complained about bird droppings and animal remains falling from the hawks' living space. In December 2004, the nest was removed, generating local protests and national media attention. Eventually, the nesting spot was restored. As Winter indicates in an author's note, Pale Male has fathered more than 20 chicks with a number of mates since 1993. Winter's illustrations subtly bring out the humor of the situation. While earthbound humans stare up at the birds, applaud the chicks' hatching, and wave signs to protest the nest's removal, the redtails carry on with their lives above the fray. Their inscrutable expressions vary little as they remain intent on hunting yet another mouse or small bird. Only the pink, heart-shaped clouds in the sky behind their courtship flight hint at possible avian emotion. The book should increase readers' awareness of these common predators in their surroundings, no matter where they live. Those who want to learn more facts about the species might consult Doug Wechsler's Red-Tailed Hawks (Rosen, 2001). Barbara Bash introduces a number of other avian city dwellers in Urban Roosts (Little, Brown, 1992).—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0152059725
• ISBN 13: 9780152059729
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Winter Jeanette