Birds First Discovery Books

Provides information about the physical characteristics, habits, migration patterns, and markings of different species of birds. Includes transparent overlays.

Ages 4-8. Originally published in France, this small square book is part of a handsomely designed First Discovery series, which introduces biology and other information to young children. The simple, fact-filled text about birds' beaks, claws, feathers, nests, feeding, and flight is realistically illustrated with sharp, glowingly colored pictures on strong white paper. The spiral-bound pages make ingenious use of brightly painted transparencies that reveal surprising changes and connections as you turn the pages. The page on flight has a transparency that lifts up to reveal a diagram of the bird's lightweight skeleton. The page on camouflage shows a ptarmigan with feathers that blend with its surroundings. A final double-page spread shows birds flying south in autumn--crows, geese, storks, and swallows--each group in its own formation. Hazel Rochman