(2) K-3 On double-page spreads that display up to forty-seven carefully illustrated birds, Opie showcases the similarities and differences found throughout the avian world. Before the story even begins, the illustrations encourage viewers to notice how dissimilar birds can be--a peacock and a kiwi look at each other in amazement on the acknowledgments page, taking in the differences in their appearance. On every page, this cartoony little kiwi wonders where it fits in this world of birds. Opie shows that some traits are universal and others are only more common--while all birds have feathers, wings, and beaks, not every bird builds its own nest, and the kiwi, of course, does not fly. The illustrations walk a line between sharp realism and an exaggerated cartoon quality that is especially apparent in the expressive kiwi. Opie's drawings are at their best when he focuses on a single trait and shows in detail how varied it can be, as on the page where fifteen creatures display their wildly differing beaks. Back matter identifies each bird, egg, and nest depicted in the book.

Reviewer: Laura Koenig | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020