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(4)
K-3
Xtreme Raptors series.
In clear language useful for third-grade researchers, this series depicts raptors as tough predators with curved beaks, sharp talons, keen eyesight, fierce hunting skills, and carnivorous eating habits. Numerous action photos demonstrating similarities and differences in habitat and prey are featured in the formulaic structure of each volume. Rescue details human interventions to save injured raptors. Glos., ind. Review covers these Xtreme Raptors titles: Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, Owls, Raptor Rescue, and Vultures.
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Matt Davies.
Diminutive, bespectacled, smartphone-carrying Nerdy Birdy and hulking, hooded-eyed Vulture make an odd-couple pair of best friends. The friendship works well, though--until Nerdy Birdy joins "Tweetster." All of a sudden, he's more concerned with the attention of his virtual friends than of his actual one. The story avoids preachiness by incorporating myriad LOL-worthy details into the wry text and scratchy pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons.
(4)
K-3
Amazing Animals series.
Vivid photographs providing up-close views of the daily lives and habits of the title birds are the highlights of these slim volumes. Minimal text touches on habitat, appearance, food, and offspring, and supplies a folk-story answer to a question about each creature (e.g., "Why do flamingos like salty water?" "Why is the vulture bald?"). Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Amazing Animals titles: Flamingos, Hawks, and Vultures.
(3)
4-6
Animales carroñeros series.
This series provides graphic, sometimes gory details about the lives and habits of different scavengers, here focusing on wolverines (Glotones) and vultures (Buitres). Most of the vivid photographs are not for the weak of stomach (e.g., vultures tearing apart a dead zebra), though pictures showing the babies are cute. The Spanish translations are acceptable. Reading list. Glos, ind. Review covers these Animales carroñeros titles: Los buitres and Los glotones.
32 pp.
| Holt
| October, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8050-7557-1$16.95
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Steve Jenkins.
In just a few poetic lines per double-page spread, Sayre introduces readers to the activities of the turkey vulture--soaring, gliding, eating carrion (tastefully portrayed without gore). Jenkins's cut-paper illustrations capture the birds' readily recognizable silhouettes as well as zooming in to detail their intricate feather patterns. Additional factual information about vulture habitats plus resources for further study are appended.
Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2007
48 pp.
| NorthWord
| May, 2005
|
TradeISBN 1-55971-917-6$10.95
|
PaperISBN 1-55971-918-4$7.95
(4)
K-3
Our Wild World series.
Illustrated by
Sherry Neidigh.
Photographs by
Wayne Lynch.
Lynch presents an extensive and well-researched portrayal of three types of birds of prey. Those interested in the creatures will find the series informative and helpful with report writing. Clear, attractive photos add interest to the text, occasional drawings do not. Sidebars provide additional information. Vocabulary words are explained within the text. Websites. Ind. Review covers these Our Wild World titles: Falcons, Owls, and Vultures.
32 pp.
| Harcourt
| September, 2001
|
TradeISBN 0-15-200496-3$$16.00
(3)
K-3
In this retelling of a South American folktale, Jabutà the Tortoise wants to play his flute for the King of Heaven and Vulture offers to give him a ride, but on the way there, jealous Vulture drops him and breaks his shell. The other birds put Jabutà back together. The telling is clean and well shaped, and the iconic artwork uses large geometric blocks against vivid pink skies.