(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Angela Harding. "Birds have conquered every continent on Earth," this title begins and goes on to describe many of them, with sections on birds of prey, freshwater birds, flightless birds, tree dwellers, and more. Brief descriptions of each species focus on their unique traits, including appearance, diet, habitat, food-gathering techniques, song, courtship rituals, and even odor (the stink bird's leafy diet makes it smell like manure). The stunning linocut illustrations, many stretching across full pages or spreads, bring these creatures to life and showcase their variety. The lack of index makes this book more suitable for browsing than for reference.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns