ReFoReMo Day 11 Book Reviews

BIRD, BALLOON, BEAR by Il Sung Na

It's Bird's first day in the forest. She is looking for a friend. She sees Bear. Bird wants to introduce herself but she's too shy. Before she can work up the nerve to say, "Hello," Bear has already found a

friend. A big, red Balloon floats by Bear and he starts playing with it. Bear and Balloon play all day long. Poor Bird can only sit and watch. Will she ever get a chance to be friends with Bear?

EVERY DAY BIRDS by Amy Ludwig

"Every day we watch for birds weaving through the sky.

We listen to their calls and songs.

We like to see them fly."

So begins this poem that has been transformed into a picture book. From there we learn a bit about the chickadee, the jay, the nuthatch and the finch, as well as 16 other types of birds. Several pages at the end of the book contain additional information about each type of bird mentioned in the book.

This is a great way to introduce young readers to the subject of birds. Not only are the illustrations colorful and expressive, and the text not only rhymes, the sentences are very short.

LOVE, MAMA by Jeanette Bradley 

When Kipling's mama goes on a long trip and leaves him behind, she says she'll be home soon. But, she doesn't come back by dinnertime or by bedtime or even the next day. Or the next... Kipling misses her very much and searches for ways to comfort himself, but nothing takes the place of Mama's love.

Then, a package from Mama arrives in the mail with some of this favorite things in it and a letter from Mama. She assures Kipling that her love can reach him wherever he is. She signs the card Love, Mama. Kipling realizes he has her love even if she isn't right there with him.

MY BEAUTIFUL BIRDS by Suzanne Del Rizzo

When Sami is forced to flee his home because it has been blown apart (along with those of his neighbors), he is forced to leave his pigeons behind. Even though Sami and his family eventually make it safely to a refugee camp, Sami wonders about his birds and hopes that they are okay. He is so concerned about the birds that he finds it difficult to concentrate on anything else.

Then one day he begins to notice there are birds around the camp. He then makes it his job to take care of those birds.

Author Suzanne Del Rizzo is also the illustrator. The story is a moving one, to be sure. But her illustrations are just amazing. She used Plasticine and polymer clay and other things to create 3D images for the illustrations. They are very detailed and life-like and provide an added dimension (pardon the pun) to the book.

 

THE DAY I BECAME A BIRD by Ingrid Chabbert Guridi

I haven't read this book yet. I will add my review after I have had a chance to read the book.