Bird Watch

Matheson takes readers on a tranquil counting and bird-watching expedition. On the first page, a checklist identifies birds that readers may spot throughout: chickadee, warbler, and bluebird among them. Matheson provides quiet, guiding observations: "As a few raindrops fall, you just might find seven wrens singing. Try to spy their stripy tails." Insects and mammals pepper the flower-filled landscape as well, with some at risk of becoming prey. Airy watercolors featuring light strokes and pale skies give the spreads a feeling of openness. As the skies turn an inky blue, "one more beautiful bird"--an owl--appears. Matheson urges readers to observe the natural world with wide-open senses. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

PreS-Gr 1--Bluebirds, warblers, hummingbirds, and a mighty hawk are among the hidden treasures to be found in this serene counting book about birds. Urging children to look carefully, Matheson's watercolor and collage illustrations use a soft, quiet palette to marvel at the beauty of the natural world. From 10 black capped chickadees hiding in a green fir tree down to one powerful owl soaring in the night sky, young children will delight in finding the hidden birds, insects, mice, and even a slimy banana slug among the flowers and ferns. The gentle text offers consistent encouragement to continue the search and a birding checklist illustrates the hidden quarry. End notes offer further information on each of the birds and their locations. This engaging work will be useful as a nature study, a counting book, and as a fun way to promote careful observation. VERDICT A peaceful look at nature for little ones.--Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, NY