Unbeatable beaks by Stephen R Swinburne

by Stephen R. Swinburne

"A beak is a spoon, a beak is a slicer."A beak is a scraper, stabber, and spiker.Have you ever wondered why birds have different shaped beaks? Many beaks are long and pointy while others are round and smooth. Some beaks have ridges; some are even shaped like spoons. Beaks are to birds what hands are to humans. That's why birds can do the most amazing things with their beaks--from spearing fish to turning eggs.Stephen R. Swinburne's lyrical, chant-along text and Joan Paley's stunning paper collage illustrations introduce young children to a variety of wonderful birds and their distinctive beaks of all sizes, shapes, and colors.

Genres: Birds

Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Steve was born in London, England. He holds a BA degree in Biology and English from Castleton State College in Vermont. He has worked as a ranger in a number of national parks and is the author of over 30 children's books. His extensive travels to faraway lands such as Africa and treks through Yellowstone have all influenced his book projects. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt published Steve’s book Sea Turtle Scientist in 2014. His most recent title is from Scholastic and entitled Safe in a Storm, a comforting read-aloud story, where all the animals find cozy places to keep them safe and warm. Steve visits nearly a hundred schools a year across the United States as well as many international schools. He lives in Vermont with his wife Heather, two dogs named Scout and Jem, and a cat named Skittles.

Reviews

[Abigail Bristow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Nonfiction Concept Book
Audience: K-1st/2nd Grade
Awards: None

A. The topic of this book is the various different types of beaks different birds have and why such beaks are important to these birds.

B. The topic is presented in a child-friendly way through displaying bright and vivid illustrations on each page and limited text. However the text used on each page is strategically positioned near the illustrated birds that are being discussed in order to help the child tie in the visuals and text topic.

C. Text features available in this book entail a glossary, different fonts, and lightened text.

D. I would use this book in a read aloud with children as a form of engagement as we start possibly some science unit covering birds and/or all the various beaks different birds possess. This book could also work well as an individual reading option for children who are interested in different types of birds and their various features such as beaks.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know that I would call this a science book per se. It it mostly pictures with rhyming text. Most of the birds are identified by smaller text next to their picture. But you sometimes can't figure out which of the birds the rhyme is talking about. And there really isn't any factual information, it's just nice to look at.

There is a two page spread at the back with 10 different beaks and you match them up with the bird's name. My older boys liked that. My 5-yr-old has looked through the book a few times. I don't think I'll use it again. And I don't think I'd recommend you run out and get it at the library.

[Evan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A great introductory birding text, Stephen R. Swinburne's book focuses on the theme of bird beaks to present a variety of distinct birds through rhyming descriptions and beautiful collages by Joan Paley.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds me of a Lois Ehlert book. Informative and wonderful illustrations.