Skydiver: Saving the Fastest Bird in the World

by Celia Godkin

High in the sky, a peregrine falcon swoops and dives with her mate before returning to her nest to guard her eggs. The couple doesn’t know it yet, but they will lose most of these eggs; the first clutch to a volunteer scaling the cliff, and the next to the harmful effects of DDT. Told against the backdrop of scientists’ efforts to understand the raptors’ decline in the wild, this illustrated non-fiction book tells the story of several generations of falcons as they’re taken to a sanctuary, reintegrated into the wild, and ultimately relocated to the ledge of a city skyscraper.

With dynamic oil illustrations, author and wildlife artist Celia Godkin effortlessly captures the detail of the falcons and brings to life the different landscapes they inhabit. Skydiver will delight and inform readers with a passion for species preservation, as it documents the struggles and the eventual success of the efforts to save the fastest bird in the world.

Genres: Birds, Nonfiction, Nature, Childrens, Picture Books, Animals, Ecology

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2014

About the author

After a number of years working as a biologist Celia decided to go back to school to train as a scientific illustrator. She completed the diploma course at the Ontario College of Art and an illustrated Master’s thesis in zoology at the University of Toronto, and began work as a freelance artist, illustrating textbooks and scientific papers.


In 2004, after many years of living in Toronto, Celia and her husband, O. John Hawkins, moved to Eastern Ontario. Here she continues working on books and - a new line of work - designing coins for the Royal Canadian Mint.

Reviews

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aside from penguins, birds of prey are the most popular in our library collection. The books on eagles, owls, and hawks are always in demand, so I'm glad to have another to put on the shelf. But I am also happy that it is a piece of narrative nonfiction, and the story it tells of the peregrine falcon and efforts to prevent its extinction is fascinating. Author/illustrator Celia Godkin describes the problems caused by the insecticide DDT, how it made the "eggshells so thin that they broke easily." Many falcons could not successfully hatch any young to carry on their species. She also describes how conservationists and volunteers collected eggs and raised them in sanctuaries to help preserve the peregrines.

The illustrations show the details of coloring on the falcon's wings, the fluffy softness of the new chicks, and the crowds of protesters who worked to get DDT banned. The pictures also capture the streamlined shape of the peregrine as it dives, and in a beautiful spread, the aerial courtship dance is framed against the blue sky. The cover illustration does an amazing job of capturing the sense of speed with an almost time-lapse image of a diving peregrine. An author's note gives additional information about the peregrine falcon and DDT, as well suggesting some websites for further research.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The peregrine falcon came perilously close to extinction due to the actions of humans. But the actions of other humans helped save the species by protesting against the use of pesticides and raising some peregrine eggs in captivity. The illustrations show the grandeur of these birds while also allowing readers to follow the birds in flight and see their eggs when they hatch into fluffy balls. Although a city might seem to be a strange place for a peregrine, cities may offer a perfect home for the birds since they have tall buildings with ledges similar to those that are found in the wild. This was an inspiring story about dedicated volunteers and scientists who are trying to make a difference in the world. It might have helped to have some context for the story--when were the birds endangered and where was this sanctuary? I also would have liked to know how much the peregrine population has rebounded.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tells a story of peregrine falcon eggs and why conservation efforts are so important. Good for younger children who are curious about the peregrine falcon, what caused them to go into decline, and what efforts are being made to bring them back. Great for children who are curious about species at risk.

Also provides links to conservation organizations and awareness on use of pesticides in our food.

[Barbra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enlightening true story of how peregrine falcons were struggling against the effects of pesticide. Filled with facts and realistic drawings this shows the positive effects humans can also have on animals and environment. This inspiring book will appeal to nature lovers ages six to nine.

[Wunderdrugged · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title is nominated for the 2016 hackmatack award in the category of non-fiction.
I loved this book! The illustrations are gorgeous, the story is told in such a way that it isn't 'dumbed down' for the younger audience, and the author provides links to explore to find more information. She certainly piqued my interest. Would recommend to animal lovers, young environmentalists.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, inspiring story about efforts to save the peregrine falcon.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Great read about peregrine falcons! I had no idea DDT effected the thickness of birds' shells, esp birds of prey. We learned so many things from this book!

[Lisa Bricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the story of a peregrine falcon, with lots of information on their sad history and current conservation attempts.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating! I learned quite a bit. A great book for kids who love nature and are curious about how we save different species.

[Ellen Moore]

This text is in a format that tells a cohesive story, while also being informational about issues related to the survival of peregrine falcons. The illustrations are very wonderful and engaging, and help tell the hopeful story of humans intervening and saving these raptors, wether they be protestors of a pesticide called DDT, or scientists and field biologists saving individual falcons. This book could be read aloud to a class, or read independently by a student, since it doesn’t get too complicated or advanced.