Belle's Journey: An Osprey Takes Flight

by Rob Bierregaard, Kate Garchinsky (Illustrator)

Take flight with Belle, an osprey born on Martha's Vineyard as she learns to fly and migrates for the first time to Brazil and back--a journey of more than 8,000 miles.

Dr. B. and Dick, two osprey scientists in Massachusetts, observe ospreys and their offspring, tagging one special fledgling with a transmitter to better study migration habits. Follow Belle as she attempts her first flight, conquers her first fishing endeavour, and heads south for her first migration all while her tracking device transmits information about where's she been. Based on information garnered through twenty years of research by the author, Belle's Journey will soar into reader's hearts.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, Middle Grade, Juvenile, Geography

112 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 2018

Reviews

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork that flows throughout this narrative (mostly) non-fiction is what moved this book from a 4 star rating to a 5. Rob Bierregaard does a nice job of transferring his study of the migratory patterns of osprey into story form and, like the two middle grade students in the book, may stimulate an interest in raptors with that target age group. Or, at least, entertain them with a good story of determination and survival within the animal kingdom. But Kate Garchinsky’s aqua crayon on sanded paper masterpieces give life to Belle as she begins life, learns the basics of osprey survival and then sets off across continents on her first migratory journey. I see this book, along with a few others like “Pale Male” plus the websites and apps given at the book’s conclusion and teachers or librarians could easily augment science lessons on habitat, adaptations, migration, and animal behavior with both low tech and high tech tools. I have already placed “Belle” and Garchinsky’s gorgeous “Secret Life” books on my first book order for Fall. And I may pick them up for my Grandma bookshelf as well. Thanks for the dARC, Edelweiss.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and beautifully illustrated! "Dr. B's" intimate knowledge of osprey behavior and the summer (Martha's Vineyard) and winter (Brazil) "homes" of Belle really are brought to life in the prose and story of the migration adventure. Any youngster who is interested in birding and science will be inspired by this story.
Kate Garchinsky's illustrations are incredibly beautiful and do such justice to the the spirit of the creatures and places of the story.

Full disclosure: I'm related to the author but not the illustrator, so some bias may be present in this review.

[Katrina Dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed following Belle on her journey from Martha’s Vineyard to South America, and I learned a lot about ospreys along the way. Kate Garchinsky’s gorgeous illustrations helped bring the story to life; I found myself pausing at each chapter to pour over every detail. Rob Bierregaard’s writing was at its most engaging when he was sharing Belle’s exploits; I found the prose dragged a bit when it was about the humans tracking Belle. Young birders will find much to appreciate in this book.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, Rob Bierregaard, is a scientist who studies ospreys. He and a friend named Dick work together to tag and track the birds in the area known as Martha's Vineyard. One day when they were out working, two school aged children saw them and asked what they were doing. Rob and Dick explained and the students were very interested, so the scientists gave them a link and more information so they could follow along with this particular bird's journey. They named the osprey Belle. This is her story. Parts of it are made up based on typical events that have happened to other ospreys and extrapolated from the places on the map where Belle visited. there is no way to know for sure as Belle did not have a camera attached to her on her trip, just the tracker. Because parts of it are made up, it cannot truly be called non-fiction but it is written by an expert on the subject.

Pictures are lovely watercolors, there are also maps, sketches, and a few actual photographs at the end of the book. Also included are some basic information and resources about ospreys, what to do if you find injured wildlife, a list of books for younger readers as well as a list to read with adults, and a list of websites and apps, including some where you can follow animals like the students did in this book.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm an unabashed fan of birds (with actual licensed experience to help me evaluate books like this). Belle is one osprey who ranks near the top of my list of heroine birds, just by living her real-world life. The credit goes to author Rob Bierregaard (and illustrator Kate Garchinsky) for sharing Belle's life story in ways that read authentically but with the compelling storytelling of fiction.
The use of two young and curious characters increases the appeal to young readers.
When all goes well, ospreys live quite long lives and I'm here rooting for Belle to live on long enough that I might one day observe her in real life.

[Andrea Riffle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was marvelous! This story, which follows a young Osprey named Belle, is so interesting! Dr B. and Dick, who have placed a tracking collar on Belle, follow her movements. The paintings are absolutely stunning and add a great amount of interest and depth into the story. The information presented can be taught to people of all ages! I certainly learned many new things! As the story progresses, the reader grows more attached to Belle and her movements. Belle shows throughout the story how she is skilled and savvy, which the reader will enjoy. This book definitely taught me a lot. It would be perfect to use in a classroom setting to teach the children, or even to teach yourself!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A children’s book that will also engage adults. Learn about osprey and follow Belle on her migration journey. Written by Dr. B who has studied osprey for many years and willingly shares his knowledge and passion. I have had to pleasure of meeting and listening to him many times - he is authentic.

I will be buying this book for the children and young adults in my life. I am always looking for positive ways to cultivate life long learning and passion for nature.

[Reshamad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book and topic/subject for upper elementary/Middle graders who are interested in birds.
This was an immersive read. Very thoroughly researched and accessible to read by middle graders. There is a ton to learn about Ospreys and their migration journey. Beautiful art work captures the grace of these creatures and keeps the reader intrigued.
Definitely a good book for birding and science collections. Recommend this for upper elementary and middle grade readers.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read "Belle's Journey - An Osprey Takes Flight" because one of my granddaughters is interested in falconry.

This book is in a story format. It isn't a literary achievement but it is perfect at using the story format to get scientific information to children.

I especially liked the resource section. She can track osprey that the author tags! I am sure she will enjoy continuing research on a subject she enjoys using this book as a guide.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

An account of the migration of a fictional Osprey named "Belle" based upon scientific tracking data by Dr. Bob B. While it is aimed at the young reader everyone will enjoy the story while learning about this wonder of nature. Illustrations by Kate Garchinsky add zest and personality to the young bird

[Elin · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this book. So well written and so fascinating to get a glimpse into what a migration might look like from the pov of a bird. Just the right balance of (well informed) imagining and humble realism. We fell in love with Belle and watching birds fly overhead now is even more delightful and inspiring of curiosity now than before. The other book like this that we loved was Pale Male: Citizen Hawk of New York City by Janet Schumann.

[BookSweetie]

Lovely illustrations and book production really help the straightforward nonfiction about an osprey and the scientists (including 2 children) who track the flights of Belle. The “information and resources” section is a plus.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

More an illustrated book than a picture book, this is a great look at ospreys, but brings in scientist/conservationist efforts, geography, and so much more.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a children's chapter book about a tagged osprey and her migration. Although non-fiction, it's very interesting and a wonderful way to learn more about birds, migration and science.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfu!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Massachusetts-based osprey scientists tell the remarkable story of the 8,000 mile migration of a female osprey born in Martha's Vineyard.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Great book to talk about the migration pattern of birds.

[Alexandra Hinrichs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and fascinating account of an osprey’s first migrations. My 10-yr-old son and I loved this one and learned a lot!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for early-middle grades to learn about birds in an easy, natural way as they follow Belle’s journey. My kids really enjoyed it!

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.