Birds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me

by Susan L. Roth

One makes colorful paper collages; the other, intricate environments out of found objects. And yet Susan L. Roth and the remarkable bowerbird are truly birds of a feather.

Sibert Medalist Susan L. Roth is like a bowerbird, a small black bird found in Australia and New Guinea that builds elaborate structures from various materials they find near their habitats.

Though Susan creates books to attract readers and bowerbirds build bowers to attract a mate, both get their ideas from the world around them and the materials they find. Both love colors. No two of their respective creations are alike. And most importantly, both Susan and the bowerbirds aspire for their finished works to be greater than the sum of their parts.

Complete with engaging backmatter and dazzling artwork crammed full of so much to look at, this visually delightful picture book from award-winning author and artist Susan L. Roth is a fascinating comparison of art we create and art we find in nature.

A Bank Street Best Book of the Year - Outstanding Merit

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

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 14, 2019

About the author

Susan L. Roth creates unique mixed-media collage illustrations that have appeared in numerous award-winning children’s books, many of which she also wrote. Her book, Listen to the Wind, spent a year on the New York Times best seller list. The Mangrove Tree, which was released in 2011 and addressed Dr. Gordon Sato's mangrove tree-planting project, was the winner of Jane Addams Children's Book Award. Roth lives in New York.

Reviews

[Shaye Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very creative nonfiction picture book where the author, Susan L. Roth, compares her artwork compositions to the work of a bowerbird. They’re both collectors, they like beauty, every composition is different, they use similar tools, they love colors, and more. Each spread is so beautiful and keeps the reader entertained by everything going on across the page. The back matter provides many more details about bowerbirds, about how they work, about how Roth works, and all their similarities. There’s also a selected bibliography and full color photo of a Male Satin Bowerbird and it’s creative work. The artwork for this book was created as collages with assorted papers, fabric, wires, threads, pipe cleaners, beads, ribbons, and more, especially those that are bright blue.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[Maria Caplin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art work

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be sliding this to our art teacher.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artist Susan Roth compares her process of composing a collage with that of the bowerbirds of Australia and New Guinea, with glorious collages on every page

[Christina Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

The chaotic style of art--while intricate and talented--was overwhelming in the colors/textures/amount/etc. This factor alone turned me off to the book, although I appreciated learning about bowerbirds.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Features Roth's exquisite and unique collages.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an awesome book, though some of her science feels a bit shaky. Seeing her process of making collages was thrilling as a collage artist myself and I too feel a connection with this amazing bird. If you do read this book with kids, I'd suggest supplementing it with a book more based in science because it's a really awesome entry point for exploring bigger ideas.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me by Susan L. Roth. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2019. $19. 9780823442829

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Bowerbirds collect materials from around their habitats to create beautiful, unique collages or artwork in hopes of attracting mates. Author Susan Roth uses this distinct and creative picture book to compare her own process of creating art to that of a Bowerbird. “Our purpose is to have the results be as beautiful as we can make them.” Never are two compositions the same. Their tools are similar: his beak operates like tweezers and his feet are like an artist’s hands. Their ideas come from the spaces around them using materials found or recycled. “We try to be original in our sometimes ridiculous arrangements of things that most people and most birds would never in a million years dream of putting together.

Susan Roth uses distinct collage techniques to bring her art to life. Birds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me is a brilliant picture book that will spark creativity and discussion in classrooms and homes alike. Detailed facts and an explanation about Bowerbirds are included in the back of the book. Also included is Roth’s description of her own creative process and how they are similar to that of a Bowerbird. Birds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me will be the perfect addition to any art project or unit as well as a unit on birds and recycling.

Reviewer: SL
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collage artist Roth takes a look at the amazing bowerbird and how her work and their building process compare with one another. Both she and the bowerbird are collectors of random items. They use those items to create compositions. For the bowerbird, that is a bower for their courtship process. They both like unusual objects that they use to create art, things that no one else might ever combine in that way. They both pay attention to color and both seek out praise for their work in the end.

I was really pleasantly surprised by the content and construct of this picture book. While I knew it would be about bowerbirds and humans, I didn’t expect it to be so directly related to the artistic side of both. Roth beautifully shows the fascinating correlations between her work and that of the bird. She demonstrates both in her collage illustrations and in the text of the book how similar they actually are. The text though is kept wonderfully simple, making this book about art very accessible even for young children. She completes the book with more facts about the birds and about her own work as well as a bibliography of sources.

Roth’s illustrations are fabulous. Bright and filled with objects of all kinds, they fill the page with vibrancy. Most of the pages show the bird and then Roth, each working in a similar way on their art. The result is a book about Roth’s way of making art that is also an example of the art itself. Clever stuff!

A very successful mix of nature, science and art. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I was rereading this book before posting the review, I wondered how the bowerbirds are surviving all those brush fires in Australia as the year comes to an end. This picture book with its intricate illustrations, created from paper and found objects, certainly made those particular birds even more interesting to me than they might have been before I read this book. I'd heard of this species before but never read a book in which an artist compares her own work to a bowerbird's. The idea might sound a bit odd, but it works here. Susan L. Roth uses images of the bird at work on one page and then images of herself at work on the facing page. She notes how both of them are avid collectors; in her case, she looks for materials to enhance her storytelling while a bowerbird fashions a collection of objects to attract a mate. She even compares the tools they use, their fondness of colors, and how sometimes their designs may seem a bit odd. Back matter includes information about bowerbirds and their collages as well as her own work habits. There is a photograph of a bowerbird and its final composition included as well. The comparison and contrast between bird and artist, both creative spirits pleased me and might encourage some budding artist to try new materials and approaches to art. It assuredly will prompt some interest in these birds.

[Margaret]

The views of the rolling hills this autumn having been breathtaking. The brilliant reds, yellows and oranges are becoming more muted now, leaning toward shades enriched with brown. It's easy to imagine a master placing each tree in a special place on each hill to supply us with this every-changing work of art. Although we have the spectacular contrasts of white and black with the coming of winter, in the spring unimaginable shades of green will supply us with a similar motif as buds burst forth and turn into leaves. And summer is a blast of panoramic color, a blend of trees, flowers, grasses, birds, butterflies, bees and other assorted flora and fauna.

These scenes offered to us are both lessons in artistic design and the use of materials. Two nonfiction publications this year focus on the technique of collage and both rely on what is offered in the natural world. The first release, Birds Of A Feather: Bowerbirds And Me (Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, May 14, 2019) written and illustrated by Susan L. Roth compares two artists, one avian and one human who fashion masterpieces from found objects.


My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I shared Playing With Collage by Jeannie Baker a few weeks ago. It will make a wonderful pairing with this beautiful book by Susan Roth! Remember Parrots Over Puerto Rico and other great books by Roth? This time, she's in the book itself, comparing her own life as a collage artist with the intriguing bower bird, artists, too! In a flurry of "unusual, often unrelated stuff", Susan explains how she and the bower bird are so alike. She's in the book showing herself choosing and then the bower bird choosing just what feels right to him. Each composition created is different. The tools are similar: beak or tweezers! In the brief text, each action by either human or bird is explored. Susan adds back matter that serves as a more thorough explanation of "Facts About Bowerbirds", "How They Work", "How I Work", and "How We Are The Same". Here is a marvelous double-page spread showing both claw and hand choosing something they believe is "just right".
It's a book about one of nature's interesting birds, a book about how collage can work if you're Susan, and it's a book that's a visual feast!

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book cleverly starts with a dictionary definition of both a bowerbird and Susan L. Roth, perfectly setting up this charming compare and contrast informational picture book. Roth compares her collage making technique with that of bowerbirds creating their nests. Roth’s clear and simple words reflect upon materials, purpose, tools and outcome. Roth’s vibrant collage illustrations add an extra layer of authenticity to the book and encourages the reader to take another look at the beauty of the natural world. Backmatter includes facts about bowerbirds, a concise list of how bowerbirds work and how Roth works, as well as a bibliography. A perfect book to use when introducing the compare and contrast concept.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 enormous stars for this unique exploration of the artistic process that is shared by the enchanting bowerbirds of Australia and the collage artist, Susan Roth. While the creative processes of both are the focus, readers also learn the fascinating facts about this bird artist who creates a bower to attract a mate.

Roth's wonderful collage illustrations depict the bird on one side and the artist herself on the other as they create their designs. Back matter provides facts about the bower birds, explanations of the vocabulary and more about the creative processes of both the birds and the artist and a bibliography.

I absolutely adored this book!

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan L. Roth works in collage to create her amazing illustrations. In this book she compares herself to a bowerbird. They both collect interesting and diverse materials and use them to create artwork. In the (naturally) collage illustrations you see the artist at work, and also learn a fair amount about bowerbirds. The illustrations even illustrate the author illustrating this book! The book is fascinating on its own but it has a multitude of curriculum applications. Art teachers will love it. It would be useful for compare and contrast units. It's a handy bird book. Oh my, where to shelf it?

[Laura Giessler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated this mostly as a memoir or partial biography of the artist/author. It is fascinating to hear about her artistic process, and I knew exactly nothing about bowerbirds, so I was also interested to learn about them. I'm not sure if young readers would grasp or appreciate her explanation of the processes. The endnotes are fascinating, especially the facts about bowerbirds--their coloring and their tendency to create their bowers out of bright blue materials that match their eyes (that later turn purple)!! I think certain narrower audiences would LOVE this book--bird lovers, artists, especially collage artists, and friends and family of Susan Roth as a beautiful memoir writing.

[Arminzerella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susan Roth is a collage artist who, in this book, compares her art and process of making it to how male bowerbirds create displays in nature. The bowerbird and the author both carefully select and arrange items in a defined space. In the bowerbird's case, though, all that effort is made to attract female bowerbirds! There's some additional information included at the end of the book about Satin bowerbirds and more details about how they and the author/artist create their displays/art. Visually exciting, but only just scratches the surface when it comes to bowerbirds and their elaborate displays/life cycle.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The differences between a bowerbird and me are fewer than you might expect. We are both collectors of unusual, often unrelated stuff that we use in unusual ways to create different and unexpected compositions in rather small, defined spaces."
What a surprising and lovely picture book! I was nervous at the busyness of the cover, and I wondered if this would be a visually exhausted book to read. Instead, it's a wonderful celebration of a collage artist who finds a connection to the bowerbird - which is native to Australian.

[Brent Chouanard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is an artist who creates works of art through collages. She collects all sorts of items for her art much like a bowerbird. This book compares and contrasts her work to that of the bird and was beautifully illustrated. I think this would be an excellent pairing with an art project where students could use recycled or natural materials to create works of art. Because of the higher level of academic vocabulary, I think this would be a good book for 2nd-5th grade.

[Zoraida Rivera Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the originality of this book in which the author compares herself and her art with a bowerbird.
The illustrations show how she uses diverse and unusual objects for her artistic expression. In a few words we learn much about this bird and about how nature, and even junk, can provide the supplies needed to create.

What I love most is Roth's courage to do what she likes and be herself. It's an inspiring book that shows we can offer our best when we follow our own path.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for Mock Caldecott voting. This was an unusual book where the author, who uses collage art for illustrations, compares herself to Bowerbirds....who do much the same thing in decorating their environment. Although interesting, I thought the pictures were a little dark for youngsters and might not draw them in.

[Smoot M.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very interesting in that she was able to compare herself to a bird. I really enjoyed looking at all the different materials each used to achieve their goal. Great book to use in art class. Also character building that we are not all the same. Nothing wrong with creating differently from others if it achieves our goals.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an adult & an artist, I really enjoyed this meditation on the creative process, and how the author's methods shares similarities with bowerbirds'.

If you're looking for a straight-up science or animal fact book, this may not be for you. There's only one photo of a bowerbird and his bower: everything else is collage, and it focuses on creativity/art more than biology.

[Faith Pray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is brilliant. I love the way Susan Roth compares herself as an artist with bowerbirds. And I love how Roth's vibrant collage illustrations so aptly represent the creative process for both the bowerbirds and the illustrator. The text is just right - spare, and perfectly paced. I love this book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that send me off to do research! I had never heard of a bowerbird before this - mostly because they live in Oceania - but I love the way Susan L. Roth parallels how she works on a collage with how the male bowerbird builds a nest and adds blue accents to attract a mate. The illustrations are gorgeous and could inspire children and adults alike to create their own collages.

[Robynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book showcasing amazing collage art and the similarities between the bowerbird creating his nest and an artist. It is very straight-forward and simple language, perfect for the age group, and really gives readers the chance to examine nature in a different and unique way. A beautiful book!

[MaryLibrarianOH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roth creates found art collages for her illustrations that show how she creates her art and Bowerbirds create spaces to attract a mate. The visuals in the book are something you don't see in most picture books - fiction or nonfiction.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun look at similarities between people and animals, and the use of materials by both. The after matter with more bowerbird facts as well as artist info is great. Teachers will no doubt like sharing this with students to discuss art, similarities/differences, animals/people.

[Leslie Marley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book comes so close to explaining an artist but it misses in a significant way. Children may be mystified but it could open a space for discussion if the parent is knowledgable about the artistic process.

[Debrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Male bowerbirds arrange colorful collages to woo their mates; Susan Roth is also a collage artist, and notes their similarities. Gorgeous and interesting collages; good back matter about bowerbirds; obvious lesson and activity possibilities.