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Animal Habitats
The Nest That Wren Built
Nature lovers and poetry fans alike will be drawn to this lyrical picture book depicting how Carolina wrens build a nest for their young.
This is the bark, snippets of twine,
spidery rootlets, and needles of pine
that shape the nest that Wren built.
In the rhyming style of "The House That Jack Built," this poem about the care and specificity that Carolina wrens put into building a nest is at once tender and true to life. Papa and Mama Wren gather treasures of the forest, from soft moss for a lining to snakeskin for warding off predators. Randi Sonenshine's lilting stanzas, woven with accurate and unexpected details about Carolina wrens, and Anne Hunter's gentle, inviting illustrations reveal the mysterious lives of these birds and impart an appreciation for the wonder of the life cycles around us. Back matter includes a glossary and additional interesting facts about wrens.
This is the bark, snippets of twine,
spidery rootlets, and needles of pine
that shape the nest that Wren built.
In the rhyming style of "The House That Jack Built," this poem about the care and specificity that Carolina wrens put into building a nest is at once tender and true to life. Papa and Mama Wren gather treasures of the forest, from soft moss for a lining to snakeskin for warding off predators. Randi Sonenshine's lilting stanzas, woven with accurate and unexpected details about Carolina wrens, and Anne Hunter's gentle, inviting illustrations reveal the mysterious lives of these birds and impart an appreciation for the wonder of the life cycles around us. Back matter includes a glossary and additional interesting facts about wrens.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 10, 2020
2 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Randi Sonenshine
4 books19 followersRandi Sonenshine is a middle-school literacy coach and writer. The Nest That Wren Built is her first picture book. She lives in northwest Georgia with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 4, 2020
This gorgeous picture book introduces the art and skill of building a wren nest. Told in a folktale style, the book follows a Wren building her nest in a tree. Papa wren brings sticks, then twine, pine needles and small roots are added. A spider sac will help with keeping the mites eaten and a snakeskin wards off predators. Soft moss is gathered from the shade as well as feathers, petals and thread to make a soft bed. In this beautiful nest, eggs are laid and soon hatch, emerge onto branches, and fly away.
Sonenshine’s writing is exquisite. She focuses on the elements of the nest, lingering on beautiful language like “velvety moss” and “a scaly and thin reptilian charm” and “snippets of twine, spidery rootlets, and needles of pine.” This rich language is presented lightly on wren wings as they hurry back and forth creating their work of art and home.
Hunter’s illustrations are done on a rosy warm background that echoes the richness of the language. Done in fine lines and lots of detail, readers can pore over the illustrations to see the twine, needles, feathers and more. Hunter makes sure to take readers in nice and close, allowing them to peep at the eggs safe in the nest
A great readaloud pick, this book is a celebration of birds, nests and nature. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Sonenshine’s writing is exquisite. She focuses on the elements of the nest, lingering on beautiful language like “velvety moss” and “a scaly and thin reptilian charm” and “snippets of twine, spidery rootlets, and needles of pine.” This rich language is presented lightly on wren wings as they hurry back and forth creating their work of art and home.
Hunter’s illustrations are done on a rosy warm background that echoes the richness of the language. Done in fine lines and lots of detail, readers can pore over the illustrations to see the twine, needles, feathers and more. Hunter makes sure to take readers in nice and close, allowing them to peep at the eggs safe in the nest
A great readaloud pick, this book is a celebration of birds, nests and nature. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
May 25, 2020
In this gorgeous poetic nonfiction picture book we confront the familiar rhyming text (in the manner of The House That Jack Built) which concludes each page with “…the nest that Wren built.” This book is an outstanding addition to either the study of birds/Wrens or of life cycles, and will be especially perfect for spring time. The back matter finishes the book with an illustrated glossary followed by a page full of Wren Facts. The soft, detailed illustrations in this book were done in ink and colored pencil on tinted paper.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
March 17, 2020
In a cumulative tale, the author, and here in a picture book, the illustrator, must repeat and repeat. This time, in Randi Sonenshine's spring story, clever and subtle changes in that same rhyme swing us readers through the story wonderfully. Papa Wren begins the construction with "These are the twigs, dried in the sun,/that Papa collected one by one/to cradle the nest that Wren built." I admire Randi's ability to keep that favorite rhyme, yet build the nest part by part, just as wrens out in our own world do. Included are "leaves of ruby and gold"; "moss, softer than suede"; and later, "the hatchlings scratching within". Images feel new and perfect for this life story, filled with anticipation for "what's next?", like "spidery rootlets" and "tuft of rabbity fur" that's "plucked from a sharp, persnickety burr".
Just as Randi adds to her telling, Anne Hunter creates her own cumulative illustrations in ink and pencil on colored papers. Page by page, she lets us see the work as the nest becomes, a NEST, and one that becomes the beautiful dwelling for eggs, and then, those lovely little hatchlings. There is a sweet surprise at the end which readers will adore.
Randi adds the science of wrens in a glossary and "Wren Facts" in the back matter.
Just as Randi adds to her telling, Anne Hunter creates her own cumulative illustrations in ink and pencil on colored papers. Page by page, she lets us see the work as the nest becomes, a NEST, and one that becomes the beautiful dwelling for eggs, and then, those lovely little hatchlings. There is a sweet surprise at the end which readers will adore.
Randi adds the science of wrens in a glossary and "Wren Facts" in the back matter.
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July 21, 2020This beautiful, detailed picture book uses great vocabulary and the rhythmic cadence of The House That Jack Built (but it's not cumulative, so it doesn't get super long and wordy) to show a family of wrens building a nest, laying eggs, and raising chicks. I appreciate the amount of detail that's involved in showing the different types of materials the wrens use for their nest. This is a fabulous nature picture book, great for teaching about birds.
August 31, 2020
I love this beautiful book!!! 💗
December 20, 2020
Gorgeous Illustrations; Informative, Whimsy
Nature lovers and poetry fans alike will be drawn to this lyrical picture book depicting how Carolina wrens build a nest for their young.
This is the bark, snippets of twine,
spidery rootlets, and needles of pine
that shape the nest that Wren built.
In the rhyming style of “The House That Jack Built,” this poem about the care and specificity that Carolina wrens put into building a nest is at once tender and true to life. Papa and Mama Wren gather treasures of the forest, from soft moss for a lining to snakeskin for warding off predators. Randi Sonenshine’s lilting stanzas, woven with accurate and unexpected details about Carolina wrens, and Anne Hunter’s gentle, inviting illustrations reveal the mysterious lives of these birds and impart an appreciation for the wonder of the life cycles around us. Back matter includes a glossary and additional interesting facts about wrens.
Out March 2020
32 Pages
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review
I absolutely adore this book. The information on its pages illustrated beautifully to help the story along is such a collectible piece of literature. I will add this to my collection not just for the illustrations but for the educational value, style of writing and concept.
Simply beautiful.
Nature lovers and poetry fans alike will be drawn to this lyrical picture book depicting how Carolina wrens build a nest for their young.
This is the bark, snippets of twine,
spidery rootlets, and needles of pine
that shape the nest that Wren built.
In the rhyming style of “The House That Jack Built,” this poem about the care and specificity that Carolina wrens put into building a nest is at once tender and true to life. Papa and Mama Wren gather treasures of the forest, from soft moss for a lining to snakeskin for warding off predators. Randi Sonenshine’s lilting stanzas, woven with accurate and unexpected details about Carolina wrens, and Anne Hunter’s gentle, inviting illustrations reveal the mysterious lives of these birds and impart an appreciation for the wonder of the life cycles around us. Back matter includes a glossary and additional interesting facts about wrens.
Out March 2020
32 Pages
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review
I absolutely adore this book. The information on its pages illustrated beautifully to help the story along is such a collectible piece of literature. I will add this to my collection not just for the illustrations but for the educational value, style of writing and concept.
Simply beautiful.
April 24, 2020
A familiar rhyme with an ornithological twist!
A soothing and beautiful book in both words and pictures. The Nest that Wren Built is a lyrical journey of how Carolina Wrens build their nests and nourish their fledglings until they are ready to fly on their own, based on the familiar nursery rhyme, The House that Jack Built. Sonenshine’s poetry is lyrical and evocative and perfectly expresses the care and particulars of wrens building a nest – from the soft moss lining the nest to the snakeskin decoration warding off predators. Hunter’s soft illustrations are gentle and warm, and I especially loved the warmth of the cream-colored background. The back matter is very informative, including a glossary and Wren Facts. I loved learning more about wren’s and how they build their nests. It was a hoot to discover that the male builds several dummy nests to attract a mate, only to have the female dismantle the dummy while scolding the male so they can build their own nest together. Highly recommended for young nature lovers and backyard bird fans.
A soothing and beautiful book in both words and pictures. The Nest that Wren Built is a lyrical journey of how Carolina Wrens build their nests and nourish their fledglings until they are ready to fly on their own, based on the familiar nursery rhyme, The House that Jack Built. Sonenshine’s poetry is lyrical and evocative and perfectly expresses the care and particulars of wrens building a nest – from the soft moss lining the nest to the snakeskin decoration warding off predators. Hunter’s soft illustrations are gentle and warm, and I especially loved the warmth of the cream-colored background. The back matter is very informative, including a glossary and Wren Facts. I loved learning more about wren’s and how they build their nests. It was a hoot to discover that the male builds several dummy nests to attract a mate, only to have the female dismantle the dummy while scolding the male so they can build their own nest together. Highly recommended for young nature lovers and backyard bird fans.
March 11, 2020
Modifying the structure of the familiar rhyme THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT, in a way more akin to Susanna Leonard Hill's THE ROAD THAT TRUCKS BUILT (i.e. not entirely cumulative), Randi Sonenshine merely repeats the line - "the nest that Wren built" - in each rhyming stanza. Fun facts and enchanting phrases ("softer than suede," "persnickety burr," & "scrawny and thin") accompany gorgeous, earth-toned illustrations of wrens building a nest and raising their young. It's a book that will be enjoyed over multiple reads.
March 24, 2020
A gorgeous cumulative text in the style of "The House that Jack Built," this picture book allows us to accompany the mama and papa wrens as they craft their lovely nest. Readers will delight in learning all of the nest "ingredients" and will be fascinated by the lovely illustrations. A must-have for all nature lovers, this book belongs in homes, libraries, and classrooms.
May 17, 2020
This is much more than just another twist on THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT. The nest-making process for wrens is described in lilting, lyrical text, with image-rich words and illustrated with natural and neutral media that encourage careful observation.
March 6, 2020
This gorgeous lyrical story about the industrious and ingenious Carolina wrens will enchant readers of every age. Carolina wrens are extremely resourceful when creating their nests. They go to great lengths and awe-inspiring care to provide a loving home to their young. Hunter’s warm and tender illustrations compliment Sonenshine’s deft and poetic words that dance across the pages in rhyme reminiscent of The House that Jack Built. Themes of kindness, resourcefulness, and love of family are present throughout. The back matter provides additional information about the wrens and their habitats. This beautiful story will leave readers inspired and longing to learn more about the amazing Carolina wrens.
April 20, 2020
Oh, what a treasure, especially for these Spring days! This is a gentle, lyrical story inspired by "The House that Jack Built" that beautifully shares the story of a Wren family. The illustrations are soft and tender and lovingly show these birds in relationship with their environment. We found this to be a creative and engaging way to explore a nonfiction topic. My children especially appreciated the extra facts at the end of the book. Thank you, Ms. Sonenshine.
April 20, 2020
I adore both the lyrical, rhyming text by author Randi Sonenshine and the gorgeous illustrations by Anne Hunter! Perfect together. Really enjoyed the glossary and fun wren facts at the end of this beautiful book. Everyone will delight in THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT!
April 8, 2020
Don't overlook this quiet book in its brown and cream tones! it is truly outstanding and like its small subject, full of surprises and energy.
Sonenshine's poetic text is in the style of The House That Jack Built and it is a real pleasure to read aloud with a pleasing cadence, wonderful word choices and rhymes that flow naturally with nothing forced. The story is of two Carolina Wrens who build a nest and raise a family and I was so impressed with the amount of information that was incorporated into the story. Wrens are a real favorite for me and I learned so much. Who knew they decorate their nests with snake skins to scare away flying squirrels intent on robbing the nest? I have observed female wrens dismantling the nests the male built to attract her but I had NO idea that the male builds sometimes as many as 20 "dummy" nests and that after the female makes her choice, the pair re-build the nest together.
Anne Hunter chose a warm soft palette of colors for her ink and pencil illustrations and they are exquisite. Lovely to look at, the drawings are also full of details that reinforce the text.
Excellent back matter includes an illustrated glossary and a page of additional facts about wrens. A perfect choice for a STEM classroom.
Sonenshine's poetic text is in the style of The House That Jack Built and it is a real pleasure to read aloud with a pleasing cadence, wonderful word choices and rhymes that flow naturally with nothing forced. The story is of two Carolina Wrens who build a nest and raise a family and I was so impressed with the amount of information that was incorporated into the story. Wrens are a real favorite for me and I learned so much. Who knew they decorate their nests with snake skins to scare away flying squirrels intent on robbing the nest? I have observed female wrens dismantling the nests the male built to attract her but I had NO idea that the male builds sometimes as many as 20 "dummy" nests and that after the female makes her choice, the pair re-build the nest together.
Anne Hunter chose a warm soft palette of colors for her ink and pencil illustrations and they are exquisite. Lovely to look at, the drawings are also full of details that reinforce the text.
Excellent back matter includes an illustrated glossary and a page of additional facts about wrens. A perfect choice for a STEM classroom.
March 31, 2020
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsno...
THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT is a lovely journey through the process of building a nest to hatchlings who leave the nest. The book uses poetic language to describe the many steps along the way from twigs to spider egg sacks to snakeskin to tufts of rabbits fur and beyond. The book takes on an educational element in describing the things included in the nest as well as the reasons for their inclusion. The end of the book includes interesting facts to augment the learning experience.
What I loved: The illustrations are elegant, like looking through an old field guide. The text is really lovely and poetic and it easily rolls off the tongue when read aloud. The text-to-picture ratio is ideal without any densely worded pages, and the font is clear and easy to read. The inclusion of factual steps with reasons behind them all the way through to the eggs and hatchlings who live in the nest presents a great learning opportunity with sequential order, facts about birds, and details about nature.
This would be a great book in a classroom setting with plenty of things to learn and beautiful illustrations to admire. There are plenty of activities that could arise such as imagining how children would build their nests, adding to the poem (imagining what would come next), etc. This would be great picture book to spark discussion among young learners.
Final verdict: Educational and lovely, THE NEXT THAT WREN BUILT is a great learning experience through the process of building a nest through to the birds who are born there. Highly recommend in a classroom setting and/or just to explore and learn at home.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT is a lovely journey through the process of building a nest to hatchlings who leave the nest. The book uses poetic language to describe the many steps along the way from twigs to spider egg sacks to snakeskin to tufts of rabbits fur and beyond. The book takes on an educational element in describing the things included in the nest as well as the reasons for their inclusion. The end of the book includes interesting facts to augment the learning experience.
What I loved: The illustrations are elegant, like looking through an old field guide. The text is really lovely and poetic and it easily rolls off the tongue when read aloud. The text-to-picture ratio is ideal without any densely worded pages, and the font is clear and easy to read. The inclusion of factual steps with reasons behind them all the way through to the eggs and hatchlings who live in the nest presents a great learning opportunity with sequential order, facts about birds, and details about nature.
This would be a great book in a classroom setting with plenty of things to learn and beautiful illustrations to admire. There are plenty of activities that could arise such as imagining how children would build their nests, adding to the poem (imagining what would come next), etc. This would be great picture book to spark discussion among young learners.
Final verdict: Educational and lovely, THE NEXT THAT WREN BUILT is a great learning experience through the process of building a nest through to the birds who are born there. Highly recommend in a classroom setting and/or just to explore and learn at home.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
April 6, 2020
This is beautiful storytelling from beginning to end! Each page nests lyrical words and gentle illustrations. The reader can follow the journey of two wrens, Papa and Mama, as they work diligently to gather materials for their nest. I loved learning about the different items these birds use to build their home with, from rabbit fur tufts to snake skin. The “Wren Facts” included at the end of the book are a fun edition. The construction process is so fascinating, kids will enjoy reading this story multiple times. Text and illustrations are masterful together and deliver book music.
January 12, 2021
In the tradition of "The House that Jack Built" we have the nest that Wren built. Wonderful Wren Facts in the back too.
April 8, 2020
Carolina wrens build a nest in a rhyming narrative in the style of "The House That Jack Built."
March 28, 2020
Sonenshine's lyrical, descriptive narrative paired with Hunter's earthy-toned, gorgeous illustrations combine seamlessly to create in readers a newfound appreciation for wrens and their nest-building rituals and skills. From twigs to bark to leaves and moss, it's as if the reader is building the nest step-by-step beside the wrens. As the eggs hatch and the fledglings grow, the themes of home and family resonate across the pages. Don't skip the back matter. It includes an informative glossary as well as interesting and unique facts about wrens and their nesting habits. THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT is a must-have addition to anyone's personal "nest" of favorite picture books.
March 28, 2020
We already know from the title what this book will be about, and as the story unfolds, the wren couple builds their nest piece-by-interesting-piece. This is further supplemented by enlightening back matter. I found it fascinating and children will too. The rhyming cumulative text is stunning and makes this a great read-aloud for younger children who will want parents to read it over and over again. The detailed illustrations suit the subject matter and story perfectly, encouraging children to pore over the pages.
November 25, 2020
The gentle illustrations and poetical writing of this book (in the style of "This Is the House that Jack Built" without the lengthy cumulative wordiness) invite nature lovers to examine the nesting habits of the Carolina wren. Tender details are included in both text and picture. Back matter gives more fascinating information about the habits of Carolina wrens.
March 28, 2020
I adore this book! Gorgeous language and seamless rhythm carries the reader through the story. Learning about the wrens’ nest building practices is made easy and enjoyable with masterful illustrations. I highly recommend this beauty of a book for all nature lovers, teachers, and lovers of language!
March 25, 2020
Deserves every star it’s earned and maybe a few more! This is a stellar example of how non-fiction should engage the reader. Sonenshine’s lyrical prose has a wonderful beat that takes the reader from the first twig to the baby birds leaving The Nest That Wren Built. Absolutely brilliant. Oh, and there’s a little treasure hidden on each page. Can you find it?
March 26, 2020
A beautiful story of how a wren builds a nest - all told in the wonderful way of "This is the house that Jack built." The illustrations are life-like and splendid. It's a fun new take on an old traditional tale.
June 24, 2020
Built off the house that jack built poem, the poems are spot on and the information is good, such rich detailed illustrations.
May 26, 2020
Who knew that reading about Carolina wrens could be such a treat? Randi Sonenshine, that's who. I love everything about this book, the soft illustrations with their muted palette, the absolutely divine lyrical text, even the back matter pulled me in! Fascinating details about the construction of the nest such as the use of snakeskin as a charm for protection, and spider sacs and fur plucked from a persnickety burr, all add to the delight of this reading experience. Can't recommend The Nest That Wren Built highly enough!
March 17, 2020
Details Carolina Wrens building their nest and raising young to the familiar lilting rhyme of "This is the House That Jack Built".
August 20, 2020
Told in the House that Jack Built style. Sonenshine takes readers through the steps to build a wren nest through the babies flying away. The detailed illustrations show readers exactly what the nest and surrounding forest look like.
Informative text at the end of the book.
Informative text at the end of the book.
May 8, 2020
Nature lovers will enjoy this sweet springtime book about Carolina wrens. A mama and papa wren prepare a nest for the newborn hatchlings about to arrive. Papa hunts for food for the newborn once the hatchlings arrive so that they are strong enough to fledge in just 14 days after their birth.
Although this book uses some words that might be unfamiliar to a PRE-K-7 year old: rootling, fledgling, burr, spider sac and more, there is a nice glossary at the end of the book with some fun facts about wrens that I thought was well done. The book is beautifully and intricately detailed. I loved the earth tone illustrations. A perfect spring time choice.
Although this book uses some words that might be unfamiliar to a PRE-K-7 year old: rootling, fledgling, burr, spider sac and more, there is a nice glossary at the end of the book with some fun facts about wrens that I thought was well done. The book is beautifully and intricately detailed. I loved the earth tone illustrations. A perfect spring time choice.
July 24, 2020
This title is the author’s picture book debut title. Written in rhyming text the process of a wren building a nest is well described. This picture book even has a glossary where the meanings of hatchling, nestling, and fledgling are succinctly defined. The best part of the title is the lush illustrations done in subdued shades of green and brown with most of the page backgrounds in a beautiful deep cream color just like the breast of a Carolina wren. This would make a beautiful Caldecott award title. Too bad the Committee members are into social issues instead of art. Times have changed. Someday these social issues will not be pertinent, but Art is enduring.
Lovely title.
Lovely title.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews