Baby Bird [Paperback]

Joyce Dunbar (Author)

Book Description

Baby Bird has only one thing on his mind: he wants to fly into the sky. And nothing is going to stop him.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Ayto's (Mrs. Potter's Pig) comic verve sets this book apart from other entries in the baby-bird-learns-to fly genre. The hero, rendered in watercolor and ink, is an adorably goofy-looking fellow, with big anxious eyes, even bigger feet and a bright orange beak, who expresses an emotion somewhere between abject fear and grim determination. Ayto lays out the story in a series of rectangular panels that provide a visual pacing to match the step-by-step cadence of Dunbar's (Oops-a-Daisy!) pithy, expertly pared rhyming text: "This is the bird that climbed out of the nest and... flop flop flop... he fell." After being sniffed by a squirrel, buzzed by a bee and leapt over by a frog, the put-upon baby bird encounters a stalking cat and a yawning, large-mouthed dog (in these latter moments of high drama, Ayto breaks into double-page spreads). Shaken but unscathed, the baby bird gives flying "just one more try." His wobbly flight takes him over the heads of all the other animals and back to his nest--a well-earned triumph likely to elicit shouts of glee from all who read along. Ages 2-5.

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreS--When a little blue bird takes a clumsy first step out of his nest, he lands abruptly on the forest floor. Before the startled fledgling can recover, a curious squirrel comes along, scaring them both into retreat. Off stumbles the bird, meeting a string of creatures along the way--a buzzing bee, a frolicsome frog, a stalking Cheshire-like cat, and a snoozing dog. Surviving each hazardous encounter, the youngster scales the dog, reaches the roof of its house, and finally tries his wings, making his precarious first flight over the heads of the animals. Repetition and a familiar rhythm make this a satisfying read-aloud for very young children ("This is the dog that opened wide and a bird that nearly walked inside"). Each line, set in large type, is positioned beneath panels of loosely rendered ink-and-watercolor illustrations, set against a pale speckled background. Muted and sometimes murky blues and greens set off brighter cartoon animals with exaggerated expressions. Wispy lines and crosshatching add texture, and Ayto's familiar contour line effectively mimics the bird's movement and shaky flight. A good choice for those looking to supplement their storytime collections.

Paula A. Kiely, Milwaukee Public Library, WI

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 25 pages
• Publisher: Walker Childrens Paperbacks (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844284646
• ISBN-13: 978-1844284641
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #191,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Humorous, whimsical illustrations of a blue bird chick..., April 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Baby Bird (Hardcover)

And the story is good, too! Repetition and rhyme make this a good book to read aloud to young children. The illustrations are bright and eye-catching: the baby bird's expression makes the book! Good addition to your child's library.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars delightful, May 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Baby Bird (Hardcover)

I read this story to my son and his pre-school class. They loved it. The cadence was lyrical and the ending was uplifting...

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book for toddlers!, May 21, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Baby Bird (Hardcover)

This book is great! The illustrations are vibrant and can tell the story themselves. A simple story that tells of an adventure of the baby bird learning to fly. Wonderful book!