Baby Bird's First Nest [Hardcover]

Frank Asch (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

In the middle of the night, Baby Bird rolls over and falls out of her warm, cozy nest. Sleeping Mama Bird is too far away to hear her baby’s cries for help. And poor Baby Bird’s wings are not yet strong enough to fly. What is she to do? Then Baby Bird meets Little Frog. And with a bit of help from her new friend, Baby Bird discovers she can do more than she ever imagined.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In Asch's (the Baby Bear books) latest picture book, Baby Bird falls out of her mother's nest one night and manages to return with the help of new friend Little Frog. The nest of the title refers to a new one that the two pals build together; it is almost immediately abandoned, but it helps Baby Bird get her first taste of independence. It also sets the stage for her later escape from a raccoon, as she hops to a tree branch, just out of the raccoon's reach. From there, Little Frog coaches her, by example, to make her way to her mother's nest ("Take it one hop at a time," he says). Asch's illustrations, done in pen and ink and then computer-colored, are skillfully done and infused with moonlight; they resemble intricate sun-catchers. The frog is a charmer, with expressive gestures and a bubble-gum-pink tongue; and a menacing close-up of the raccoon gives way to a pleasing image of Baby Bird hovering safely above the villain. A slim but reassuring tale for toddlers just beginning to strike out on their own. Ages 2-5. (May)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2A satisfying read-aloud with just enough adventure, wit, and common sense to engage listeners and vocabulary easy enough for beginning readers. When Baby Bird falls out of her nest, Little Frog leaps to the rescue. The bird rejects his offer of a moonlit swim but accepts his help building a place to sleep for the night. The two complete a handsome nest just as a hungry raccoon arrives, sending frog to water and bird onto a tree branch. Though too young to fly, the fledgling discovers that she can hop rather well when sufficiently motivated. When the danger passes, Little Frog shows her how to utilize her newfound skill to get back to her mamas nest. Friendship, industry, and courage are the themes woven throughout. Aschs trademark pen-and-ink drawings have been colorized in Adobe Photoshop. The technique is very effective with deep, rich color fading to lighter shades when the moonlight glows or a firefly flutters. Another gem for Aschs many fans to treasure and a treat for the uninitiated.Jody McCoy, The Bush School, Seattle, WA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1st edition (April 5, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152017267
• ISBN-13: 978-0152017262
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,471,151 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Smart and touching., April 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Baby Bird's First Nest (Hardcover)

This book is one of my three year old's favorites. The pictures are bright, clear, and colorful. Baby Bird has fallen out of her nest, and wants to go back to her mama, but she is sound asleep and cannot rescue her. Little Frog helps Baby Bird build a nest so she can have a place to sleep for the night. From there adventure follows... The book is a sweet story about friendship and helping one another. I also thought the vocabulary was somewhat complex, but in a very accessable way, that is not over children's heads. In addition, the dialogue is just plain sweet: "Your mama's nice", said Little Frog. However, the funniest picture I have ever seen is of Baby Bird in her nest just as Little Frog is leaping out because he senses danger. Baby Bird is sitting back with her wings resting on the sides as if on the beach relaxing in a lawn chair.