Birds [Hardcover]

Philippe J. Dubois (Author), Valerie Guidoux (Author), Gilles Martin (Photographer), Gilles Martin (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: 3 and up

An exciting new addition to Abrams' award-winning collection of nature books for children

Birds is the right choice for the young bird-watcher, or any kids interested in learning more about the world around them. From fascinating facts (how ostriches descended from dinosaurs) to differing nesting practices and comparisons of beaks and songs, this informative book features a wide range of feathered friends, from owls to toucans. Stunning photography brings the birds to life, while the text includes an important message of wildlife conservation and protection. AUTHOR BIO: Philippe J. Dubois has a Ph.D. in biology and writes for scientific publications. Valérie Guidoux has written numerous books on nature for children. Gilles Martin has been a photographer for more than twenty years. His remarkable images have appeared in such publications as GEO, Paris Match, Life, and National Geographic. He also shares his expertise by organizing training courses and publishing books on the technique and practice of nature photography and macrophotography.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8–With its oversize format and high-quality, full-color photographs and drawings, this introduction to birds is sure to attract readers. However, those looking to do reports will need to seek out additional sources as the two to three paragraphs of text on each spread give only the basics of bird biology. Yet, the vocabulary is quite technical and sophisticated. Topics covered range from adaptation and the mechanics of flying to courtship and migration, providing a good outline for further research for students and facts that may spark further interest in casual readers. Consider purchasing where nature coffee-table books are in demand.–Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-8. Copublished with a coffee-table version for adults, this oversize album centers on Martin's knockout color photographs, enhanced by smaller watercolor sketches and illuminating commentary contributed by Philippe Dubois and Valerie Guidoux. With a few exceptions, such as a gallery of beaks, each topical spread features one or two huge, bright shots, most of which are close-ups. Martin not only captures such rare moments as egg laying in the wild and a face-off between a jackal and a nesting crane but also shows a gift for making even the most inconspicuous of birds as visually arresting as their more spectacular tropical cousins. Although plainly aimed at more-capable middle readers ("There are many species that, like gulls and starlings, typically tend to scatter at daybreak but congregate at night"), the text presents basic information in ways directly related to the accompanying illustrations. Researchers will be disappointed by the lack of an index and resource list, but on topics as diverse as social behavior, feathers, extinction, bird-dinosaur connections, and even the techniques of nature photography, the pictures are worth thousands of words. John Peters
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 72 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (June 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810958783
• ISBN-13: 978-0810958784
• Product Dimensions: 12.7 x 10.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,913,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended children's nonfiction book, August 22, 2011

By 

DJ Joe Sixpack (...in Middle America) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Birds (Hardcover)

------------------------------------------------------------
"Gilles Martin: Birds"
Photographs by Gilles Martin
Text by Valerie Guidoux & Philippe J. Dubois
Illustrations by Jean Chevallier
(Abrams Books, 2005)
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This is an absolutely gorgeous oversize nonfiction book for younger readers. One stunning, well-crafted photograph after another accompanied by succinct, informative text and beautiful layout. A classy, highly educational and aesthetically rich presentation. Highly recommended! (Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain children's book reviews)

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book, July 24, 2011

By 

Feroz Shaik (Irvine, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Birds (Hardcover)

I ordered this for my 9 year old. But i liked it so much, i spent a lot of time with this book. The pictures and the drawings are very good.