Feathers for Lunch [Paperback]

Lois Ehlert (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

An escaped house cat encounters twelve common birds in the backyard but captures only feathers for lunch. Includes bird guide. “Destined to become an uncontested favorite with many children and adults.”--The Horn Book

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Ehlert ( Fish Eyes ; Color Zoo ) brings her fresh, distinctive eye for color and design to the world of birds. Twelve of the most familiar appear--pursued but never truly threatened by a bell-wearing cat--in this collection of stunning cutout compositions, accompanied by simple, sprightly verse. "But cats / can't fly / and they / can't soar; / and birds / know what / their wings are for." Lifesize and sporting plumage that, whether brilliant or muted, manages to suggest a feather's almost infinitely variegated hues, these are birds that truly soar. A succinct but informative glossary concludes this imaginative armchair excursion, which is at once an inspiring introduction to bird-watching and a pure visual treat. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- This unusual book is both a story and a beginning nature guide. A pet cat wants to vary his diet with wild birds, but each attempt gains him only feathers. Twelve different bird species are carefully illustrated with scientific accuracy and can be used to teach identification; the final four pages offer additional facts. On each page, the bird's typical call is printed and plants pictured are named. The rhyming story appears in large, bold typeface, but the rhythm is somewhat awkward and the word choices forced. Against the white background, cut-outs of painted paper create vivid shapes that are not realistic and yet manage to include all the field identification marks. Small children will appreciate the apparent simplicity of the pictures while older readers will be more aware of their subtleties. --Carolyn Caywood, Virginia Beach Public Library
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 36 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper; First Edition edition (March 29, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152009868
• ISBN-13: 978-0152009861
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 7.1 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,274 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #100 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Birds > Fiction

More About the Author

LOIS EHLERT has created many picture books, including Leaf Man, Pie in the Sky, In My World, Growing Vegetable Soup, Planting a Rainbow, and the bestselling Waiting for Wings. She lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A practically perfect childrens book!, June 23, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Feathers for Lunch (Hardcover)

Bright, bold, uncluttered illustrations and a jaunty rhyme make this a perfect book for children ages 1-4. Toddlers and older can also learn to recognize some common North American birds. -One of our daughters' favorites.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for young children, March 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Feathers for Lunch (Paperback)

This wonderful book was the first favorite book of both my children; now the 5-year-old chants along from memory when the 18-month-old demands her daily reading(s). My only complaint about Feathers for Lunch is that it isn't available in a board book form--ours is held together with tape!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful little charmer, December 29, 2005

By 

C. Wallis Davenport "joyous2" (New York State) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Feathers for Lunch (Paperback)

Another favorite of my 3 1/2 year-old daughter, along with "Top Cat" by the same author. Hmmm...is it possible that Top Cat or his little brother is the cat in "Feathers for Lunch"?

That aside, the pictures in this wonderful book allow a child a good first look at several North American birds, and the text introduces your child to their birdsong. All the birds are "drawn" (I believe they are actually designed by paper cut), to actual life-size.