The Best Nest

Doris L. Mueller (Author), (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–4—An old English folktale (unsourced) creates a foundation for a new version of how or why each bird builds its nest differently. "Long ago, when the world was young, only the magpie knew how to build a nest." The other birds leave their eggs in unsafe places, and so they ask the magpie to teach them how to keep their babies safe. Each one then departs to build the nest that suits its needs, and the book ends with the intricate and sturdy nest home of the oriole. The author provides support for additional activities, information about each bird, "bird math" (problems based upon the number of broods and eggs for each species), bird care, and a "match the nest" activity. Illustrations show each bird in mixed media with watercolor and pen and ink details. Side panels give readers close-up views of each egg while the bird community—11 species from robin to whip-poor-will—exhibit their personalities and reveal their interest in building as they race across page frames to finish their nests. Additional activities and information on the birds featured make this book a good choice for children with high interest in the topic.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"An enticing first sentence, 'Long ago, when the world was young, only the magpie knew how to built a nest,' pulls readers and listeners into this tale of why birds build the kind of nest they do. Without being didactic, the lesson rings clear that it is important to listen to all of what is being taught. The illustrator's soft, realistic pictures mesh well with the text to make a winning product." --Children's Literature Comprehensive Database

"I always wonder how Sylvan Dell will surpass their last published titles. And then I look at and read the current crop and realize that they have wonderful authors, the most talented illustrators and subject matter that is both fun and informative. The end result is hard to beat. [The Best Nest] is a wonderful book for children but should also be in every school library also." --Armchair Interviews

"This is a clever story. It will remind you of reading a fable or folktale, but it is full of specific detail about how various species of birds build their nest. This picture book offers information about birds wrapped in a fictional tale. The illustrations are finely detailed, and there is a matching game at the end that offers additional information to expand the learning." --The Reading Tub

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (March 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934359254
• ISBN-13: 978-1934359259
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,952,224 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quality you count on from Sylvan Dell, February 29, 2008

By	armchairinterviews.com (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Best Nest (Hardcover)

I always wonder how Sylvan Dell will surpass their last published titles. And then I look at and read the current crop and realize that they have wonderful authors, the most talented illustrators and subject matter that is both fun and informative. The end result is hard to beat.

There was a time, oh so long ago, that magpies built the best nests ever and were the envy of all the other birds. Maggie Magpie believed in helping other birds so she took the time to patiently teach the other birds how to build a strong, comfortable and safe nest.

The other birds (most of them) were not as patient as Maggie and listened to a few tips and then flew off without hearing all of the directions. Maggie gave up helping and let the birds fly off and build their nests the way they wanted to. The result? All nests are different sizes and shapes. Oh, there was one bird who listened carefully to Maggie's directions. Read the story and find out who that was.

The illustrations are stunning and both children and adults will be drawn to them.

Sylvan Dell books always have a fun and educational component to their books. The For Creative Minds section includes fun facts about birds, bird math, and an activity section.

Armchair Interviews says: This is a wonderful book for children, but should also be in every school library also.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully enhanced with the full color art work, May 8, 2008

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Both as pets and in the wild, children are attracted to birds. Engagingly written by Doris L. Mueller and beautifully enhanced with the full color art work of Sherry Neidigh, "The Best Nest" is the retelling of an old English folktale about how long ago magpies built nests that were the envy of all the other birds. To help those other birds, Maggie Magpie patiently explained how to build a nest. But some birds were impatient and flew off without listening to all the directions. that is why today birds' nests come in all different shapes and sizes! Of special note is the addition to this highly recommended picturebook for children a very special educational section, 'For Creative Minds', that provides children with fun facts about birds, 'bird math', bird injuries, and a 'Match the Nest' activity with nest information for Magpies, Killdeer, Robins, Screech-Owls, Starlings, Brewer's Blackbird; the Common Grackle, Meadowlarks, Whip-poor-wills, Mourning Doves, and the Northern Oriole.

5.0 out of 5 stars How Magpie Teaches Birds to Build Their Nests, June 19, 2008

By	J. Nasse "book lover/educator" (New Mexico, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Maggie Magpie is an excellent nest builder, so all the other birds want to learn from her in order to protect their own eggs better. However, do they learn, and if so how much? Not only does the young child learn how each of the eleven birds build their nests, but they also become budding bird watchers as each bird and its habitat are illustrated in loving detail by illustrator Sherry Neidigh.

It is obvious that author Doris L. Mueller has put great thought into the building of her story, and young readers will eagerly follow along with Maggie as she takes time to teach her sometimes-impatient bird pupils. You can imitate the dove's sounds, and perhaps your teacher or parents can help you find recordings of the other bird songs as part of a classroom or home activity. Other information, facts, and a "Match the Nest Activity" are included. This is a fun and engaging book for ages 3 - 8.