From the series Animal Diaries: Life Cycles
A Bird’s Life
Reading Level Grade 2Interest Level Grades PreK – 3Copyright 2013
Reviewed
From the series Animal Diaries: Life Cycles
Reading Level Grade 2Interest Level Grades PreK – 3Copyright 2013
ReviewedA child watches a female cardinal building a nest in his backyard and decides to record what happens to the cardinal family in her diary. Readers will follow along as the young narrator observes the birds’ behavior up close, including the mother bird brooding her eggs, the chicks peeking from the nest for the first time, and the parent birds feeding and fledging their young. All the details of the birds’ lives are explored up to the time when the juvenile birds are ready to leave home. Large photos, diagrams, and clear, age-appropriate text will engage young readers as they explore the life cycle, natural habitat, physical characteristics, diet, and behavior of these colorful birds. The diary format models scientific observation and critical thinking—and encourages children to keep notebooks recording their own investigations into the natural world. A Bird’s Lifeis part of Bearport’s Animal Diaries: Life Cycles series.
Through the eyes of a child who shares observations of animal life in ongoing journal entries, Lawrence keeps readers thoroughly engaged as they process a generous amount of information pertaining to the natural world. Colorful photos with clearly labeled focal points, interactive dialogue, and fascinating facts neatly captioned are also part of the effective methodology used to acquaint students with every aspect of scientific inquiry. Each installment includes an activity that can be documented using vocabulary from an illustrated glossary found on the next page. Memorable photos and a thoughtful narrative are perfectly organized to maximize comprehension in these outstanding titles.
School Library Journal
