Mama Built a Little Nest

Starred review from December 23, 2013
Jenkins's (Animals Upside Down) signature paper collages handsomely illustrate this inviting read about bird nest variety. Ward (What Will Hatch?) showcases 14 nest types, from simple scrape nests to intricately woven ones, with rhythmic verses that begin the same way: "Mama built a little nest," although there's some variation on that theme ("Daddy built a little nest"). Realistic vignettes of birds and their nests are set against a white backdrop; spots of vibrant color accent the muted hues of the mostly female nest builders. In one scene, deep ruddy shades adorn a female grebe's majestic profile as she swims near her nest: "Mama built a little nest./ She gathered twigs that float/ and placed them on the water/ to create a cozy boat." Captions alongside the illustrations offer additional information about nesting materials and habits. Families using this as a bedtime book will appreciate the snug ending: "You have a nestâyour very own!/ A place to rest your head/ with pillows soft and cozy thoughtsâ/ your nest is called a bed!" Ages 4â8. Author's agent: Stefanie Von Borstel, Full Circle Literary.

January 15, 2014
Echoing the meter of "Mary Had a Little Lamb," Ward uses catchy original rhymes to describe the variety of nests birds create. Each sweet stanza is complemented by a factual, engaging description of the nesting habits of each bird. Some of the notes are intriguing, such as the fact that the hummingbird uses flexible spider web to construct its cup-shaped nest so the nest will stretch as the chicks grow. An especially endearing nesting behavior is that of the emperor penguin, who, with unbelievable patience, incubates the egg between his tummy and his feet for up to 60 days. The author clearly feels a mission to impart her extensive knowledge of birds and bird behavior to the very young, and she's found an appealing and attractive way to accomplish this. The simple rhymes on the left page of each spread, written from the young bird's perspective, will appeal to younger children, and the notes on the right-hand page of each spread provide more complex factual information that will help parents answer further questions and satisfy the curiosity of older children. Jenkins' accomplished collage illustrations of common bird species--woodpecker, hummingbird, cowbird, emperor penguin, eagle, owl, wren--as well as exotics, such as flamingoes and hornbills, are characteristically naturalistic and accurate in detail. A good bet for the youngest bird-watchers. (author's note, further resources) (Informational picture book. 4-7)

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February 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 3-A practically perfect science picture book. Ward features a different kind of bird's nest on each spread, with a four-line rhyming verse suitable for reading aloud on the left-hand pages, and a few sentences offering more information, at a higher reading level, on the right. Jenkins's colorful cut-paper collages, set against white backgrounds that emphasize their attention to detail, illuminate each of the birds' creations. Readers will find nests ranging from the tree-hole cavities of woodpeckers to the scrape nests of falcons to the astonishing woven nests of weaverbirds, and even some that challenge readers' assumptions about what a nest is, such as the emperor penguin egg's "nest" on top of the father's feet. Equally excellent for classroom or storytime, this harmonious blend of text and illustrations executes a simple concept beautifully, in a manner that allows readers of various ages to approach the book in different ways.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 1, 2014
Grades K-2 *Starred Review* Pairing elaborate cut-paper collage with rhyming couplets, Ward and Jenkins show the beautiful variety of bird nests found around the world. Each jaunty, lilting four-line poem describes a type of nest, such as the tiny spiderweb cup constructed by a hummingbird ( Mama built a little nest, / a cup so wee and snug, / with wall of moss and roof of sky / and silky, cobweb rug ) or a hole dug by a burrowing owl ( Mama build a little nest / by digging out a burrow. / It was a hoot, our little home, / a safe and feathery furrow ). Jenkins' gorgeous, remarkably realistic illustrations fill each spread and show the birds and nests in lively, species-specific detail, from the fuzzy fledgling falcon on a craggy ledge to a pair of emperor penguins on an icy expanse, keeping their egg warm on the father's feet. In addition to the intricate pictures and catchy rhymes, each two-page spread includes a brief description of the type of bird depicted, the materials used in making the nest, and how they are built. Young bird-lovers will adore this cozy, illuminating look into avian habitats.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2014
Each spread of this informative book features rhyming verse and precise collage art to highlight differences in the types of nests that birds build, whether by use of varying materials (e.g., spiderwebs or stones) or by choice of location (in a tree hole or on a rocky cliff edge). Additional facts appear in a smaller font on each spread. Websites.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)