FEATHERS FOR LUNCH by Lois Ehlert

As with all of Lois Ehlert's work, this is a bold, exciting, eye catching little work that actually teaches a child something while being extremely entertaining at the same time. This review in on the first edition hard cover of this book; one that if you can find you should purchase as it will last much longer than the soft back and as this is one of those books that will most certainly be given many reads and rereads, that is important.

This work features twelve of the most familiar of North American birds. The Northern Cardinal, Northern Oriole, Red-winged blackbird, Blue Jay, American Robin, Morning Dove, Ruby-throated Humingbird, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow, House Wren, Northern Flicker and Red-headed Woodpecker. The choice of these birds is important as they represent ones that are almost universally recognized and most can be seen on any given day.

Anyway, it would seem the cat got out of the house and is prowling for something "wild" for lunch, seemingly as his canned food is rather tame and mild. Not to fear though, as much as I hate to add a spoiler here, I must tell you that his hunt was quite unsuccessful and as the title would suggest, feathers are all that he was able to procure.

The illustrations in this work are actually quite amazing. The author has used different colored, textured and toned paper in a cutout fashion to create every picture in the books. I was actually quite amazed that she was able to represent each species of bird as accurately as she did. She certainly must have given her copy of Peterson's guide a workout, as she hits each and ever major identification point on each bird she depicts. Both extremely bright colors are perfectly blended with the more somber in a delightful manner. Plant life is given its due here with extremely accurate portrayals. Keep in mind here that all of the illustrations are indeed stylized but they do a surprisingly good job of identifying each and ever living thing addressed...including the cat.

The text is done in bold black print and rhymes. If you look close, you will find that the author has, in each picture, identified plants, flowers and birds with small notations; including a representation of the actually bird call. Each picture of each bird in the actual book is represented life size.

The author has included a wonderful glossary at the end giving much more information on each species of bird covered. This is a great read along book. It gives the reader plenty of elbow room to add additional information as it is read. It is a wonderful way to start a child at a very young age on the road to becoming a birder one day. I can almost promise you that this will be one that you will be asked to read over and over again as it is a sure winner.

I do note that this one has been designated for children between the ages of 2 and 8. This is probably about right but 8 might be pushing it a bit.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks