A complete introduction to birds and their natural world presents blueprints and instructions for making bird shelters, feeders, and baths depending on the type of bird you are trying to attract. Original. 15,000 first printing. Gr 2-6-The beauty of this book lies in its simplicity and practicality. Readers will learn the fundamentals of attracting and feeding a wide range of birds and, with some adult help, will be able to create shelters for them. The volume begins with an explanation of on-going aviary census programs that children can participate in, followed by a question-and-answer section on how handouts might affect these creatures. The lively text covers types of foods birds like, how to prepare them, and some ingenious ways of delivering them. The book also gives directions for making a number of simple and more elaborate or permanent feeders. All require readily available materials and have clear directions, supported by line drawings. The section on shelters begins with suggestions for supplying birds with materials for nesting. A full-size pattern is included for the peaked nesting box. A handy chart of home preferences notes the required size of the entrance hole, distance from the ground, and location of the box for each bird listed. The final section shows how to supply feathered friends with drinking and bathing water. This succinct and well-organized book is an exciting introduction to the life requirements and habits of birds. For more extensive information on the topic, Rene and Christyna M. Laubach's The Backyard Birdhouse Book (Storey Books, 1999) would be a good choice. Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Gr. 3-6. From the Quick Starts for Kids series comes a practical guide to providing food, water, and outdoor shelter for wild birds. Among other information and tips, Haus includes recipes for hummingbird nectar, suet/seed cubes, and bird bells; directions for several types of houses; and a chart listing common North American birds, where they live, what they eat, and which types of feeders they prefer. Clearly delineated ink drawings, shaded with gray tones, appear on every page. Most children approach books on this topic with cheerful optimism that many birds will soon flock to their yards. Given the lucid presentation of precise information and sound advice in this volume, their hopes might be gratified. Carolyn Phelan Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Used Book in Good Condition