Colorful Peacocks

This children's book has beautiful photos of peacocks. It would be great for use in Early Childhood Education classrooms.

This book was much smaller than I expected, but it was perfect for my third grader's biome project. It is full of good information, and the full-color pictures are beautiful.

At over $22 for 31 undersized pages of text and pictures (plus one page that includes an index of 7 words, and photo acknowledgments), the library binding version simply costs too much. If budget is not an issue, then go ahead and spring for this, otherwise consider the paperback. If you're getting a book on peacocks, the illustrations had better capture the incredible design and colors of the plumage. The photos here are a mixed bag: Some feature vivid color and a truly artistic sensitibility, while a few from poor lighting and focus problems. For example, there's a beautifully balanced, vivid photo of the "eyepost" of the peacock's train feathers, and a stunning close-up of the back of the peacock's fan. This latter photo recalls Amsel Adams in its tones of black and white (the feather structure), webbed with light green plumage. Overall, however, the photos are appealing and illuminate the accompnaying text. The book is written in simple, realtively short declarative sentences. Ms. Underwood emphasisuzes the mother-baby relationship--a natural for the target reeading group, There are also plenty of surprising facts: A female "peacock" is really called a "peahen," pea heans are not as colorful as peacocks, but can fly faster, they "roost" in the braches of trees at night (answering the inevitable "but where do bitds sleep?"), and their varied diet of grains, seeds, fruits, flowers, insects, and small reptiles! Two beautiful color drawings conclude the book: A map showing peacocks' Asiatic home (ranging from Pakistan in the West to Southeast Asis in the East), and an appropriately detailed picture illustrating the parts of a peacock's body. The short book would be excellent for group reading, and young readers (but not absolute beginners) can try reading it on their own. With a mix of colorful pictures and interesting, fact-filled text, the book has a little something for everyone.

"Colorful Peacocks" is a great introduction to a fascinating bird. Underwood covers basic peacock biology, and the easy to understand text is accompanied by stunning photos of these spectacular birds. Highly recommended!

My 4-year-old daughter LOVES peacocks and this book was perfect for teaching her all about her favorite bird. Great pictures, easy text, informative. Recommended!