The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon
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Book Overview
This fascinating picture book biography from beloved author of the Lemonade War series Jacqueline Davies and Caldecott honor-winning illustrator Melissa Sweet chronicles the life of scientist John James Audubon, who pioneered a technique essential to our understanding of birds thanks to his lifelong love for the species. If there was one thing James loved to do more than anything else, it was to be in the great outdoors watching his beloved feathered friends. In the fall of 1804, he was determined to find out if the birds nesting near his Pennsylvania home would really return the following spring. Through careful observation, James laid the foundation for all that we know about migration patterns today. Capturing the early passion of this bird-obsessed young man as well as the meticulous study and scientific methods behind his research, this lively, gorgeously illustrated biography will leave young readers listening intently for the call of birds large and small near their own home.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0618243437
ISBN13:9780618243433
Release Date:September 2004
Publisher:Clarion Books
Length:32 Pages
Weight:0.82 lbs.
Dimensions:0.4" x 8.2" x 10.3"
Age Range:4 to 7 years
Grade Range:Preschool to Grade 2
Customer Reviews
6 ratings
Great book in wonderful condition! I will enjoy incorporating it in my Geography lesson!
Published by Mrs.Hook , 5 years ago
This book is simply written, great for one perspective of a biography. It is well written and gives a decent taste of John Audubon.
Breathtaking!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
My 5 children,ranging in age from 3-11 years,were absolutely captivated by this book. The author tells the story of a young John James Audubon and the illustrator brings the story alive thru rich mediums. This book is a perfect stepping stone to a variety of unit studies.
A survey of his pioneering observational techniques
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
John James Audubon loved nature and the outdoors as a child, and was determined to study birds in the wild rather than from books even as early as 1804. Jacqueline Davies' lively story of his youth and pioneering attitude will reach grades 3-6 with an excellent survey of his pioneering observational techniques. Drawings by Melissa Sweet provide lovely accompaniment to the story of the naturalist's early years.
Bird Lovers Take Note!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
I loved reading this beautiful book with my nieces and nephew. There's so much to look at in the illustrations, and the writing flows naturally like the countryside Audubon explored. Children will be inspired to conduct their own investigations in the outside world after reading this. Each time you read this book, you find new things to look at and words to enjoy.
An Exquisite Marriage of Art and Text
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
Like a bird's song, the lyrical text by Jacqueline Davies is both simple and rich with undertones--the repetition of pattern, the careful selection of noun and verb, the staccato rhythm interspersed with longer musical lines. Paired with the exquisite collage art of Melissa Sweet, it is a perfect marriage. Children will love to pour over the tiny details in the illustrations. Teachers will revel in the biographical details of the text. All readers will come away with a feeling of enormous admiration for John James Audubon, whose passion gave the world so much knowledge and beauty.
Spectacular!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
The Boy Who Drew Birds is one of those rare picture books that appeals to all ages. Young collectors will marvel when reading that Audubon's "Every shelf, every tabletop, every spare inch of floor, was covered with nests and eggs and tree branches and pebbles and lichen and feathers and stuffed birds . . ." Young artists may be shocked to discover that each year, on his birthday, John James removed the drawings on his wall that he had completed in the past 12 months, and burned them in the fireplace. All will be inspired by Audubon's inquisitiveness, his exploration of bird habits, and his ability to follow his passions (not to mention Melissa Sweet's amazing art). A beautifully written, gorgeous book!
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