While playing in the countryside, a boy and girl observe several species of birds. Each bird is identified with a single line about a trait they have or action they take, followed by their call. “Mourning doves take their morning stroll. / Coah, cooo, cooo, coooo. / Woodpecker calls from a tree with a hole. / Cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk. / Starling sings from a metal pole. / Whistle-ee-wee-tree.” A chorus interrupts every few pages, asking about the songless nesting robin. “But have you heard the nesting bird? / Not a single tweet or trill. / This nesting bird is so still!” Impressionistic illustrations in muted natural tones portray the birds’ appearances and capture their movements accurately and attractively. The final two pages of Q-and-A titled “A Word with the Bird” offer an engaging way to share scientific information about the actions of nesting robins. (Ages 3–7)

Woodpecker calls from a tree, "cuk-cuk-cuk." Starling sings, "whistle-ee-wee." But have you heard the nesting bird?

In this book, we hear all the different bird calls in counterpoint to the pervasive quiet of a mama bird waiting for her eggs to hatch. Fun and informative back matter takes the shape of an interview so that readers learn more right from the bird's bill. Ken Pak's lively illustrations, paired with Rita Gray's words, render a visual and sonorous picture book to be enjoyed by young naturalists.