The author, a collage artist, compares her work to that of a bowerbird in this unique exploration of the creative process. As defined on the half-title page, male bowerbirds attract a female counterpart by building elaborate, twig-and- grass structures “adorned with bright-colored objects such as feathers, bones, shells, glass, and plastic.” Illustrator Roth collects and uses similar objects in her own work, using (beak-shaped) tweezers to carefully place each small piece, although her purpose is not to attract a mate but “to tell a story.” Both artist and bird are thoughtful, deliberate creators whose “finished works are much greater than the sum of their parts.” Additional facts about bowerbirds and the structures they build, along with greater insight into Roth’s collage making, are included in the back of this book that illuminates the creative processes of two otherwise very different creatures. (Ages 4–7)

One makes colorful paper collages; the other, intricate environments out of found objects. And yet Susan L. Roth and the remarkable bowerbird are truly birds of a feather.

Sibert Medalist Susan L. Roth is like a bowerbird, a small black bird found in Australia and New Guinea that builds elaborate structures from various materials they find near their habitats.

Though Susan creates books to attract readers and bowerbirds build bowers to attract a mate, both get their ideas from the world around them and the materials they find. Both love colors. No two of their respective creations are alike. And most importantly, both Susan and the bowerbirds aspire for their finished works to be greater than the sum of their parts.

Complete with engaging backmatter and dazzling artwork crammed full of so much to look at, this visually delightful picture book from award-winning author and artist Susan L. Roth is a fascinating comparison of art we create and art we find in nature.

A Bank Street Best Book of the Year - Outstanding Merit