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20th out of 20 books
—
21 voters
Thunder Birds: Nature's Flying Predators
by
Jim Arnosky
Acclaimed naturalist and illustrator Jim Arnosky helps birds and imaginations take glorious flight in this breathtaking nonfiction picture book with six giant gatefolds.
Arnosky will draw out kids' inner explorer as he explains why there are no feathers on a vulture's head, which bird is the deep-diving champ, what makes an owls's wings perfectly silent in flight, and much...more
Arnosky will draw out kids' inner explorer as he explains why there are no feathers on a vulture's head, which bird is the deep-diving champ, what makes an owls's wings perfectly silent in flight, and much...more
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
April 5th 2011
by Sterling
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Ack! Gorgeous pictures, lovely text, plenty of information for data hounds. But the mix of all the different scales is just *wrong.* The fold-out osprey is not life-size, and we're not told just what proportion it is. Some illustrations are labeled 'half-size' - but most that aren't life size heads or feet aren't labeled. I mean, yes they are labeled in numbers, ie 25 inches or whatever, but not in anything that most of us can grasp. And the differently scaled illustrations are juxtaposed on the...more
This book was really neat because the author is also the illustrator. He mentions his own experiences with birds of prey, which this book is primarily about, and goes into detail how he tried to paint the pictures to be as life like as possible in order for the reader to see the birds through the authors eyes. Some of the illustrations are also life size fold out pages detailing the head size and wing span of certain birds. Nature lovers grades k-3 would love this book due to the authors mention...more
http://nancycastaldonaturespeak.blogs...
Jim Arnosky is a pro at wildlife illustration and this book is no disappointment. In Thunder Birds, Arnosky has chosen to highlight the biggest and strongest of birds. He mixes his wonderful personal narrative with fold-out life size illustrations that will thoroughly engage readers, both young and old. This book will definitely inspire readers to grab a pair of binoculars and search out their own "thunder birds".
Jim Arnosky is a pro at wildlife illustration and this book is no disappointment. In Thunder Birds, Arnosky has chosen to highlight the biggest and strongest of birds. He mixes his wonderful personal narrative with fold-out life size illustrations that will thoroughly engage readers, both young and old. This book will definitely inspire readers to grab a pair of binoculars and search out their own "thunder birds".
This book was amazing. Focusing on birds of prey, Arnosky painted life-sized parts of birds (all of them were too big to fit on a two- or even three-page spread) that are detailed and life-like. Some pages open out into three or four panels. For example, the osprey's wing covers two pages and part of a third. The picture that amazed me the most was the head of the great gray owl--I didn't know they were that big! I can see now how they might swoop down and kill small cats, which gives me the chi...more
http://nonfictiondetectives.blogspot....
The Nonfiction Detectives' Review:
Excuse the pun, but nonfiction bird books fly off the shelves at my library. Many of my patrons are fascinated by bird facts and pictures. (I have to admit that I'm a sucker for a good bird book, too.) So, I was eager to pick up a copy Jim Arnosky's latest nonfiction picture book about birds of prey.
Thunder Birds is titled after the Native American eagle spirit, and it's evident from the introduction that Jim Arnosky has g...more
The Nonfiction Detectives' Review:
Excuse the pun, but nonfiction bird books fly off the shelves at my library. Many of my patrons are fascinated by bird facts and pictures. (I have to admit that I'm a sucker for a good bird book, too.) So, I was eager to pick up a copy Jim Arnosky's latest nonfiction picture book about birds of prey.
Thunder Birds is titled after the Native American eagle spirit, and it's evident from the introduction that Jim Arnosky has g...more
Actually 3.5 stars. The illustrations are amazing.
Story: a nonfiction pictorial on nature's flying predators with several fold-outs as well as life-size illustrations. An author's note as well as additional resources/reference are listed at the end.
Writing/Illustrations: This is another good one from Jim Arnosky. Lots of interesting facts as well as personal narrative. The four life-size paintings are done in acrylic paint and white chalk pencil. The life-size illustrations are not necessarily t...more
Story: a nonfiction pictorial on nature's flying predators with several fold-outs as well as life-size illustrations. An author's note as well as additional resources/reference are listed at the end.
Writing/Illustrations: This is another good one from Jim Arnosky. Lots of interesting facts as well as personal narrative. The four life-size paintings are done in acrylic paint and white chalk pencil. The life-size illustrations are not necessarily t...more
Apr 11, 2013
Terry
added it
Little Kid Reaction: It was almost impossible to get her to "read" the book because she was so enthralled by the illustrations.
Big Kid Reaction: This is an amazing book. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the layout is wonderful. The fold-out pages really give you the feeling that you are up close and personal with these birds. I liked the list of places to go to see the birds, too.
Pros: Incredible illustrations will grab readers of all ages. The facts about birds and bird species are told in s...more
Big Kid Reaction: This is an amazing book. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the layout is wonderful. The fold-out pages really give you the feeling that you are up close and personal with these birds. I liked the list of places to go to see the birds, too.
Pros: Incredible illustrations will grab readers of all ages. The facts about birds and bird species are told in s...more
What a great book! The pictures are amazing. The facts are presented in a kid-friendly format and reading level. Kids will love the layout and the fold out pages that bring the birds to life. Readers will walk away with an appreciation for these birds as well as a little more knowledge about the majestic predators.
Jim Arnosky is noted for his lovely paintings of wildlife, incorporated into picture books. However, this non-fiction book would do better for kids if it had photographs, not paintings. Kids today grow up with television and video and photographs would mean more to them.
Audience: 1st grade and up
Appeal: Students and teachers. Beautifully illustrated book book about nature's flying predators is geared for the nature loving, inquisitive child.
Awards: NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children-Recommended Books
Appeal: Students and teachers. Beautifully illustrated book book about nature's flying predators is geared for the nature loving, inquisitive child.
Awards: NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children-Recommended Books
A perfect book for bird-watchers. I'm sure students will love comparing their arm-length to the wingspan of the osprey. The illustrations are incredible and the text is very personal, related to Mr. Arnosky's experience.
I have a thing for birds of prey so I really enjoyed this book. The paintings were gorgeous, so carefully detailed. I appreciated Arnosky's stories and the information shared. A great non-fiction read!
Wow! So rich with detail. I see a station inquiry based activity with this book. I see butcher paper with the birds dimensions on it so the kids can see the true size of these birds. Amazing!
Bookaday #28. Most illustrations are labeled if they are life size or not. Interesting information abounds in this book, I learned quite a few things about birds of prey.
Bluebonnet Nominee, the pictures are really pretty amazing. I've tried to encourage my kids to read this and not just look at the pictures.
Very informative book with wonderful life size paintings and drawings. Great book for beginning bird watchers.
I can't rate or review this book yet as I am a judge for the final round of Cybils in NFPB category.
You can read my lesson idea here: http://redreadingchair.blogspot.com/2...
The pinacle of all that is good and wonderful about birds and this author! Amazing!!!
Life-size, realistic paintings make this a fascinating look at various predator birds.
Stunning introduction to brids of prey with several spectacular fold-out pages.
Notes:
gorgeous and fascinating pictures
fold-outs for life size look
gorgeous and fascinating pictures
fold-outs for life size look
About birds of prey. My favorite was the great white pelican
spectacular illustrations and interesting text
Notable Children's Books, 2012 ALA
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Beautiful illustrations.
Love this book!
ALSC Notable 2012
Awesome
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Jim Arnosky was born in New York City, NY Sept 1, 1946. He was raised in Pennsylvania. Jim graduated from high school in Philadelphia and joined the US Naval Reserves. His active duty took him to Maryland and Bremerhaven, Germany.
In 1976 Jim and his wife Deanna moved to Vermont with their two daughters where they have lived in an old farmhouse for the past 28 years. 17 of those years were spent ra...more
More about Jim Arnosky...
In 1976 Jim and his wife Deanna moved to Vermont with their two daughters where they have lived in an old farmhouse for the past 28 years. 17 of those years were spent ra...more
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