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Atlas of Amazing Birds
Matt Sewell has made his personal selection of the most amazing birds from around the world and illustrated them in his dazzling style, accompanied by witty and informative descriptions and maps of every continent.
Did you know that the bald eagle holds the record for the world's biggest nest - weighing more than two tons? When the elf owl gets into trouble, it plays dead rather than fighting? The Adelie penguin can hold its breath for six minutes and leap up to three metres out of the water? Discover these and many more fascinating facts in this fabulous book.
Every bird chosen to appear in this book is amazing in its own individual way – birds that migrate thousands of miles, have strange and showy mating rituals, survive in extreme environments, are brilliant builders, are super-fast, super-brave or super-big!
Sections on each continent – Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia, North America, South America and Antarctica – include maps to pore over.
Travel the world to see magnificent eagles, resilient penguins, tiny hummingbirds, towering ostriches, stunning peacocks and many more. Colourful, clever, song-filled, strange and stunning – this book is a celebration of bird life!
Did you know that the bald eagle holds the record for the world's biggest nest - weighing more than two tons? When the elf owl gets into trouble, it plays dead rather than fighting? The Adelie penguin can hold its breath for six minutes and leap up to three metres out of the water? Discover these and many more fascinating facts in this fabulous book.
Every bird chosen to appear in this book is amazing in its own individual way – birds that migrate thousands of miles, have strange and showy mating rituals, survive in extreme environments, are brilliant builders, are super-fast, super-brave or super-big!
Sections on each continent – Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia, North America, South America and Antarctica – include maps to pore over.
Travel the world to see magnificent eagles, resilient penguins, tiny hummingbirds, towering ostriches, stunning peacocks and many more. Colourful, clever, song-filled, strange and stunning – this book is a celebration of bird life!
160 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
3 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Matt Sewell
18 books72 followersArtist and illustrator Matt Sewell has been described as the Banksy of the bird world. Matt works in a variety of media including T-shirts, posters, interiors, sculptures and walls. He has illustrated for the Guardian and Barbour, amongst many others; painted underpasses for the RSPB; and exhibited in London, Manchester, New York, Tokyo and Paris, as well as being an avid ornithologist and regular contributor to the Caught by The River website (he also designed their logo).
His bird books, Our Garden Birds, Our Woodland Birds, A Charm of Goldfinches and many more, have taken the world by storm. He has also illustrated numerous children’s books including The Big Bird Spot, Dinosaurs and Forgotten Beasts. His latest book for children is Atlas of Amazing Birds.
Matt lives in Shrewsbury with his partner and two children.
His bird books, Our Garden Birds, Our Woodland Birds, A Charm of Goldfinches and many more, have taken the world by storm. He has also illustrated numerous children’s books including The Big Bird Spot, Dinosaurs and Forgotten Beasts. His latest book for children is Atlas of Amazing Birds.
Matt lives in Shrewsbury with his partner and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 10, 2019
A good atlas of birds. It's easy to go through, well organize and simple. But! Those documentary/atlas book that use illustrations instead of picture are always a big disappointment to me (I get the guy is an illustrator not a photographer) but maybe write fiction then, an atlas should have real picture (except for dinosaur because we can photograph them obviously...).
September 22, 2020
The Atlas of Amazing Birds is a great big, beautiful book. A dazzling spectrum of amazing birds and fascinating facts. I loved it.
I keep one of Matt Sewell's bird books on my coffee table, I'm a big fan of his whimsical-yet-accurate art. Likewise, I enjoy his animated descriptions. His enthusiasm for his subjects shines. And he uses all of this - his artistic talent and passion, birds and words - to spread awareness on the environment, endangered habitats and species, and conservation in a hopeful, positive, encouraging way that I, too, hope will make a difference.
I'll admit some confusion as to the target audience. It's a wordy book with articulate vocabulary and plenty of text. (Sometimes too small. This is my only true complaint, the inconsistency in font size, and the tininess of the print on select pages. 8 pt. or less?) As I read it, I assumed it was designed for adults and bird lovers in general, but afterward found that it's classified as a children's book. I was surprised! There's a brief fine print glossary at the end defining seven words including, carrion, endemic, and ornithology.
Interesting to me -every page is loaded with language like panoply, regalia, repertoire, onomatopoeically, torpor. (I wasn't keeping track as I read, but flipped through and grabbed these as examples at a glance.) It makes no difference to me that it's classified as a kids book, as I happily and voraciously read books for all ages. But I'm not sure it's as strong classified as a kids book, it didn't feel designed for kids, and a lot of adults might miss out on it because it's shelved or sold as Children's literature.
Regardless, Matt Sewell's latest work is a joy. I delight in his prose-like description, his zealous language.
Some favorite commentary snippets:
Common Kingfisher: "It is as if those mesmerizing, light-echoing feathers are human-eye sensitive. They seem to know when they have been seen and are off in a flash. I often feel that kingfishers and I are like the repelling ends of magnets, with my gaze pushing the bird farther and farther down the riverbank away from me." (p. 20)
Ancient murrelet: "Indeed the ancient murrelet was given its name because it looks like it is wearing a grandma's shawl. The bird goes on long migrations over the north Pacific Ocean to Japan and China. It is currently thought to be the only bird that does so. I love the idea of an adventurous old lady going on such an epic adventure. Go, grandma!" (p. 42)
Harpy eagle: "Due to deforestation, areas once rich with eagles are now seeing these birds die out; life is a delicate thing that can sometimes balance on a knife-edge. Let us hope that the balance is in favor of this amazing bird." (p. 75)
The birds-of-paradise: "Swathes of Indonesian rain forest have also been turned over to palm-oil plantations. This cheap oil is found in many of our day-to-day products, from cookies to soap. We can do our part by being mindful of what we purchase." (p. 86)
Pink robin: "These birds are delightful. This perfect passerine is an absolute joy to paint.
..They seem to be made of cotton candy, with a dark head, as dark as a moonless night. Magic." (p. 96)
Splendid fairywren: "I just love that name. The splendid fairywren of outback Australia is splendid and completely magical." (p. 101)
Australian owlet-nightjar: "I have been mildly obsessed with these birds ever since I came across them when planning a trip to Australia. You might be able to understand my fascination. The Australian owlet-nightjar is spectral, alien-like, seemingly supernatural, and cosmic." (p. 102)
Pied butcherbird: "Never judge a bird by a name. The pied butcherbird's horror movie name may make you think of murdered birds and reptiles skewered on thorns. ..But forget that, close your eyes, and listen to its song at dawn or on moonlit nights. Those solo serenades and harmonized duets are heaven's dawn chorus itself." (p.102)
Superb lyrebird: "You may think I throw around superlatives a little too often but this bird is amazingly superb. On looks alone, this Australian rain forest-dwelling artiste is exuberant and outstanding." (p. 107)
Kea (p. 113): "When they have not eaten enough tourist snacks and leftovers, they even know how to break into cars to find more of the good stuff. The kea's elongated, curved parrot bill is superb for pulling out the rubber trim of car windows. Fortunately, they have not learned how to drive yet, so they will just take your food - not your automobile."
Crested treeswift: "So it is simple- I love all swifts." (p. 117)
Red-crowned crane: "The red-crowned crane is one of the most critically endangered cranes in the world. Loss of habitat is mainly to blame. The world is just not wild enough anymore." (p. 139)
I keep one of Matt Sewell's bird books on my coffee table, I'm a big fan of his whimsical-yet-accurate art. Likewise, I enjoy his animated descriptions. His enthusiasm for his subjects shines. And he uses all of this - his artistic talent and passion, birds and words - to spread awareness on the environment, endangered habitats and species, and conservation in a hopeful, positive, encouraging way that I, too, hope will make a difference.
I'll admit some confusion as to the target audience. It's a wordy book with articulate vocabulary and plenty of text. (Sometimes too small. This is my only true complaint, the inconsistency in font size, and the tininess of the print on select pages. 8 pt. or less?) As I read it, I assumed it was designed for adults and bird lovers in general, but afterward found that it's classified as a children's book. I was surprised! There's a brief fine print glossary at the end defining seven words including, carrion, endemic, and ornithology.
Interesting to me -every page is loaded with language like panoply, regalia, repertoire, onomatopoeically, torpor. (I wasn't keeping track as I read, but flipped through and grabbed these as examples at a glance.) It makes no difference to me that it's classified as a kids book, as I happily and voraciously read books for all ages. But I'm not sure it's as strong classified as a kids book, it didn't feel designed for kids, and a lot of adults might miss out on it because it's shelved or sold as Children's literature.
Regardless, Matt Sewell's latest work is a joy. I delight in his prose-like description, his zealous language.
Some favorite commentary snippets:
Common Kingfisher: "It is as if those mesmerizing, light-echoing feathers are human-eye sensitive. They seem to know when they have been seen and are off in a flash. I often feel that kingfishers and I are like the repelling ends of magnets, with my gaze pushing the bird farther and farther down the riverbank away from me." (p. 20)
Ancient murrelet: "Indeed the ancient murrelet was given its name because it looks like it is wearing a grandma's shawl. The bird goes on long migrations over the north Pacific Ocean to Japan and China. It is currently thought to be the only bird that does so. I love the idea of an adventurous old lady going on such an epic adventure. Go, grandma!" (p. 42)
Harpy eagle: "Due to deforestation, areas once rich with eagles are now seeing these birds die out; life is a delicate thing that can sometimes balance on a knife-edge. Let us hope that the balance is in favor of this amazing bird." (p. 75)
The birds-of-paradise: "Swathes of Indonesian rain forest have also been turned over to palm-oil plantations. This cheap oil is found in many of our day-to-day products, from cookies to soap. We can do our part by being mindful of what we purchase." (p. 86)
Pink robin: "These birds are delightful. This perfect passerine is an absolute joy to paint.
..They seem to be made of cotton candy, with a dark head, as dark as a moonless night. Magic." (p. 96)
Splendid fairywren: "I just love that name. The splendid fairywren of outback Australia is splendid and completely magical." (p. 101)
Australian owlet-nightjar: "I have been mildly obsessed with these birds ever since I came across them when planning a trip to Australia. You might be able to understand my fascination. The Australian owlet-nightjar is spectral, alien-like, seemingly supernatural, and cosmic." (p. 102)
Pied butcherbird: "Never judge a bird by a name. The pied butcherbird's horror movie name may make you think of murdered birds and reptiles skewered on thorns. ..But forget that, close your eyes, and listen to its song at dawn or on moonlit nights. Those solo serenades and harmonized duets are heaven's dawn chorus itself." (p.102)
Superb lyrebird: "You may think I throw around superlatives a little too often but this bird is amazingly superb. On looks alone, this Australian rain forest-dwelling artiste is exuberant and outstanding." (p. 107)
Kea (p. 113): "When they have not eaten enough tourist snacks and leftovers, they even know how to break into cars to find more of the good stuff. The kea's elongated, curved parrot bill is superb for pulling out the rubber trim of car windows. Fortunately, they have not learned how to drive yet, so they will just take your food - not your automobile."
Crested treeswift: "So it is simple- I love all swifts." (p. 117)
Red-crowned crane: "The red-crowned crane is one of the most critically endangered cranes in the world. Loss of habitat is mainly to blame. The world is just not wild enough anymore." (p. 139)
November 14, 2019
It's a nicely produced book: good paper, nice binding, lots of space (I do wish the typeface were a little larger), illustrations full of beautiful colors, etc.
When I looked at photographs of some of the birds, however, I found that the illustrations were not all that accurate. The vinous-throated parrotbill is one particular example. The illustration makes the head take up half of the bird. Many of the other birds have eyes that are overly large. The beak of the snail kite seems a bit too long.
As kind of caricatures of birds, the illustrations are quite good, but I'm not sure that is really what is intended or desirable.
The selection is quite interesting and there are many fascinating facts, but I think in the end, I will stick with Birds of the World.
When I looked at photographs of some of the birds, however, I found that the illustrations were not all that accurate. The vinous-throated parrotbill is one particular example. The illustration makes the head take up half of the bird. Many of the other birds have eyes that are overly large. The beak of the snail kite seems a bit too long.
As kind of caricatures of birds, the illustrations are quite good, but I'm not sure that is really what is intended or desirable.
The selection is quite interesting and there are many fascinating facts, but I think in the end, I will stick with Birds of the World.
July 30, 2020
Upon looking at the size of this particular book you can definitely tell that this isn't a complete avian atlas so as a result I appreciate the author being up front on his goal for the mind. And at the same time I also appreciate his inclusion with that same information on how he chose which birds would be displayed.
The book itself would make for a beautiful beginner's guide to children who may be fascinated with and/or wanting to learn how to bird. For this particular purpose the book is broken down into sections that explore birds by continental locations. These sectional starts include a two-page spread on which a map of of the continent that has the countries labelled; a few paragraphs to describe the size of the continent, the amount of bird species found there and also some bird facts. And then found below the paragraphs a listing of birds for that section and the page number on which their entry can be found.
The book further gives each bird a page or two depending on the size of the illustration. This is given with the name of the bird followed by the scientific name. Then the reader is given with up at least one, but sometimes up to three paragraphs for the species being discussed, which is then followed by where the bird can be found as well as size.
The writing is easy to follow for the most part and although not completely descriptive or informative of the bird itself it does give a bit of an insight into why it was included. Some of the entries definitely seem to be a bit more tongue-in-cheek such as when the author is telling the birds to be nice to each other and other parts a bit more informative.
I was actually rather surprised at the way the sections moved for the book goes from Europe over to North America then down to South America and from there to Antarctica. This was then covered by Australia and the other islands then up to Asia and ending with Africa. Seeing the way the rest of the book was organized I would have thought Africa may have been explored after Europe.
Another thing I found slightly disappointing was the lack of bird diversity even though I know the author was choosing his particular favorites or those that intrigued him. As such for Antarctica he only chose to include three species out of the forty-five he mentioned and then spent the majority of those entries doing the all too familiar penguins instead of offering room for more species or even combining the two penguins together as he did with other similar species. And what was with the lack of Anatidae with the exception of the one duck? So yes there are no swans, ducks, geese or even non-anatidae like loons included with that one exception.
And the last point for anyone who may be eyeballing this book is of course the style that Matt Sewell is known for. If you're looking for a book that has colored photographs to help identify your bird catches this won't be the one you are looking for. His illustrations are cute, colored to match the original but very rarely do they include all forms such as non-breeding, females or even young birds thus a guide would be more better to pursue in that regard.
All in all again it is a great starter's guide for beginning birders, children or even for those who may appreciate bird artwork instead of comprehensive information. But if you are an avid birder who wants facts, the maps, the lifestyle details and different forms than this won't be one to really catch your fancy.
The book itself would make for a beautiful beginner's guide to children who may be fascinated with and/or wanting to learn how to bird. For this particular purpose the book is broken down into sections that explore birds by continental locations. These sectional starts include a two-page spread on which a map of of the continent that has the countries labelled; a few paragraphs to describe the size of the continent, the amount of bird species found there and also some bird facts. And then found below the paragraphs a listing of birds for that section and the page number on which their entry can be found.
The book further gives each bird a page or two depending on the size of the illustration. This is given with the name of the bird followed by the scientific name. Then the reader is given with up at least one, but sometimes up to three paragraphs for the species being discussed, which is then followed by where the bird can be found as well as size.
The writing is easy to follow for the most part and although not completely descriptive or informative of the bird itself it does give a bit of an insight into why it was included. Some of the entries definitely seem to be a bit more tongue-in-cheek such as when the author is telling the birds to be nice to each other and other parts a bit more informative.
I was actually rather surprised at the way the sections moved for the book goes from Europe over to North America then down to South America and from there to Antarctica. This was then covered by Australia and the other islands then up to Asia and ending with Africa. Seeing the way the rest of the book was organized I would have thought Africa may have been explored after Europe.
Another thing I found slightly disappointing was the lack of bird diversity even though I know the author was choosing his particular favorites or those that intrigued him. As such for Antarctica he only chose to include three species out of the forty-five he mentioned and then spent the majority of those entries doing the all too familiar penguins instead of offering room for more species or even combining the two penguins together as he did with other similar species. And what was with the lack of Anatidae with the exception of the one duck? So yes there are no swans, ducks, geese or even non-anatidae like loons included with that one exception.
And the last point for anyone who may be eyeballing this book is of course the style that Matt Sewell is known for. If you're looking for a book that has colored photographs to help identify your bird catches this won't be the one you are looking for. His illustrations are cute, colored to match the original but very rarely do they include all forms such as non-breeding, females or even young birds thus a guide would be more better to pursue in that regard.
All in all again it is a great starter's guide for beginning birders, children or even for those who may appreciate bird artwork instead of comprehensive information. But if you are an avid birder who wants facts, the maps, the lifestyle details and different forms than this won't be one to really catch your fancy.
July 9, 2019
Matt Sewell's beautifully illustrated "The Atlas of Amazing Birds," is a charming book of color and information to delight any birdwatcher. It is full of hundreds of types of birds found on every continent, in any country in the world.
The beautiful bird illustrations are done in lovely watercolors that would delight a child and an adult alike. There are extensive descriptions of every bird type including size and where to find them. Additionally, the book includes migratory paths for the birds making this guide a wealth of information.
For a book on birds, this has so much to look through digest and enjoy for young children wanting to learn more. As a parent, I was equally intrigued and delighted by all that this book contained.
I received this as an eBook from Princeton Architectural Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review of the title. I did not receive any compensation from either company. The opinions expressed herein are completely my own.
The beautiful bird illustrations are done in lovely watercolors that would delight a child and an adult alike. There are extensive descriptions of every bird type including size and where to find them. Additionally, the book includes migratory paths for the birds making this guide a wealth of information.
For a book on birds, this has so much to look through digest and enjoy for young children wanting to learn more. As a parent, I was equally intrigued and delighted by all that this book contained.
I received this as an eBook from Princeton Architectural Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review of the title. I did not receive any compensation from either company. The opinions expressed herein are completely my own.
March 11, 2020
The Atlas of Amazing Birds by Matt Sewell. PICTURE BOOK/NONFICTION. Princeton Architectural Press, 2019. $20. 9781616898571
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
This is a catalog of birds from around the world divided by continent. Each page has a simple watercolor illustration and a paragraph of description about that bird.
I like the clean look and feel of this book, but it would rather difficult to use. If you are bird watching, there is too much information here given breadth of regions and if you are reading for general information it would become tedious to read start to finish.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
This is a catalog of birds from around the world divided by continent. Each page has a simple watercolor illustration and a paragraph of description about that bird.
I like the clean look and feel of this book, but it would rather difficult to use. If you are bird watching, there is too much information here given breadth of regions and if you are reading for general information it would become tedious to read start to finish.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
August 22, 2019
This is a lovely book to have as part of a nature study library. Keep in mind that the illustrations are somewhat whimsical watercolor paintings and not photos, so this is not an ID guide. The art is gorgeous though, and it's full of interesting little facts about each bird. This would be a great book for adults or children who are interested in birds, nature or art (or whom you want to inspire to get interested in these).
My rating system:
1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost
I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.
My rating system:
1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost
I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.
August 12, 2019
The kids in my class love learning about and watching birds. This gorgeous atlas will certainly encourage their love. I thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations to go along with each bird and the facts attached. I appreciated the use of the proper name and Latin name. I think children and adults alike will love searching this book for favorite birds and new discoveries!
June 24, 2020
This book made me want to take up bird-watching; it is that well-written that you just want to see and hear the birds in the wild for yourself.
July 19, 2019
ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
This book will work better for some than others. It is done in watercolors, with a flat, 2-D look that may leave bit to be desired in terms of showing what these birds look like. I personally liked the style and found this Atlas to be well-organized and easy to follow. It is separated by geographic location and alphabetized - it'd make a good intro book for a young reader interested in nature. The most standout element of this book were the descriptions and input by the author, who goes pulls out the most interesting facts about each bird and includes historical and personal anecdotes. This made the reading experience more lively, not as much of a strictly clinical scientific take on things, but making it known that there is passion behind the words and research. However, I think it would best be suited to be read in ADDITION to other bird books, which might include photographs. At a library, this would not be a hard thing to accomplish.
This book will work better for some than others. It is done in watercolors, with a flat, 2-D look that may leave bit to be desired in terms of showing what these birds look like. I personally liked the style and found this Atlas to be well-organized and easy to follow. It is separated by geographic location and alphabetized - it'd make a good intro book for a young reader interested in nature. The most standout element of this book were the descriptions and input by the author, who goes pulls out the most interesting facts about each bird and includes historical and personal anecdotes. This made the reading experience more lively, not as much of a strictly clinical scientific take on things, but making it known that there is passion behind the words and research. However, I think it would best be suited to be read in ADDITION to other bird books, which might include photographs. At a library, this would not be a hard thing to accomplish.
May 7, 2021
This book takes you on an around the world tour, using birds as your guide. Each chapter is a separate continent, and within that chapter the author highlights some of his favorite bird species that live on that continent.
Most pages are devoted to one bird, but in some instances, several feature on a page together. Each bird has a beautiful watercolor illustration that brings it to life, in vivid detail. You can almost see expressions and emotions on some of the birds. With each bird is also some statistics such as height, and where they can be found on the continent.
The writing, for the most part, is very upbeat, energetic and fun. Perfect for the juvenile audience this book is geared for. It is written in the first person, so amongst the facts, you get a lot of opinions and thoughts from the author. In some cases, though not many, the writing falls a little short. An example: "The fabulous wren was fabulous." Repeating words can make the writing fall flat.
Overall, a great book if you love birds, or geography or both.
Most pages are devoted to one bird, but in some instances, several feature on a page together. Each bird has a beautiful watercolor illustration that brings it to life, in vivid detail. You can almost see expressions and emotions on some of the birds. With each bird is also some statistics such as height, and where they can be found on the continent.
The writing, for the most part, is very upbeat, energetic and fun. Perfect for the juvenile audience this book is geared for. It is written in the first person, so amongst the facts, you get a lot of opinions and thoughts from the author. In some cases, though not many, the writing falls a little short. An example: "The fabulous wren was fabulous." Repeating words can make the writing fall flat.
Overall, a great book if you love birds, or geography or both.
July 3, 2019
The Atlas of Amazing Birds by Matt Sewell is the children's book I didn't know my kids needed! Each bird has a description that is thoroughly detailed, yet still short enough that it can keep your child's attention. The illustrations are gorgeous. My daughters and I enjoyed pointing out birds we recognized and learning the names of the birds we had never seen. I learned quite a few things myself; for example, I did not realize how many types of pigeons there are (or how pretty they are)! My oldest daughter, on the other hand, was amazed to find out there are birds who eat monkeys. My youngest was not happy about that. I will most definitely be suggesting this book to family and friends and I look forward to identifying some of these birds out in the wild with my little ones.
Thank you NetGalley, Matt Sewell, and Princeton Architectural Press.
Thank you NetGalley, Matt Sewell, and Princeton Architectural Press.
February 25, 2020
The drawings of the birds are beautiful but they are drawings not photographs. The author is also an illustrator but It would be nice to have both. The drawings are not to scale so it’s hard to rightly conceive the bird’s real life appearance until you glance at its “Length” data which is provided for each bird along with “Where to find me.” You have a general sense of where the birds are located all along as the book is organized by continents. The author does a nice job of characterizing each bird, usually explaining its common name, and does it all with a sense of wonder and respect and humor. He also points out which are endangered and why.
August 1, 2019
ARC copy received by Netgalley
Field guides can sometimes be difficult to read, but each page offers a delightful text wrap around these personality-captured birds. What gorgeous watercolors of these birds! I loved the maps - - as an educator, I would love even more if there were connections from the big beautiful map page to the individual birds-- maybe an icon where you can find the birds, etc. I can totally see a bird watercoloring activity extension for this after class! A good mix of science + reading + art!
Field guides can sometimes be difficult to read, but each page offers a delightful text wrap around these personality-captured birds. What gorgeous watercolors of these birds! I loved the maps - - as an educator, I would love even more if there were connections from the big beautiful map page to the individual birds-- maybe an icon where you can find the birds, etc. I can totally see a bird watercoloring activity extension for this after class! A good mix of science + reading + art!
February 2, 2020
This book is BEAUTIFUL! I knew absolutely nothing about birds and this book not only helped me learn about a few in my area but also gave amazing illustrations of them. I look forward to trying this book out next summer and seeing what new birds I can learn about. It will also be fun to bring on vacation to see what birds we can learn about in all the places we travel.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 18, 2021
This book is stunning and a win for any bird lover. I feel this would make an excellent gift for any birdwatchers you may know. The pictures are unbelievably gorgeous with very in-depth illustrations with fascinating information about the birds illustrated.
I honestly can't rave enough about the book it's filled with tons of information and just as a conversation piece it is wonderful and well worth getting.
I honestly can't rave enough about the book it's filled with tons of information and just as a conversation piece it is wonderful and well worth getting.
August 18, 2023
New Guinea has some pretty birds like
-birds of paradise
-king bird of paradise
-bluebird of paradise
-king-of-saxony bird of paradise
-wilsons bird of paradise
-goldiesbird of paradise
Crimson rosella (australiaa)
Spangles drongo
Ultramarines lorikeet
Australian owlet nightjar
Himalayan monal
Long tailed widow bird
Eastern paradise whydah
Standard winged nightjar
Ruff
Fire tailed myzornis
Indian paradise flycatcher
-birds of paradise
-king bird of paradise
-bluebird of paradise
-king-of-saxony bird of paradise
-wilsons bird of paradise
-goldiesbird of paradise
Crimson rosella (australiaa)
Spangles drongo
Ultramarines lorikeet
Australian owlet nightjar
Himalayan monal
Long tailed widow bird
Eastern paradise whydah
Standard winged nightjar
Ruff
Fire tailed myzornis
Indian paradise flycatcher
July 5, 2019
The Atlas of Amazing Birds is exactly that. An atlas about beautiful birds from all over the globe. While this has been done before I really like the simple layout of the information on each bird and the illustrations. They are beautifully drawn and coloured. I feel this is a fresh take on an old idea.
July 6, 2019
I received an arc of this book on netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I loved the illustrations in this book! I wasn't expecting anything special, but the illustrations are 100% the best part of this book, I wish I could learn how to draw them, too! They are kind of simplistic, but that's what makes them better.
I loved the illustrations in this book! I wasn't expecting anything special, but the illustrations are 100% the best part of this book, I wish I could learn how to draw them, too! They are kind of simplistic, but that's what makes them better.
November 20, 2019
This book was very interesting and full of factual information. I was, however, disappointed that the illustrations were drawings rather than photographs.
I received an ARC from Princeton Press through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating. I am voluntarily submitting this review.
I received an ARC from Princeton Press through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating. I am voluntarily submitting this review.
July 13, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced look into this book. The illustrations are lovely.
The information is short, yet exactly what you would want to know about each species.
I look forward to sharing this book in total and parts to enhance student learning.
The information is short, yet exactly what you would want to know about each species.
I look forward to sharing this book in total and parts to enhance student learning.
July 13, 2019
This is a wonderful and informative book about birds for children, but as an adult I enjoyed it too. The illustrations are beautiful, and the information about each bird is interesting and informative.
I received an ARC from NetGalley. The book will be released on October 1, 2019.
I received an ARC from NetGalley. The book will be released on October 1, 2019.
August 4, 2019
I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. As a birdwatcher I am always on the lookout for new bird books, especially ones that I can share with my nieces and nephews. I really loved the artwork of the birds throughout the book, just amazing,
December 27, 2023
This book is a great introduction to many birds from all over the world. It is organized in a way to help readers learn where the different birds live and how they are similar to and distinct from each other.
March 26, 2020
I may not agree with all of the author's selections, but this book is a lot of fun. Also, the illustrations are great.
May 6, 2020
Beautiful illustrations accompanied by succinct descriptions.
-read in quarantine-
-read in quarantine-
September 28, 2024
A lovely collation of birds around the world with beautiful art with facts + commentary about each bird!
July 1, 2025
This book is as interesting for the great illustrations as for the interesting facts
October 31, 2020
Ardent bird-spotter, best-selling author and gifted illustrator, Matt Sewell has put together a stunning collection of some of the world’s most amazing birds. Accompanied with fascinating facts, beautiful illustrations and witty descriptions, this book is enough to make anyone, young and old alike, into a new-found, passionate bird lover!
Conveniently broken down into the seven continents, discover, delight and devour all there is to know about birds as Sewell takes you on an unforgettable journey around the world as we learn about the penguin that can hold its breath for six minutes, about the lyrebird that can mimic a chainsaw and find out which is the only bird to hibernate!
From magnificent eagles to colourful toucans to even the world’s smallest owl and the world’s largest ostrich, this brilliant book has for sure made a bird-lover out of me.
Conveniently broken down into the seven continents, discover, delight and devour all there is to know about birds as Sewell takes you on an unforgettable journey around the world as we learn about the penguin that can hold its breath for six minutes, about the lyrebird that can mimic a chainsaw and find out which is the only bird to hibernate!
From magnificent eagles to colourful toucans to even the world’s smallest owl and the world’s largest ostrich, this brilliant book has for sure made a bird-lover out of me.
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