Mr. Blue

by Priscilla Whitaker

Featuring stunning photography, Mr. Blue invites children into the vibrant world of a Great Blue Heron. The story of Mr. Blue delights, engages, and educates children about his playful personality and natural habitat. Fishing in a pond, balancing on one leg, and playing hide-and-seek are just some of the activities Mr. Blue can do while spending the day at his pond. Join him on the banks of his pond as you explore the watery world of this amazing bird.

Genres: Childrens, Nonfiction, Nature

30 pages, Hardcover

First published April 19, 2013

About the author

Priscilla Whitaker currently lives in Georgia, and loves nature and taking pictures of the world that surrounds her. As a survivor of a terrible dog attack, Priscilla is grateful for every day and views each new sunrise as a treasure and gift from God. For the past thirty years she has worked as a teacher, aide, and director for a children’s daycare. Priscilla has combined her love of storytelling and photography to produce her first book, Mr. Blue, a beautifully presented exploration of the daily life of a Great Blue Heron. Her book, Mr Blue was released April 19, 2013.

Reviews

[Mariana Farcas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about a Great Blue Heron that I read it to my kids along time ago.

[Elias Zapple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to read Mr. Blue and though it wasn't a book about slugs, which is slightly disappointing, I got to learn a lot about the Great Blue Heron - enough to wonder whether I should replace my slugs with Herons!

There are many interesting facts to teach children about a quite interesting animal and the pictures are superb. Wonderful to look at and, I'd imagine, look great in the physical version. Somehow, I don't think the Kindle version does it justice.

The colours match the book perfectly and it's one of the neatest covers I've seen in a long time.

Recommended. Hope Priscilla will soon do a book about the majestic slug.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is not to love about this book? I was thrilled to download this book and look at the pictures on my Kindle, let alone read the words that describe the Great Blue Heron. As the author gives us details and facts about the Great Blue Heron I am absorbing lots of interesting details that amaze me about the spectacular bird. With terrific detail photos showing up the birds talons, his face, his grace and his eating habitats just to name a few, in his natural habitat I feel that I am not intruding. I feel as if I am hidden behind a bush watching this bird go about his day. The authors choice of words will make your child feel as if they are part of this adventure with words like “Doesn’t he look silly?” and “How tall are you?’ The text is simple to read yet it is full of interesting facts about the bird. I absolutely adore this non-fiction book.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy bird watching or reading about animals, then give this book a try. Mr. Blue is a Great Blue Heron whose human neighbor has written a book about how a heron spends his days. The photos of Mr. Blue show details like his long legs, flexible neck, and daily activities. The author has documented the heron fishing, preening, and flying over the pond near her house. Young readers will enjoy seeing the crisp clear photographs as they learn about how tall a heron can grow and how wide its wingspan can be. This would be a good book to share with students and talk about narrative nonfiction and writing about things they observe in nature.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

[Daisey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a simple non-fiction book that is very appropriate for young readers. It does not go into great detail, but instead focuses on the daily activities and characteristics of a great blue heron. Each page includes a clear photo of the bird and a sentence or two of explanation. Along with basic facts, it also includes a few pages describing what the bird can do through a comparison to it playing games. I would definitely recommend this book for young readers interested in learning more about different animals.

* I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to a fun backyard bird to watch, the Blue Heron! Priscilla Whitaker, takes children through the day of Mr. Blue. with beautiful, bright photographs of the blue heron and simple descriptions of Mr. Blue and his activities throughout the day.

I love that this was an interactive book and asked questions such as: "Mr. Blue likes to spend time playing games. Do you like to play games?" These questions are great for fostering appreciation of animals around them.

Mr. Blue is aimed at younger children, best suited for ages 2-6.


Mr. Blue was received for free in return for an honest review.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Blue was a very quick read that was filled with interesting tidbits about the Great Blue Heron. Insightful information was coupled with beautiful photos to make this a wonderful learning experience. I really liked the interactive quality that the book had. I think kids will enjoy this book.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Options: Read Aloud, Classroom Library, Early Learning Program

An e-copy of this title was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway

Mr. Blue is the wonderful story of a great blue heron. It is a great educational tool and teaches children about the habits and behaviors of birds. The photography is enjoyable and engaging. My son loves to look at the pictures and tell me what Mr. Blue is doing in each one. It is a story we will enjoy reading again and again.

[R.C. Beaird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Blue, aptly titled for the Great Blue Heron it portrays, is a lovely picture book. The text is simple, a perfect contrast to the complicated life of this majestic bird. Children will love the questions throughout, like “Doesn’t he look silly?” Gorgeous pictures, and lot’s of great facts too!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The text is simple yet informative. The photography is fabulous!

[The Reading Writing Puppet · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a really cute children's book with lovely photographs. Children will like this book. :)

[Sheila Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me and the Grandkids have enjoyed this book a lot, and have returned to read it over and over! Lovely photography throughout!

[jimtown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick to read imaginings of Mr. Blue, the great blue heron as he hangs out in the pond. I can appreciate the photos as when I get a heron in, he is so shy, it's hard to capture him doing all of these things like fishing, exercising and spying little things in the water with his sharp eyes. I'd have enjoyed a little more factual information as well but this was geared toward a young audience and was just right for their short attention span.

[Nina Norstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an amazing and charming children’s book. The pictures along gave a spark of life to the story. When I initially flipped opened this storybook to the first colored page, it appeared Mr. Blue was right there in front of me standing tall . . . with his yellow eyes and feathery long-skinned neck. His pointy beak stood at attention, as to give the command, “I’m in charge.” I just love how profound the images are inside this story.

It is not only just a picture book but an educational one, about Blue Herons. This is a great storybook that should be appreciated and cataloged in schools and libraries alike. And I can readily see how it’s involvement of its species can therapeutically capture one . . . practically, with a new experience in life.
So interesting too, when I purchased this book, the author presented me with two different pieces of black and white art (of the Great Blue Heron) so I may colorize and/or create my own Heron. I thought that was such a great gift to have received with my purchase.

Kudos, to this author for gifting us (readers) what a fantastic storybook!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! The author wrote the book for a couple of special children she babysat after taking photos of a beautiful Great Blue Heron in their neighborhood… Her friends WISELY suggested she publish it. What a work of art -- gorgeous photos of my favorite bird :) And a wonderful story geared for children to help them learn about Herons.