A Time for Singing: 9

by Ron Hirschi

A photographic introduction to the world of animal vocalization explains why different animal species sing and howl.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 10, 1994

Reviews

[Ashley Polansky]

Title: A Time for Singing
Author: Ron Hirschi
Illustrator: Thomas D. Mangelson (Photographer)
Genre: Photographic Essay
Theme(s): Animals, environment, communication
Opening line/sentence: Outside my window, meadowlarks sing in the day’s first light.
Brief Book Summary: This photographic essay is about animals and the different ways in which they interact. Animals go about various callings in order to communicate with others. In all the book shows how all the animals are related by the songs they sing.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Children's Literature - Beverly Kobrin
Poetic prose and photographs will delight little ones as they learn how animals live in the wild. Why do animals sing? Hirsch and Mangelson provide answers that kids will easily understand. Other related titles by this team include A Time for Babies, A Time for Playing, and a Time for Sleeping.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: School Library Journal - School Library Journal
Gr 1-3-Hirschi and Mangelsen team up again to present two more entries in their series on animal behavior. However, these books are not as direct as A Time for Babies (Cobblehill, 1993); instead, the narratives zigzag from straightforward to poetic to rhyming, sometimes with disruptive questions. Playing gives insight into the ways in which various types of play prepare animal babies for survival. Most species discussed can be seen in North America, but there is an abrupt jump to the African plains to show lions, baboons, and a zebra. With a strong emphasis on birds, Singing focuses on the sounds they make; oral communication among seals, fish, coyotes, and orcas is also included. The rhyming text at the conclusion seems a bit out of sync with the preceding writing style, but leaves readers with the hope that one day humankind will better understand animal ``language.'' Large full-color photographs of exceptional clarity appear in both books. Captions consist of the pictured creatures' names. Despite their flaws, these simple, uncluttered titles are valuable for their fine photographs and their efforts to develop an awareness and appreciation of wildlife in young readers.-Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both reviews enjoy this book. It shows children how different animals interact and communicate with one another. It explains to the kids why animals make certain noises and what it means. They agree that this is a great book for children.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The setting in this book stood out me. There are various settings based on what animal is being discussed. When speaking of the birds they are mostly shown up in the sky, on trees, or in the water. When talking about the Walrus, it was shown on ice in the water. Furthermore, the coyote was shown in the snow and the moose in a grassy area.
Consideration of Instructional Application: This book could be used in the classroom and could form a discussion on communication. We could talk about different animals, the noises they make, and why we think they make these noises. Communication around the world is vital to learn about, since everyone does so in a different way. We can learn about different cultures and traditions they do. Each student will get a pair and be given a certain culture and they will have to research about it and make a poster board explain it. We will share these as a class and become more informed about communication, cultures, and traditions!