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Birds of a Feather: A Book of Idioms and Silly Pictures
Children are innately curious about words, especially phrases that make them laugh (""Ants in your pants!""), sound silly (""Barking up the wrong tree"" or ""Goosebumps"") or trigger images that tickle a child's sense of the absurd (""Like a bull in a china shop""). Birds of a Feather introduces children to the magic of idioms words that separately have one meaning, but together take on something entirely different. Birds of a Feather introduces idioms with outlandish illustrations of what the words describe literally. The reader then has to guess the ""real"" meaning of the phrases (which is upside down in the corner of each spread). At the end of the book, the reader is invited to learn more about these figures of speech.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2009
5 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Vanita Oelschlager
42 books41 followersVanita Oelschlager is a wife, mother,grandmother, former teacher, current caregiver and, for almost ten years, author and poet.
She was born and raised near Pittsburgh. She is a graduate of Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio, where she currently serves as a Trustee.
She has also supported and helped Jim as he built Oak Associates, ltd. into a successful investment management firm.
Today, as an accomplished author, Vanita shares openly the experiences that she, Jim and their families have had with multiple sclerosis. She has likened MS to living with an elephant, one that won't go away or be ignored. Together, she and Jim have found ways to live with this "elephant", and to share some of the larger lessons about life they've learned through the disease.
She was born and raised near Pittsburgh. She is a graduate of Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio, where she currently serves as a Trustee.
She has also supported and helped Jim as he built Oak Associates, ltd. into a successful investment management firm.
Today, as an accomplished author, Vanita shares openly the experiences that she, Jim and their families have had with multiple sclerosis. She has likened MS to living with an elephant, one that won't go away or be ignored. Together, she and Jim have found ways to live with this "elephant", and to share some of the larger lessons about life they've learned through the disease.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
November 26, 2017
This is an adorable book that introduces children to idioms in the English language. The illustrations are colorful and funny and include a literal interpretation of the idiom. Upside down on the same page is the true meaning of the idiom. This is a fun and entertaining read and a great introduction to popular idioms- hogwash, raining cats and dogs, ants in your pants (my favorite lol), and many more.
January 27, 2024
This book is more fun than a barrel of monkeys!
Birds of a Feather A Book of Idioms and Silly Pictures is a delightful picture book that appeals to children of all ages. Idioms are turns of phrase whose meaning are not directly related to the words alone. If you say “it's raining cats and dogs” near a young child, you can practically see the gears turning as they picture the animals falling from the sky. Author Vanita Oelschlager has created a book that plays upon this concept. Each page contains a humorous illustration by Robin Hegan depicting the literal meaning of the words in a common idiom. The illustrations will engage very young children and make them giggle. I especially enjoyed “Look what the cat dragged in.” with the drag racing feline and the “no spring chicken” pictured up to its neck in a mound of snow.
This book is not only entertaining, it is also a fantastic educational tool. The author believes that idioms show a language's sense of humor. Oelschlager states “They're your language's ticklish spots, so learning them can be lots of fun”. Young children can be encouraged to guess what the phrase actually means. When the book is turned upside down, readers are provided with a definition of the phrase and an example of it used in a sentence. Caregivers and early childhood teachers can explain the meanings of the phrase. But this book isn’t just for young children. It is also
perfect for teachers of older students who can use this book to launch a Language Arts lesson on idioms. English as a second langue teachers have found it useful as well.
The relatively small print for this information was probably intended so as to not interfere with the pictures. However, I would have preferred it if this area had used larger print, so that older children would be able to read this information with ease. At the end of the book, the author discusses the “hidden meaning” of idioms and gives an example explaining the derivation of “barking up the wrong tree”. She then encourages readers to explore the origins of other phrases. As someone who often wonders about the origin of a phrase, I couldn’t help but be disappointed that she did not also provide the sources of the other phrases pictured in this book. Whether you are sharing this book with a little one or teaching grammar, this book is out of this world.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an impartial review.
Birds of a Feather A Book of Idioms and Silly Pictures is a delightful picture book that appeals to children of all ages. Idioms are turns of phrase whose meaning are not directly related to the words alone. If you say “it's raining cats and dogs” near a young child, you can practically see the gears turning as they picture the animals falling from the sky. Author Vanita Oelschlager has created a book that plays upon this concept. Each page contains a humorous illustration by Robin Hegan depicting the literal meaning of the words in a common idiom. The illustrations will engage very young children and make them giggle. I especially enjoyed “Look what the cat dragged in.” with the drag racing feline and the “no spring chicken” pictured up to its neck in a mound of snow.
This book is not only entertaining, it is also a fantastic educational tool. The author believes that idioms show a language's sense of humor. Oelschlager states “They're your language's ticklish spots, so learning them can be lots of fun”. Young children can be encouraged to guess what the phrase actually means. When the book is turned upside down, readers are provided with a definition of the phrase and an example of it used in a sentence. Caregivers and early childhood teachers can explain the meanings of the phrase. But this book isn’t just for young children. It is also
perfect for teachers of older students who can use this book to launch a Language Arts lesson on idioms. English as a second langue teachers have found it useful as well.
The relatively small print for this information was probably intended so as to not interfere with the pictures. However, I would have preferred it if this area had used larger print, so that older children would be able to read this information with ease. At the end of the book, the author discusses the “hidden meaning” of idioms and gives an example explaining the derivation of “barking up the wrong tree”. She then encourages readers to explore the origins of other phrases. As someone who often wonders about the origin of a phrase, I couldn’t help but be disappointed that she did not also provide the sources of the other phrases pictured in this book. Whether you are sharing this book with a little one or teaching grammar, this book is out of this world.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an impartial review.
March 7, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Vanitabooks for this free copy in return for an honest opinion. I really loved this book of idioms that is illustrated with super silly pictures. So much of our language is composed of idioms and phraseology that kids do not know or understand. This book, designed for K-2 is super. The phrases are cute and also are used in so many every day conversations. The author introduces us to the phrase, then the illustrator takes over with great drawings of the literal phases. For instance "Bringing home the bacon" shows someone leading a pig by a leash to their house. Then, at the bottom of the page is the definition of the phrase and the usage in a sentence. Good stuff. Perfect blend of fun, learning and illustrations. Top notch effort!
May 6, 2020
Cute! Cute! Cute!
A book full of idioms paired with ridiculous and quirky illustrations. My son had a blast with this book. I greatly appreciated that the book also supplied the explanation for each idiom.
Great book to accompany a young readers literature and English lessons.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A book full of idioms paired with ridiculous and quirky illustrations. My son had a blast with this book. I greatly appreciated that the book also supplied the explanation for each idiom.
Great book to accompany a young readers literature and English lessons.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2020
Super cute and fun when explaining idioms to grandchildren...the illustrations are super cute. Thank you NetGalley
March 26, 2019
This is not really what I was expecting, and it kind of missed the mark for me. This is basically just a collection of illustrated idioms (some illustrated better than others; what was with the square "butterflies in your stomach"?) with basic descriptions of what the idioms mean. For example, "ants in your pants" means you are "excited and squirmy and can't sit still". Unfortunately, that wasn't enough for me. I wanted to know why that combination of words came to be used in that way, and I probably would've loved learning about the origins of these idioms (since I would've known the basic meanings of many of them as a child, anyway). There is one example of this at the end of the book, where "barking up the wrong tree" is given a more thorough treatment. I would've preferred the whole book to be like that, with the origins of these idioms explained, rather than just their meanings.
The illustrations are hit and miss for me, and I don't like the way the explanations are printed upside down in tiny print, necessitating flipping the book around if you want to read them (I read this on a laptop, which was pretty awkward). I also don't like how "bring home the bacon" has to adhere to gender stereotypes with the phrase: "In our family, my dad brings home the bacon." This book was published in 2009; why can't the mom bring home the bacon?
Overall, this wasn't great. If the author had extended the idiom origins throughout the whole book, rather than just having one footnote at the end, I would've liked this one more.
Quotable moment:
Thank you to NetGalley and Vanita Books for providing a digital ARC.
The illustrations are hit and miss for me, and I don't like the way the explanations are printed upside down in tiny print, necessitating flipping the book around if you want to read them (I read this on a laptop, which was pretty awkward). I also don't like how "bring home the bacon" has to adhere to gender stereotypes with the phrase: "In our family, my dad brings home the bacon." This book was published in 2009; why can't the mom bring home the bacon?
Overall, this wasn't great. If the author had extended the idiom origins throughout the whole book, rather than just having one footnote at the end, I would've liked this one more.
Quotable moment:
Thank you to NetGalley and Vanita Books for providing a digital ARC.
July 2, 2017
Another beautifully illustrated collection of phrases that kids should have fun with. I think it’s best read with adults who might know or google where the phrases might have originated.
The pictures illustrate the literal meaning of the phrase—a tummy full of butterflies—while the upside-down translation in the corner tells us what it means: “ The feeling you get in your stomach when you are nervous or afraid. ‘She had butterflies in her stomach as she walked onto the stage.’”
There’s a nice short piece at the end about “barking up the wrong tree”, explaining how hunting dogs would bark at the tree with the racoon to tell the hunters where it was, but meanwhile, the racoon would sneak across to other trees while the dog kept barking up the..
I’d have appreciated the same sorts of explanations for all of the idioms. Who decided hogwash was a good thing to describe nonsense? Who was chasing wild geese? And who thought the sky was raining cats and dogs? My mother always added “and there were poodles in the street”.
Nicely done, but I fear little kids are likely to ask parents and teachers to explain, and we don’t all know! That’s the only reason I docked a star. Otherwise it’s a five-star production.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for a review copy. I like Oelschlager’s books.
The pictures illustrate the literal meaning of the phrase—a tummy full of butterflies—while the upside-down translation in the corner tells us what it means: “ The feeling you get in your stomach when you are nervous or afraid. ‘She had butterflies in her stomach as she walked onto the stage.’”
There’s a nice short piece at the end about “barking up the wrong tree”, explaining how hunting dogs would bark at the tree with the racoon to tell the hunters where it was, but meanwhile, the racoon would sneak across to other trees while the dog kept barking up the..
I’d have appreciated the same sorts of explanations for all of the idioms. Who decided hogwash was a good thing to describe nonsense? Who was chasing wild geese? And who thought the sky was raining cats and dogs? My mother always added “and there were poodles in the street”.
Nicely done, but I fear little kids are likely to ask parents and teachers to explain, and we don’t all know! That’s the only reason I docked a star. Otherwise it’s a five-star production.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for a review copy. I like Oelschlager’s books.
April 23, 2017
This was a cute book of idioms. Beautifully illustrated, informative and fun to read. Highly recommended for kids.
Note: I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley.
Note: I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley.
November 27, 2019
I don't have kids, but I thoroughly enjoyed this nonetheless. It has some of the most delightful and whimsical illustrations I've seen in children's books. Some of them had me cackling at their cleverness.
The book is meant to help children understand expressions we use that don't make sense when taken literally. For each one, there is an illustration that shows what the idiom would look like in a literal sense. Then, in small print, upside down, there is an explanation of the meaning of the expression.
For example, "hogwash" shows a hog taking a shower, with several other hogs waiting in line with their towels for a turn in the shower. Adorable.
The only thing I didn't like was the upside-down explanations. I can understand using small print so as to give the illustration its full effect, but right-side up would have been more user-friendly.
The book is meant to help children understand expressions we use that don't make sense when taken literally. For each one, there is an illustration that shows what the idiom would look like in a literal sense. Then, in small print, upside down, there is an explanation of the meaning of the expression.
For example, "hogwash" shows a hog taking a shower, with several other hogs waiting in line with their towels for a turn in the shower. Adorable.
The only thing I didn't like was the upside-down explanations. I can understand using small print so as to give the illustration its full effect, but right-side up would have been more user-friendly.
July 8, 2017
I really admire Vanita Oelschlager's works, as she makes learning so interesting through all of her picture books.
This one is a great way to teach children idioms. Every page has an idiom not only listed, but also illustrated by taking its meaning literally. The illustrations are cute and hilarious, even more so, because they all feature animals/birds.
The actual meaning of the idiom, along with its usage in a sentence is written at the bottom of each page, inverted, and in tiny lettering, so that it can be referred to only when you really try to read it, and wouldn't interfere with teaching the meanings.
This one was one my favorites:
The book ends with a super cool explanation of how a particular idiom originated, and encourages readers to find the origins of other idioms, as the words that are used in an idiom, seldom mean what is said in the literal sense, but at the same time, are not a random bunch of words put together.
Another thing at the very end of the book is an illustrated version of the idiom "Like two peas in a pod". This is the only one that does not feature an animal/bird, but the sentence that is used to illustrate the example says that the author and illustrator are like two peas in a pod, in that they both like to make books for children to enjoy, which I thought was just really sweet and adorable! ♥
This one is a great way to teach children idioms. Every page has an idiom not only listed, but also illustrated by taking its meaning literally. The illustrations are cute and hilarious, even more so, because they all feature animals/birds.
The actual meaning of the idiom, along with its usage in a sentence is written at the bottom of each page, inverted, and in tiny lettering, so that it can be referred to only when you really try to read it, and wouldn't interfere with teaching the meanings.
This one was one my favorites:
The book ends with a super cool explanation of how a particular idiom originated, and encourages readers to find the origins of other idioms, as the words that are used in an idiom, seldom mean what is said in the literal sense, but at the same time, are not a random bunch of words put together.
Another thing at the very end of the book is an illustrated version of the idiom "Like two peas in a pod". This is the only one that does not feature an animal/bird, but the sentence that is used to illustrate the example says that the author and illustrator are like two peas in a pod, in that they both like to make books for children to enjoy, which I thought was just really sweet and adorable! ♥
April 3, 2019
This is a wonderful way to teach children about idioms. Every page has an idiom not only listed but also beautifully illustrated and giving its literal meaning. The illustrations are hilarious and sweet, especially as they all feature birds or animals. My favourites were ‘Bring home the bacon,’ ‘No spring chicken’ and ‘Let the cat out of the bag.’
The meaning of the idiom, along with an example of its usage in a sentence, is written at the bottom of each page, inverted, and in minute lettering, so that it can be referred to only when you really try to read it. Unfortunately, the writing was so small that I had problems reading it at all.
“Birds Of A Feather” concludes with an explanation of how a particular idiom originated, and encourages readers to find the origins of other idioms, as the words that are used in an idiom are generally not meant literally, however, neither are they a random group of words thrown together.
{Thank you to NetGalley, VanitaBooks, LLC and the author for a free copy and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
The meaning of the idiom, along with an example of its usage in a sentence, is written at the bottom of each page, inverted, and in minute lettering, so that it can be referred to only when you really try to read it. Unfortunately, the writing was so small that I had problems reading it at all.
“Birds Of A Feather” concludes with an explanation of how a particular idiom originated, and encourages readers to find the origins of other idioms, as the words that are used in an idiom are generally not meant literally, however, neither are they a random group of words thrown together.
{Thank you to NetGalley, VanitaBooks, LLC and the author for a free copy and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
December 9, 2020
Reading to a child from an early age is very important for their development, future academic, and even business success. Research shows that children who are being exposed to reading from an early age develop their cognitive abilities faster, show more interest in the environment, communicate better, learn faster, and this is directly related to their future success. Also, research shows that books greatly contribute to faster and more successful adoption and building of vocabulary in children as well as successful expression.
And yes, it is true that children start the process of language acquisition and learning from birth, but what do we do with more complex language structures? How to bring them closer to children in the most effective way?
The answer to that is hidden in the books like this one, which in a very interesting and witty way opens the world of idioms to children. The beautiful and colorful illustrations will immediately grab the attention of your little ones, while the upside-down explanation greatly forces children to focus and explore the illustration paying closer attention to details, thus providing them with an opportunity to be able to connect the image and the meaning of the words much more easily.
In addition to amazing illustrations and simple explanations, this book offers us the opportunity to encourage our little ones to give their ideas and examples of the use of idioms that are so effectively displayed in this beautiful and sweet picture book. I would have to agree that the portrayal of the police force is a bit offensive, but I would also have to say that children will not perceive it as such.
And to say that the book will be an excellent teaching aid for ESL learners is a simple understatement. The lively illustrations plus the simple, yet effective definitions will be of great value to every child learning English as a second language.
Yes, I am delighted by this engaging and fun storybook, filled with quirky illustrations and commonly used idioms and sayings. I would have to say that it will make an excellent addition to any preschool or family library.
And yes, it is true that children start the process of language acquisition and learning from birth, but what do we do with more complex language structures? How to bring them closer to children in the most effective way?
The answer to that is hidden in the books like this one, which in a very interesting and witty way opens the world of idioms to children. The beautiful and colorful illustrations will immediately grab the attention of your little ones, while the upside-down explanation greatly forces children to focus and explore the illustration paying closer attention to details, thus providing them with an opportunity to be able to connect the image and the meaning of the words much more easily.
In addition to amazing illustrations and simple explanations, this book offers us the opportunity to encourage our little ones to give their ideas and examples of the use of idioms that are so effectively displayed in this beautiful and sweet picture book. I would have to agree that the portrayal of the police force is a bit offensive, but I would also have to say that children will not perceive it as such.
And to say that the book will be an excellent teaching aid for ESL learners is a simple understatement. The lively illustrations plus the simple, yet effective definitions will be of great value to every child learning English as a second language.
Yes, I am delighted by this engaging and fun storybook, filled with quirky illustrations and commonly used idioms and sayings. I would have to say that it will make an excellent addition to any preschool or family library.
May 10, 2022
*I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Enjoyed it!
Loved the illustrations and concept for this book. One illustration does depict the cops as pigs (which I did not like). The explanations were upside down and I had a hard time reading them on the computer. All-in-all, this was useful and cute-would recommend.
Enjoyed it!
Loved the illustrations and concept for this book. One illustration does depict the cops as pigs (which I did not like). The explanations were upside down and I had a hard time reading them on the computer. All-in-all, this was useful and cute-would recommend.
February 11, 2017
My students will love this book! They’re always looking for clever sayings especially the 2nd-4th graders that I sub for. As a teacher, I try to insert some interesting news or fun stories that I have heard into my day when I am teaching, so that when they leave for the day they have something to share with their parents/guardians. I remember asking my own children what they had learned at the end of the day of the school day and frequently hearing “nothing,” if I can give the students just something for them to remember at the end of the day, I feel that have been successful. This book is something fun and educational, that I think the students will remember. To add an idiom or two to their vocabulary would be terrific. I realize that they might have heard some of these idioms before but I don’t think they have heard all of their meanings or how to use them. This book could be reread as the students learn different idioms, review what they know or learn more facts about the idioms they know. The illustrations are fun and colorful and show the idiom is a comical way. The idiom is written in big bold lettering across the page so this makes a great picture book. If you turn the book upside down, in smaller print on each page, the idiom is explained and it is used in a sentence. My favorites were barking up the wrong tree, a wild goose chase, hogwash and let the cat out of the bag. What a great resource.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book.
December 5, 2018
This was definitely a book that caught my eye as I enjoy idioms between other language tricks. The cover is taken from one of the illustrations and the wit that it portrays was a true winner to me.
The book was classic and witty while I loved it. The artwork was brightly colored while portraying the animal characters in a fun way that will put a new meaning to these well-known idioms.
Unfortunately the book did fall out of my higher favor when I came to the page that had a wild goose chase on it. The portrayal of police as pigs is an insult against the men and women who serve to keep us safe and although much younger readers wouldn't understand the offensiveness of it I would hope to keep such concepts away from them as much as possible until they are much older to grasp such concepts.
Otherwise I love the book's concept and presentation. The answer and/or history of the idiom is given to the reader at the bottom of the page on which it is given so that it can be a teaching point if educators should choose to use the book.
If it wasn't for the one point I would have given this book a much higher rating. It still is fun and educational while readers both old and young who like language will most definitely enjoy adding this book to their reading collection.
***I received access to a copy of this book in exchange for a free review.***
The book was classic and witty while I loved it. The artwork was brightly colored while portraying the animal characters in a fun way that will put a new meaning to these well-known idioms.
Unfortunately the book did fall out of my higher favor when I came to the page that had a wild goose chase on it. The portrayal of police as pigs is an insult against the men and women who serve to keep us safe and although much younger readers wouldn't understand the offensiveness of it I would hope to keep such concepts away from them as much as possible until they are much older to grasp such concepts.
Otherwise I love the book's concept and presentation. The answer and/or history of the idiom is given to the reader at the bottom of the page on which it is given so that it can be a teaching point if educators should choose to use the book.
If it wasn't for the one point I would have given this book a much higher rating. It still is fun and educational while readers both old and young who like language will most definitely enjoy adding this book to their reading collection.
***I received access to a copy of this book in exchange for a free review.***
October 20, 2019
What a great idea for a book and to help children understand idioms in the English language.
A book of idioms based on animals with a license to be silly with the illustrations seems to be the starting point. This is a very good place to start as it takes the words into an extreme imagined picture which reenforces that you don’t understand the saying by knowing what the words mean in themselves.
I liked this approach; but some worked better than others to my mind. A wild goose chase is the best example. A great drawing, words of explanation and usage but importantly it’s derivation. The difference between farm geese and the wild ones.
In the other cases you are asked at the end to do this work yourself as a carry on learning experience.
It gives barking up the wrong tree as the example - siting that it has its origins in colonial times in America chasing raccoons with dogs.
I would like the book to do more of this work or have a few websites where there are children friendly places to study words and idioms.
I think kids will love it and start looking for and using idioms more as they add so much texture and colour to our language.
Scope for many follow on books - would recommend.
A book of idioms based on animals with a license to be silly with the illustrations seems to be the starting point. This is a very good place to start as it takes the words into an extreme imagined picture which reenforces that you don’t understand the saying by knowing what the words mean in themselves.
I liked this approach; but some worked better than others to my mind. A wild goose chase is the best example. A great drawing, words of explanation and usage but importantly it’s derivation. The difference between farm geese and the wild ones.
In the other cases you are asked at the end to do this work yourself as a carry on learning experience.
It gives barking up the wrong tree as the example - siting that it has its origins in colonial times in America chasing raccoons with dogs.
I would like the book to do more of this work or have a few websites where there are children friendly places to study words and idioms.
I think kids will love it and start looking for and using idioms more as they add so much texture and colour to our language.
Scope for many follow on books - would recommend.
April 3, 2018
Thank you Netgalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
We loved this book - my husband and I. Our son enjoyed the pictures with puzzled looks at his parents for why are they laughing. He kept demanding a story while we giggled at the witty ways of explaining idioms to kids. Or rather demonstrating their direct meanings to adults who use them daily without thinking what they really sound like to kids.
I can imagine this book is a perfect road to a thousand WHY questions for those with slightly older kids who will take up these idioms in their further speech.
It's a fantastic way to teach and demonstrate.
Also, the birds are super cute and memorable characters. Wish there were further stories with them - my son would utterly enjoy their adventures in "a real story."
PS not that it's intended for it but I think this book makes for a funny present for someone's boss or a colleague. Say, someone who's prone to adding an idiom to every thought spoken.
We loved this book - my husband and I. Our son enjoyed the pictures with puzzled looks at his parents for why are they laughing. He kept demanding a story while we giggled at the witty ways of explaining idioms to kids. Or rather demonstrating their direct meanings to adults who use them daily without thinking what they really sound like to kids.
I can imagine this book is a perfect road to a thousand WHY questions for those with slightly older kids who will take up these idioms in their further speech.
It's a fantastic way to teach and demonstrate.
Also, the birds are super cute and memorable characters. Wish there were further stories with them - my son would utterly enjoy their adventures in "a real story."
PS not that it's intended for it but I think this book makes for a funny present for someone's boss or a colleague. Say, someone who's prone to adding an idiom to every thought spoken.
July 17, 2014
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. No other consideration was offered, expected or received.
I loved the artwork in this book. They are silly and fun and done really well. Very cute!! Great way to teach idioms to children and the information in the back is very helpful. The kids laughed and laughed the pictures and the idioms and had a great time trying to figure things out. Loved it!!
I loved the artwork in this book. They are silly and fun and done really well. Very cute!! Great way to teach idioms to children and the information in the back is very helpful. The kids laughed and laughed the pictures and the idioms and had a great time trying to figure things out. Loved it!!
September 29, 2023
As we know children are curious so they ask questions. I'm waiting for my kid to grow up and ask silly questions.
One day while talking to a friend, I said "oh no just let the cat out of the bag already." Her 6 years old came running and asked where the cat is. It got difficult fast enough to explain to him that there wasn't really a cat.
So this book is about idioms and can help kids understand what the idioms are in a fun and enjoyable way.
Thank you Netgalley and Vanitabooks for ARC in exchange of an honest review.
One day while talking to a friend, I said "oh no just let the cat out of the bag already." Her 6 years old came running and asked where the cat is. It got difficult fast enough to explain to him that there wasn't really a cat.
So this book is about idioms and can help kids understand what the idioms are in a fun and enjoyable way.
Thank you Netgalley and Vanitabooks for ARC in exchange of an honest review.
September 11, 2019
This book was definitely not what I expected based off of the cover. I expected a book about different types of birds, but this book is about idioms (although several of the selected idioms include birds). With that said, I think this book would be a great resource for a parent or teacher to use when trying to teach children about idioms. The end of the book includes a description of what an idiom is. I feel that this description would be better placed at the beginning of the book for students who may pick this book up on their own. The pictures are cute and humorous. I feel that the illustrator did a great job of capturing what readers may imagine when they read or hear each idiom.
Each page includes one common idiom along with an explanation of what the idiom means and an example of how the idiom could be used in a sentence. These explanations and examples are useful for those that either don't understand idioms or don't understand why they might be used in the English language. Overall, I think that this book would be a great addition to elementary school or classroom libraries.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Each page includes one common idiom along with an explanation of what the idiom means and an example of how the idiom could be used in a sentence. These explanations and examples are useful for those that either don't understand idioms or don't understand why they might be used in the English language. Overall, I think that this book would be a great addition to elementary school or classroom libraries.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2014
Title: Birds of a Feather A Book of Idioms and Silly Pictures
Author: Vanita Oelschlager
Illustrator: Robin Hegan
Publisher: Vanita Books, LLC
Published: 5-1-2014
ISBN: 9780980016284
Pages: 32
Genre: Children's Fiction
Tags: Language, Cultures
Overall Rating: Excellent
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Reviewer: DelAnne
This is a book of unusual words and idioms (expressive sayings) found in the English language, usually in America. This book is written for readers ages 5 to 8, but I well beyond that age range and found it very informative. Although I had heard all these before, but I had forgotten some and wondered about some of the others. Meanings behind the phrases or words. Along with illustrations that depict the meanings beautifully. This is a great book to share and discuss with young readers. Perhaps you could share some of the sayings not listed in the book the you grew up with. Pick up a copy soon to enjoy.
Author: Vanita Oelschlager
Illustrator: Robin Hegan
Publisher: Vanita Books, LLC
Published: 5-1-2014
ISBN: 9780980016284
Pages: 32
Genre: Children's Fiction
Tags: Language, Cultures
Overall Rating: Excellent
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Reviewer: DelAnne
This is a book of unusual words and idioms (expressive sayings) found in the English language, usually in America. This book is written for readers ages 5 to 8, but I well beyond that age range and found it very informative. Although I had heard all these before, but I had forgotten some and wondered about some of the others. Meanings behind the phrases or words. Along with illustrations that depict the meanings beautifully. This is a great book to share and discuss with young readers. Perhaps you could share some of the sayings not listed in the book the you grew up with. Pick up a copy soon to enjoy.
May 31, 2014
Birds Of A Feather: A Book Of Idioms And Silly Pictures by Vanita Oelschager was an adorable children’s book. There are things I say to my five year old granddaughter that makes her start laughing because in her mind she thinks I’m saying something different from what I really am saying, (example, it’s raining cats and dogs). This book is perfect for her, because she can see things both ways. It’s also good for adults because it helps illustrate what the saying means in a child’s mind. I never really gave that much thought but now I do. I felt it was a really clever approach and enjoyable for children and adults alike. The writing style and the adorable artwork in the illustrations helped greatly with the understanding of certain idioms.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a cute childrens book that also is educational. This book is a real gem that you don’t want to miss.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a cute childrens book that also is educational. This book is a real gem that you don’t want to miss.
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June 9, 2015I was initially put off by the words on each page being upside down, however I realized quickly that this makes perfect sense when using the book for teaching. I loved the idea and the drawing were cute. A couple of the explanations didn't seem exactly spot on, but close enough.
This may be petty, but for "bring home the bacon" I read that the father makes the money for the family and thought, "of course he does..." Personally, I would have liked to have seen a little change up in the gender role. Also, I'm not sure how many children realize that bacon comes from pigs. That picture might require a little explanation.
I loved the last page with the explanation of what idioms are and where they come from. I thought that would be interesting information for children and may lead to further investigation of how other idioms began.
Overall, a very cute book that would be very useful to introduce idioms, particularly in a school setting.
This may be petty, but for "bring home the bacon" I read that the father makes the money for the family and thought, "of course he does..." Personally, I would have liked to have seen a little change up in the gender role. Also, I'm not sure how many children realize that bacon comes from pigs. That picture might require a little explanation.
I loved the last page with the explanation of what idioms are and where they come from. I thought that would be interesting information for children and may lead to further investigation of how other idioms began.
Overall, a very cute book that would be very useful to introduce idioms, particularly in a school setting.
September 29, 2015
Figures of speech can be hard to explain, but it won't be hard for these idioms to make you laugh.
Each one is illustrated in a way that shows what it means in a literal sense. The goose driving over very bumpy ground (goosebumps) or a child with an umbrella walking along as cats and hot dogs fall from the sky (raining cats and dogs) are just two examples of what someone might imagine the idioms mean.
To help readers understand what the idioms really mean, there is an explanation in the lower corner of each illustration. The phrase is also used in a sample sentence.
Each one is illustrated in a way that shows what it means in a literal sense. The goose driving over very bumpy ground (goosebumps) or a child with an umbrella walking along as cats and hot dogs fall from the sky (raining cats and dogs) are just two examples of what someone might imagine the idioms mean.
To help readers understand what the idioms really mean, there is an explanation in the lower corner of each illustration. The phrase is also used in a sample sentence.
June 26, 2017
This book is a good introduction to idioms, with funny (and very literal) illustrations, such as 'raining cats and dogs'. Although some children will be able to see the funny side and make sense of the humour here, I think for others it will go over their heads. The illustrations are great thought - full double-page spreads with nice big text, with much smaller text using the idioms in a sentence. I am not sure why this small text needs to be upside down, but it's helpful to put the idioms into context. I think this book will encourage questions and lots of laughter, which is great.
April 1, 2014
Super cute book on idioms with fabulous large, easy to see illustrations that depict in a very, silly way, common idioms. I especially loved the extended explanations on the bottom of the page that would be perfect for a teacher or parent to further explain or expand on the idiom. Perfect teaching tool for a unit on idioms.
Probably best for Pre-K - grade 3.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free copy in exchange for a fair review.
Probably best for Pre-K - grade 3.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free copy in exchange for a fair review.
September 7, 2016
This is a very cute book that is funny for both young children and the adults who are reading the book to the children. The idioms are illustrated in such a way that kids will get a kick out of them and adults will enjoy the jokes. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers for free in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers for free in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2018
This colorful book uses entertaining illustrations to teach the meaning behind idioms such as raining cats and dogs, no spring chicken, butterflies in your stomach, and wild goose chase. I enjoyed this book and believe it would be most popular among children ages 5-8.
Thank you #NetGalley and #VanitaBooks for providing me with #BirdsOfAFeather to read and review!
Thank you #NetGalley and #VanitaBooks for providing me with #BirdsOfAFeather to read and review!
April 18, 2015
very cute! in language, there are lots of phrases people say that normally just wouldn't make sense. this book certainly helps little kids understand them. i like how it gives the phrase, a picture depicting the phrase and also explains the phrase. well done!
August 1, 2017
5 Stars. What another beautiful, educational book by Vanita Oelschlager with colorful, humorous illustrations by Robin Hegan explaining idioms in a joyful way to your child. This author makes learning fun. Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ebook for review.
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