A Filth of Starlings: A Compilation of Bird and Aquatic Animal Group Names

by PatrickGeorge

Nominated for the Kate Greenaway Award, this is an eye-poppingthat are powerful to the eye and the mind.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals

48 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2009

Reviews

[Rochelle Sondae · Rating 4 out of 5]

So clever! I originally ordered this book and its companion, A Drove of Bullocks, with a former employee in mind. She has a sweatshirt that lists quite a few compilations of animals and whenever she wears it she is often stopped by complete strangers so that they can read all of them.
The illustrations in both of these books are hilarious. In this title I think my favorite is "a kit of pigeons" although "a pod of dolphins" got me laughing out loud and the "parliament of owls" made me yearn for more.

[Juli Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an interesting concept for a book, and could be both beautiful and informative, but it leaves something to be desired. The illustrations are beautiful and clever--each animal is represented by a sort of visual pun on its collective noun. However, the text itself is trite, overly simplified, and includes some errors in grammar and biology. In addition, it seems to be written for both children and adults, which translates here as fit for neither. This book is merely a beautiful novelty.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bold graphic illustrations cleverly combine with the text.

Did you know a grouping of woodpeckers is called a descent of woodpeckers? Or a group of pheasants is called a bouquet? I love language and this book was a quick and interesting read easily understood at early grade levels as well as adults.

[Christiane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books! The artwork is amazing and I actually learned some new animal group names (a hover of trout, a kettle of hawks, a turn of turtles). Great for kids and teens who are into animals, art, or graphic design.

[Tracey Baptiste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the illustrations in this picture book. Each one is a design dream, showing the meaning of the word clearly and with humor. Great for older kids who are interested in animals and in expanding their vocabulary.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully witty, funny and intelligent book! It is there to be enjoyed by both kids and adults. I immediately must go find the other books by this author.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The graphic design in this book is delightful, and the spare but carefully chosen text is great fodder for trivia buffs. A group of ravens is called a storytelling- how poetic!

[Portia · Rating 4 out of 5]

very clever! and beautiful. Athena prompted me to request some books on the subject, one other I loved, but this one was my favorite.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well done! From the artwork to the text, George held my attention and educated me at the same time.