Hawks Kettle, Puffins Wheel: And Other Poems of Birds in Flight by Susan Vande Griek, Mark Hoffmann
Published by Kids Can Press on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 1771389958
Pages: 36
Goodreads

Poetry and science coalesce in this nonfiction picture book for elementary school readers that showcases a dozen unique birds found in North America, ranging from the more ubiquitous, like crows and hummingbirds, to lesser-known varieties like gannets and wood-pewees. Each two-page spread features a poem and a paragraph with a few distinct tidbits about each bird. For example, courting bald eagles will lock talons and cartwheel in the air. The illustrations are dynamic and engaging, with sweeping brush strokes and lettering that help bring the birds to life. While not deeply profound, the poetry is straight-forward and evokes a bit of each bird’s essence, such as puffins circling or a hummingbird hovering in flight. Some of the poems also feature creative text layout, like a V-formation for the Canadian goose, or a swooping angle to capture the drama of a peregrine falcon in descent. 

Additional information can be found at the end of the book, including further descriptions of each bird, a glossary of terms, and a feather identification guide that might appeal to the young collector, but overall, the information presented is introductory and brief. This book would likely roost best in an elementary classroom or school library, as this science and poetry crossover could work its way into either curriculum as a creative supplement.

Reviewed by Kat Luedke, Long Island Community Library