Bird Watch

Matheson takes readers on a tranquil counting and bird-watching expedition. On the first page, a checklist identifies birds that readers may spot throughout: chickadee, warbler, and bluebird among them. Matheson provides quiet, guiding observations: “As a few raindrops fall, you just might find seven wrens singing. Try to spy their stripy tails.” Insects and mammals pepper the flower-filled landscape as well, with some at risk of becoming prey. Airy watercolors featuring light strokes and pale skies give the spreads a feeling of openness. As the skies turn an inky blue, “one more beautiful bird”—an owl—appears. Matheson urges readers to observe the natural world with wide-open senses. Ages 4–8.[em] (Feb.) [/em]