Every Day Birds

This striking tribute to avian diversity introduces 20 North American species of birds. VanDerwater’s subtle poem describes their distinguishing characteristics, often using as few as four words per bird: “Heron fishes with his bill./ Sparrow hops in brown./ Mockingbird has many voices./ Pigeon lives in town.” These succinct profiles are bookended by quiet verses about bird-watching. Newcomer Metrano’s lovely cut-paper artwork gives the birds crisp outlines and distinct feather patterns; set against unadorned, colored backgrounds, the birds take on the poised, posed quality of stained glass windows. A closing section offers additional details about each bird. Ages 3–5. Author’s agent: Elizabeth Harding, Curtis Brown. (Feb.)