Counting is for the Birds
By: Frank Mazzola, Jr.
You can purchase it on Amazon here.
Book synopsis:
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2. One by one, birds arrive at a feeder until a total of 20 are clustered at the spot. A squirrel scatters the flock, thwarting a patient cat who lurks in the background. This versatile book invites more than one reading to absorb the variety of concepts presented. It is, first of all, a counting book with a flowing, rhyming story, but it also gives information about birds in both text and illustration. Each double-spread includes basic facts about physical characteristics and behaviors, specific foods birds prefer, and types of feeders to use. The attractive format successfully separates concepts while maintaining continuity in presentation. Illustrations are all computer-generated, digital paintings that are amazingly realistic, clear, and sharp. Birds are easily identifiable with bright colors that remain true to nature and are attractively framed by a twig design. While all the information found here can be located elsewhere, and counting books abound, this combination of counting, rhyming, story, facts, and the visual appeal of the unique presentation succeeds at all levels.
~Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ
My thoughts:
Counting is for the Birds is one of my favorite preschool books. I have a little girl who loves birds so this book was perfect when she was first beginning to count. The book is beautifully illustrated and captures young minds and older minds alike. It is a fun book for discovering different types of birds. Since the book centers around a bird feeder the book also explores the different types of seeds each bird prefers. This is an excellent addition to a nature study, math lesson, and science lesson or unit study on birds. The rhyming makes it a nice tie in to your language studies. In the back of the book you will find more information on each bird to extend your study. Counting is for the Birds is one of those sentimental books you will hang onto for a long time.
Preschool Craft: Thankful Hands Tree