What About Me?

All the Birds in the World by David Opie

“But what about me?” asked Kiwi.

Diversity is a phenomenon found and celebrated throughout nature. All the Birds in the World explores the remarkable variety found within the avian species.

An adorable little kiwi narrates this informative picture book highlighting a vast assortment of birds living in all parts of the globe. The narrative begins with a list of characteristics common to all members of this class of warm-blooded vertebrates: feathers, wings, and beaks.

Successive pages illustrate remarkable individuality. Birds  are different with respect to size, shape, coloration, and behaviors.  They can be found in a range of climates and habitats. 

Kiwi, a native to New Zealand bird, compares itself with others of the species and asks, "But what about me?"

Kiwi is pleased that a stubby critter who cannot sing, has no tail, does not fly, lives underground, and has whiskers is nonetheless a bird and proudly proclaims that "Even me" is a member of this feathered family.

Opie's exquisitely detailed paintings showcase a dazzling array of winged wonders.  Two-page spreads of birds in motion (flying, swimming, and singing or calling) invite careful examination. There are also closeups of eggs, feet, and beaks. The artist notes that some bird images are "not necessarily to scale."

Back matter includes A Note from the Author, additional Kiwi information, and splendid annotated reproductions of the book's pages that identify most of the birds featured throughout the volume.

A delightful introduction to ornithology.

Copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: June 1, 2020  Publisher:  Peter Pauper Press   ISBN: 978-1441333292