BOOK REVIEW: Bird Builds a Nest by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Richard Jones

Stephanie O'Connell | 27 March 2018 | Reply

BOOK REVIEW: Bird Builds a Nest by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Richard Jones

Walker Books
March 2018
Hardcover, $24.99
Reviewed by Steph O’Connell

Picture Books / Science & Education

6/10

A gentle, sweetly illustrated concept book takes on physical forces as young children learn about pushing and pulling.

It’s time for Bird to build her nest! Follow her as she pulls a worm out of the ground, lifts some twigs that are just the right size, and pushes the twigs into place. Uh-oh! One of the twigs falls to the ground! But after a day of hard work, Bird’s nest is ready and waiting. Can you guess what it’s waiting for? Using simple, clear language and beautiful illustrations, this engaging story is the perfect introduction to physical forces for very young readers. A final spread with some simple questions promotes discussion with parents, teachers, or caregivers and encourages readers to think about the concepts introduced.

Bird Builds a Nest is the a great book to add to the collection of titles that appeals to various ages, with a simple story that can be read alone, and more in depth information that can be introduced in further reads or to older listeners and readers.

Here, we’re taking a look at forces; such as pushing, pulling, lifting, and gravity.

The back of the book includes an experiment with forces and an index so you can easily find forces that might be relevant to your discussion with children.

Other titles that might appeal in this style (with a self-contained story, and then further information available in a different font) include Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Markus Motum, Gecko by Raymond Huber and Brian Lovelock, and Dingo by Claire Saxby and Tannya Harricks.