Jones’s illustrations mirror the text, allowing the youngest readers to create a story without the words but also giving them the pleasure of reading on their own after perhaps just one read-aloud. These illustrations, in their stylized beauty, depict the most basic elements of the natural world and highlight the text’s focus on science. The entire reading experience indeed heralds a “beautiful day.”
—Horn Book (starred review)
Bird Builds a Nest: A First Science Storybook works well as a straightforward narrative that concludes with the toddler-pleasing sight of a nest full of ready-to-hatch eggs…It’s become de rigueur to introduce little kids to science concepts, and Bird Builds a Nest is among those with standout illustrations. In fact, Richard Jones’s nimble mixed-media compositions, which have the look of cut-paper tableaux, are downright suitable for framing.
—Shelf Awareness for Readers (starred review)
This simple book about a bird’s nest-building activities is accessible as both a story and a book about science….This new series launch serves as a gentle introduction to scientific principles for the very young. A solid read-aloud for young nature lovers.
—School Library Journal
A worthy…venture into multidisciplinary teaching for very young children.
—Kirkus Reviews
In an expectant tone and encouraging curiosity, Jenkins’ text playfully captures the bird’s lengthy task of building a home, with an emphasis on the bird’s physical actions, like pushing, pulling, and carrying. Jones’ mixed-media illustrations, rendered in muted natural tones, nicely underscore the concepts, especially as the nest gets gradually bigger…Inquisitive little ones will appreciate this approachable STEM- friendly read.
—Booklist Online
Jones’ illustrations make this a visual pleasure, with a stylized bird in designer earthtones reminiscent of Charley Harper; a petite seven-entry index is included to help listeners “look up the pages to find out about forces.” This is an attractive, engaging debut for a promising new series.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
In this kickoff to the First Science Storybook series, author and biologist Jenkins follows a bird as it builds its nest…Closing questions invite readers to revisit the book with the concepts of pushing and pulling in mind: “Can you find some places in the book where Bird pushes something?” It’s a neat way for readers to see science fundamentals at work in nature.
—Publishers Weekly
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