National Bird Feeding Month

February is National Bird Feeding Month, so somewhat on topic, I have a couple of reviews for today!

Martchenko, Michael.

Birdfeeder Banquet.

1990.

Annick Press Ltd.,: Toronto, CA

Ages: 5-8
Genre: Fiction - Birds
Guided Reading Level: N/A

This is a hilarious story that I was not familiar with prior to finding it in a search for books about bird feeding! Jenny notices all the birds outside the kitchen window at the family bird feeder. However, she feels that they dislike the birdseed because of the way it's flying around. Her mother insists its the finest birdseed available, but when Jenny tries it, she agrees with the birds! She concocts her own birdfeed mixture and feeds it to the birds daily. But as they eat more, they quickly gain weight until they are no longer able to even fly! The mayor and townspeople are disgusted and order Jenny to do something about the problem. She tries, but even her exercise program fails. Finally, the mayor calls in a plane, promises the bird a buffet and ships them southward. Little do the birds know, they're headed to the health spa!

This story was not only funny, but it does teacher readers that birds need to follow a healthy diet, just as people do!

Fromental, Jean-Luc.

365 Penguins.

2006.

Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Ages: 4-8

Genre: Fiction - Penguins, Math

Guided Reading Level: N/A

Uncle Victor decides to surprise the family with a special Christmas gift, set to start in the new year! Every day, the doorbell rings and a delivery man delivers the family a package - a penguin. By the end of January, there are 31 penguins living in the family home. With each penguin comes unplanned for expenses - namely feeding them all! Finally, the last day of the year has arrived, New Year's Eve, but there's still one last delivery to be made - one last penguin, the 365th one!

This book provides plenty of room for counting activities and also multiplication for older children, as they could be asked how much it costs to feed the penguins or how many pounds of fish are needed. The book itself is very funny and the illustrations are drawn using colors that we associate with penguins - black, orange, and white, adding to the story being told!