My Book of Birds

My Book of Birds

Written by: Valério, Geraldo
Illustrated by: Valério, Geraldo
ages 5 and up / grades K and up

A stunning album of some of the most beautiful birds in North America.

Geraldo Valério is an artist who loves birds, from majestic Golden Eagles and Snowy Owls to brilliant cardinals and jays to the tiniest of hummingbirds. Here he presents his favorites, with beautiful collage illustrations and brief descriptions that highlight intriguing facts about each one.

The illustrations show a variety of feathered creatures in their natural habitats as they hunt for food, impress their mates, nest, and care for their young. The concise, accessible text provides information ranging from clever techniques for finding food to remarkable physical features to fascinating behaviors. But above all, Geraldo Valério shares his passion for birds in this lovingly created album, inspiring young readers with their beauty and the excitement of discovery.

Includes an introduction, glossary, index and sources for further information.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.4
With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.

A stunning album of some of the most beautiful birds in North America.

Geraldo Valério is an artist who loves birds, from majestic Golden Eagles and Snowy Owls to brilliant cardinals and jays to the tiniest of hummingbirds. Here he presents his favorites, with beautiful collage illustrations and brief descriptions that highlight intriguing facts about each one.

The illustrations show a variety of feathered creatures in their natural habitats as they hunt for food, impress their mates, nest, and care for their young. The concise, accessible text provides information ranging from clever techniques for finding food to remarkable physical features to fascinating behaviors. But above all, Geraldo Valério shares his passion for birds in this lovingly created album, inspiring young readers with their beauty and the excitement of discovery.

Includes an introduction, glossary, index and sources for further information.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.4
With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.

Published By Groundwood Books Ltd — Apr 5, 2016
Specifications 60 pages | 9.25 in x 12.25 in
Written By

GERALDO VALÉRIO was born in Brazil, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Drawing, followed by a Master of Arts at New York University. His books, which frequently receive starred reviews, include Two Green Birds, My Book of Butterflies, At the Pond (Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award honor book), Blue Rider, Turn On the Night and Night Runners. His work has been published in Canada, the US, Brazil, Portugal, France, the UK and China. Geraldo lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Illustrated by

GERALDO VALÉRIO was born in Brazil, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Drawing, followed by a Master of Arts at New York University. His books, which frequently receive starred reviews, include Two Green Birds, My Book of Butterflies, At the Pond (Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award honor book), Blue Rider, Turn On the Night and Night Runners. His work has been published in Canada, the US, Brazil, Portugal, France, the UK and China. Geraldo lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Written By

GERALDO VALÉRIO was born in Brazil, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Drawing, followed by a Master of Arts at New York University. His books, which frequently receive starred reviews, include Two Green Birds, My Book of Butterflies, At the Pond (Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award honor book), Blue Rider, Turn On the Night and Night Runners. His work has been published in Canada, the US, Brazil, Portugal, France, the UK and China. Geraldo lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Illustrated by

GERALDO VALÉRIO was born in Brazil, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Drawing, followed by a Master of Arts at New York University. His books, which frequently receive starred reviews, include Two Green Birds, My Book of Butterflies, At the Pond (Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award honor book), Blue Rider, Turn On the Night and Night Runners. His work has been published in Canada, the US, Brazil, Portugal, France, the UK and China. Geraldo lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Audience ages 5 and up / grades K and up
Reading Levels Lexile AD990L
Guided Reading O
Key Text Features introduction; scientific nomenclature; labels; glossary; index

Commended, CCBC Best Books for Children and Teens, starred selection, 2016

Commended, OLA Best Bets Top Ten, 2016

Commended, Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices List, 2017

“An inviting combination of information and artistry that subtly encourages readers to observe and reflect on bird life.” —Publishers Weekly

“A delight to browse.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Educational as well as entertaining, My Book of Birds is a treat for young bird lovers!” —Midwest Book Review

“The stylized collage illustrations, created with old magazines, art paper, and gift wrap, are striking and beautiful … this volume is not an identification guide so much as an invitation to consider the fascinating diversity of the avian world by reading a bit about each species and lingering over the pictures.” —Booklist

“… what really shines through My Book of Birds is the author's own interest in, and affection for, the winged creatures -- surely the most important factor when it comes to capturing the imagination.” —Quill & Quire

“An artful introduction, this title is ideal for bird-watchers and animal fans.” —School Library Journal

“The collage illustrations … are keenly accurate in capturing the essence of each bird and the distinctive features that aid in its identification.” —The Horn Book

“This book’s abundant variety and clean cut, striking collage illustrations make multiple readings a must.” —Toronto Star


Praise for Geraldo Valério and My Book of Birds:

"An inviting combination of information and artistry that subtly encourages readers to observe and reflect on bird life." — Publishers Weekly

"A delight to browse." — Kirkus Reviews

"Educational as well as entertaining, My Book of Birds is a treat for young bird lovers!" — Midwest Book Review

"The stylized collage illustrations, created with old magazines, art paper, and gift wrap, are striking and beautiful … this volume is not an identification guide so much as an invitation to consider the fascinating diversity of the avian world by reading a bit about each species and lingering over the pictures." — Booklist

"… what really shines through My Book of Birds is the author's own interest in, and affection for, the winged creatures -- surely the most important factor when it comes to capturing the imagination." — Quill & Quire

"An artful introduction, this title is ideal for bird-watchers and animal fans." — School Library Journal

"The collage illustrations … are keenly accurate in capturing the essence of each bird and the distinctive features that aid in its identification." — The Horn Book

"This book’s abundant variety and clean cut, striking collage illustrations make multiple readings a must." — Toronto Star

"Truly a visual treat, one that will hopefully awaken a 'birder' attitude in its readers who will then seek to discover living examples of what Valério has presented." — CM Magazine