The Moon of the Winter Bird

by Jean Craighead George Narrated by Barbara Caruso

Overview

For a song sparrow that has not migrated south this year, it is a daily challenge to keep warm, as its once plentiful food supply dwindles during a harsh December in Ohio. In Thirteen Moons-a spellbinding wildlife series-Newbery Award-winning author Jean Craighead George has captured thirteen North American animals in their natural environments and chronicled their fight for survival. From the lush Florida Everglades to the snowy Alaskan tundra, this series explores the intricate relationships among animals, plants, and the ever-changing environment in which they live. A favorite of adults and children alike, George's entertaining and educational tales of nature alive and in action-Julie, Shark Beneath the Reef and Julie of the Wolves -have thrilled listeners for a generation. Barbara Caruso's inspired narration captures the drama of survival, and will leave you wondering which is more dangerous-the wild or the family cat.

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-- Originally published in 1969, these new editions have more visual appeal because of their open format and full-page, full-color illustrations, many of which are closeups. In The Moon of the Deer , a young male white-tailed buck survives threats from a mature male and a hurricane in the marshlands of Connecticut. The text has been rewritten without losing its lyrical quality. George maintains a sense of place and heightens the feeling of excitement through the instincts and keen senses of animals anticipating the storm. Mixed-media illustrations rendered in tones of blue and brown shimmer under both moonlight and sunlight. In the second book, the activities of a male song sparrow, known as a Winter Bird because he no longer migrates with his species, are presented. The updated text conveys the immediacy and fragility of a bird's life without dependency on anthropomorphism. As the sparrow hovers in a spruce tree near a suburban house during a snow storm, events during his lifetime are related. The ever-present threat from the family cat heightens the tension. Information about bird behavior, physiology, and habitat are skillfully woven into the text. Full-page illustrations in natural tones true to the seasons complement the story. Nasta's use of light in the winter scenes is quite striking. Both books show the interrelatedness of nature. Specific facts about habitats and animal behavior are accessible, but these titles are best appreciated when read cover-to-cover or shared as read-alouds. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elem . School, Glen Rock, NJ

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170831159
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	05/08/2015
Series:	The Thirteen Moons , #13
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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