There once was a local librarian
Who admired all things very avian
She wanted to fly
But no wings … so, sigh,
She’ll just have to be homosapien
A writer of limericks, I am not; but a reader of books, I am. So, despite the poor attempt at poetry (Not a poet / Now I know it), today’s bibliographic tribute to “all things very avian” is worth your attention.
Part of the National Geographic Kids series of books, “Fly With Me” salutes our fine feathered friends through photographs, history, poems, songs and more. Did you know that “many birds’ feathers weigh more than their bones?” Light as a feather? I think not. Or that a roadrunner uses its tail as a rudder, just like an airplane? If you fancy yourself a crooner, do you know the words to “I Love My Rooster”? If not, it includes “dee doo-dle doo-die dee / doo-dle dee do,” which, in my humble opinion, is worth two in the bush, if you know what I mean.
Those of us who live in the Northwest are familiar with ospreys. But did you know that ospreys have two special adaptations? Read page 122 to learn that ospreys have “a reversible toe and nasal valves that close to keep out water.” Golly. Speaking of the Northwest, the state bird of Washington (as well as Iowa and New Jersey) is the American Goldfinch. My yard has been blessed with multiple pairs of these lovely birds, and I’ve always admired their color and sweet song. Now, after reading “Fly With Me,” I also admire their equal opportunity parenting style. Turn to page 68 to learn that when goldfinches “raise two broods in a year, the female builds the second nest while the male feeds and raises the first chicks.” You go, girl.
Shelved in the children’s nonfiction section of the library’s collection (J598 YOLEN), I hope that all ages will take the time to read this wonderful book; and if the mood strikes, channel a little Frank Sinatra: “Come fly with me, we’ll fly, we’ll fly away …”
