Birds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me by Susan L. Roth- ESSENTIAL

Birds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me by Susan L. Roth. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2019. $19. 9780823442829

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Bowerbirds collect materials from around their habitats to create beautiful, unique collages or artwork in hopes of attracting mates. Author Susan Roth uses this distinct and creative picture book to compare her own process of creating art to that of a Bowerbird.  “Our purpose is to have the results be as beautiful as we can make them.” Never are two compositions the same.  Their tools are similar: his beak operates like tweezers and his feet are like an artist’s hands.  Their ideas come from the spaces around them using materials found or recycled.  “We try to be original in our sometimes ridiculous arrangements of things that most people and most birds would never in a million years dream of putting together.

Susan Roth uses distinct collage techniques  to bring her art to life.  Birds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me is a brilliant picture book that will spark creativity and discussion in classrooms and homes alike.  Detailed facts and an explanation about Bowerbirds are included in the back of the book.  Also included is Roth’s description of her own creative process and how they are similar to that of a Bowerbird.  Birds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me will be the perfect addition to any art project or unit as well as a unit on birds and recycling.

Reviewer: SL