About Parrots: A Guide for Children by Cathryn Sill, Illustrated by John Sill, 2014, Peachtree, $16.95, hardbound, 43 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: attractive. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
This book is a wonderful first look at the world of nature, in particular the world of the parrot. Using simple language, Sill explains what parrots look like, how they use their feet, what they eat, how they use their bills and tongues, where they live, and more.
Firstly, Sill describes the common traits shared by all parrots; then she goes into some of the differences among various types of parrots. John Sill's excellent colour illustrations vividly reveal to the reader what these beautiful birds look like.
In the afterword, Cathryn Sill goes into more detail for older readers who want more information. Here readers will learn that there are over 350 species of parrots; that parrots' feet are zygodactyl (meaning each foot has two toes facing forwards and two facing backwards); that parrots are the only birds who can use their feet the way we use our hands to bring food to their mouths; and much, much more.
This is both an entertaining and educational book.
If you like this one, try: About Birds, by Cathryn Sill; About Raptors, by Cathryn Sill.
Don't forget to check out the other sites on the tour:
Kid Lit Frenzy
and tomorrow:
The Fourth Musketeer
And go to Peachtree for more posts: blog, Facebook, and Twitter
Tailing a Tabby by Laurie Cass, 2014, Obsidian, $7.99, softbound, 340 pages. Category/Genre: mystery. Cover: quite good. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
The second in a series, this book can stand alone. It follows librarian Minnie Hamilton and her rescue cat, Eddie, as they drive the library's bookmobile to various spots around town. Minnie has a few problems in her life, most of them to do with work -- until she and Eddie happen across a woman in need of help for her husband, who's had a stroke. Minnie and Eddie take the couple to the hospital, where Minnie finds out the man in question is Russell 'Cade' McCade, her favourite artist. The four become steadfast friends, so it's not surprising that Minnie agrees to help out once again when Cade is suspected of murder.
It's a good mystery, but the most fun to be had is in reading about Eddie's antics. The characters are well-done and interesting, and readers will want to read the next installment just to visit those characters again. The book has humour and suspense, and plenty of local flavour. It's certain to draw both cat lovers and book lovers.
If you like this one, try: Murder Past Due, by Miranda James; Bookmarked for Death, by Lorna Barrett; and Double Booked for Death, by Ali Brandon.
