Poetry

Artwork by Steve Jenkins

Image from www.betsyfranco.com

Birdsongs 
by Betsy Franco
Illustrated by Steve Jenkins

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Franco, Betsy. 2007. BIRDSONGS. Ill. by Steve Jenkins. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN 9780689877773

PLOT SUMMARY

Betsy Franco’s Birdsongs, is a backward counting picture book that begins with the rising sun and ends with the quiet sky… until the mockingbird sings all the songs she has heard throughout the day. It has been a noisy day, indeed, beginning with the woodpecker’s 10 “taps” while he looks for breakfast bugs, followed by the 9 “coos” of the mourning doves trying to eat from a birdfeeder, and so on throughout the day. At the end of the day, a hummingbird makes the last, solitary sound – a tiny “tzik” as she sucks a treat from a honeysuckle. But as the sun sets, the quiet is interrupted by the mimicking mockingbird.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Written in free-verse, Fancos’s lyrical language leads readers through a book of the sights and sounds of nature. Without question, sound is a prominent character, as Franco uses onomatopoeia repeatedly throughout the book. The ducks and their five quacks provide the perfect example.

A short rain shower. Dressed in shiny green suits,

mallards in the creek discuss the weather.

“The gull was right,” they say,

quacking 5 times in agreement.

qua  qua   qua   qua   qua

Very young readers may not be able to read Franco’s descriptive text, but will certainly enjoy the imagery that she creates, and of course, vocalizing each bird call.

Steve Jenkin’s collage illustrations add vivid, realistic depictions of each bird species over two-page spreads. The intricacies of the paper and materials he uses bring the birds to life with soft, layered feathers, sharp talons, and strong, vocal beaks. Each seemingly textured page is sure to keep a young reader engaged.

Included at the end of the book is a fun list of “feathery facts” about each of the birds featured. Birdsongs is recommended for ages 3-7.

REVIEW EXCERPTS and AWARDS

“The generous typography used for the birds' sounds is certain to inspire plenty of audience participation, as youngsters attempt to "eeyah" like a gull, "'dee dee" like a chickadee and "caw" like a crow.” Publishers Weekly (Dec. 2006)

“… young listeners may be more engaged by the game of counting the birdsongs: ten tats, nine coos, eight chips and so on, ending with the mockingbird’s lovely nighttime rendition of all she has heard during the day.” Kirkus (Jan 2007)

“The writing is lyrical and engaging, and quick "feathery facts" about the creatures are appended. This book, … will engender a love for birds and an awareness of their unique music.” School Library Journal (Jan. 2007)

“Franco spins a nature lesson in lucid language and throws in a counting exercise, too. … Charming.” Booklist (Jan. 2007)

♦ 2008 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books

CONNECTIONS

Use this book in a lesson on counting backwards.

Use this book as an introduction to the mockingbird, the state bird of Texas.

Use this book, particularly the illustrations, on a lesson of bird or animal habitats.

Invite a local bird watching club member to come in and discuss the songbirds found in the local area.

Students can choose one of the birds featured and do an extended research project.

Read the book in a chorus where the children make the sounds of the birds, making sure they only count the number corresponding to each bird.

Divide the children in ten groups and assign a bird call to each group. As you read the book out loud, have the appropriate “group of birds” call out their song.

Other books by Betsy Franco:
-- Summer Beat

-- Mathematickles!

-- Counting Our Way to the 100th Day!

-- A Curious Collection of Cats

--A Dazzling Display of Dogs

--Messing Around on the Monkey Bars: and Other School Poems for Two Voices

Other books of poetry about nature:

-- Buttercup's Lovely Day by Carolyn Beck

-- Bees, Snails, & Peacock Tails by Betsy Franco

-- Zero is the Leaves on the Tree by Betsy Franco

-- A Chill in the Air: Nature Poems for Fall and Winter by John Frank 

-- Earth Verses and Water Rhymes J. Patrick Lewis

-- Least Things: Poems About Small Natures by Jane Yolen

Visit the Betsy Franco’s website or follow on her Facebook. 

Visit the illustrator’s website: Steve Jenkins.