Did you know that Atlantic Puffins can carry more than 10 fish at a time in their colorful beaks? Or that the Brown Pelican has air sacs under its skin to cushion the impact from plunge-diving? Thanks to the BLUES, children (and their adult counterparts!) are learning fascinating facts about America’s shore birds.

In the opening of The BLUES Go Birding At Wild America’s Shores the BLUES receive a postcard that inspires them to plan another birding trip. At Eggbert’s suggestion the BLUES take off and follow the path of famous birder Roger Tory Peterson along Wild America’s Shores. The BLUES travel from Newfoundland, Canada to Isla Coronado, Mexico and meet 15 different shore bird species along the way.

Adults will enjoy sharing these books with children as the story, quips, and birding notes provide multiple levels of enjoyment. Co-author Carol Malnor in her activity Suggestions for Reading Aloud encourages readers to focus on different sections in each reading. For example, tracing Peterson’s route on the map at the back of the book can help children understand the epic nature of this journey.

Apart from the delightful storyline and exquisite depictions of real birds by illustrator Louise Schroeder, the BLUES packs in scientific facts. Presented in such a way as to pique the curiosity of readers young and old the BLUES will inspire people to take a closer look at the next passing bird. As stated by Ed Pandolfino, Ph.D., Chair of the Sierra Foothills Audubon Society Placer County Conservation Committee: “[W]onderful, engaging, and important… loaded with information likely to fire the imagination and interest of the young reader.”