From School Library Journal
Gr 1–4—Organized alphabetically, these stunning illustrations of birds will inspire students of graphic design more than they convey avian information. The bright neon pink of the endpapers recurs on each spread, appearing as small details such as a kiwi's glowing eyes or as background as eagles swooping for their prey. Sharp-eyed readers will appreciate visual humor provided by touches such as the construction crane in the background of the page featuring whopping and crowned cranes or the lyrebird's tail next to the musical instrument of the same name. The brief, poetic text suffers from bumps in rhyme and rhythm, although the revelation of the peacock as the book's "guide" offers an amusing twist at the end. Small type minimizes the featured letters and not all of them represent birds, e.g., "V" is for a flight formation. Those searching for an avian-themed alphabet book incorporating large letters, clear illustrations, and brief but factual introductions should consider Jerry Pallotta's The Bird Alphabet Book (Charlesbridge, 1986). VERDICT Walker's illustrations deserve repeated viewings and can serve as a starting point for art and design projects for students in elementary school and above.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato
Review
WINNER OF THE CHEN BOCHUI INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S LITERATURE AWARD
"Beautiful Birds is an elegant and unpatronising alphabet of birds. The language is sophisticated [...] but children and parents will breeze through the book because the rhymes have momentum and the illustrations have poise and wit and the colours are entrancing."
—The Guardian
"From albatross to "zos-ter-o-pi-dae," the images in this slightly oversized import consistently stun with their composition and use of color. […] readers’ eyes glide over the luscious pages. The image of a nightingale, framed in an open, circular window beneath a crescent moon, is alone worth the purchase price. With pages that beg to be sliced out and framed, a positive feast for the eyes."
—Kirkus Reviews
"The illustrations pop off the page; the palette is bold (the bright orange endpapers will wake you right up), and the compositions are superb. Walker creates beautiful moments with line and shape, and the book moves seamlessly from one bird to the next."
——Kirkus Reviews
"The spreads are as opulent as a peacock’s tail, and they’ll send many back for long second looks."
—Publisher’s Weekly
"Most kids-and adults-will enjoy flipping through the vivid, beautiful pages, each of which would look at home framed on a wall."
—Booklist
"Walker’s illustrations deserve repeated viewings and can serve as a starting point for art and design projects for students in elementary school and above."
—School Library Journal
"Some of the most beautiful design I've seen in a picture book. ...every single page looks like it could be ripped out and framed."
—The Busy Librarian
"Its elegant avians swoop, flutter and spread their plumage in alphabetical formations, accompanied by rhyming couplets. It will encourage anyone of four-plus to greet the spring with knowledge as well as delight."
—New Statesman
"The rhyming couplets create a book that has a jaunty swing to it, moving swiftly from one bird to the next. The rhymes are well done, neither filled with sing-song tones or too forced. Instead they add a touch of humor to the book, a feeling of not taking themselves too seriously. The result is a light-hearted mix of silliness and feathers. The illustrations by Walker form the heart of this book...Done with a modern feel, the illustrations are stylized and strong. Stylish, jaunty and fun, this alphabet bird book is no feather weight."
—Waking Brain Cells
This book is one that would appeal especially to the younger readers, but is one older children can still enjoy. […]The star of this book really is the diversity of the birds and the vivid illustrations. They are neon, modern, and truly spectacular!
—Book Nerd Mommy
"From Albatross to Zosteropidae, Beautiful Birds seamlessly weaves in simple facts about each bird featured in the rhythmic narrative throughout the book. Early readers and amateur birders will discover the birds of the world in vibrant colors and fun illustrations."
—New York Botanical Garden
About the Author
Jean Roussen is a Swiss French graphic designer and writer who dabbles in publishing from time to time.
Emmanuelle Walker is an animation director and illustrator from Montreal, Quebec. As well as contributing to Nobrow magazine (Nobrow 8: Hysteria), she has worked with international animation studios across the world (Walt Disney Ltd., Sherbert and Nexus). She lives and works in London, England.
