Lois Ehlert

Ehlert brings her fresh, distinctive eye for color and design to the world of birds. Twelve of the most familiar appear pursued but never truly threatened by a bell-wearing cat in this collection of stunning cutout compositions, accompanied by simple, sprightly verse. "But cats / can't fly / and they / can't soar; / and birds / know what / their wings are for." Lifesize and sporting plumage that, whether brilliant or muted, manages to suggest a feather's almost infinitely variegated hues, these are birds that truly soar. A succinct but informative glossary concludes this imaginative armchair excursion, which is at once an inspiring introduction to bird-watching and a pure visual treat.

Caldecott Honor winning author and illustrator, Lois Ehlert, resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Ages: 3-8.

Hardcover, 40 pages