Wings and Tales: Learning About Birds Through Folklore, Facts and Fun Activities

Some of the most interesting animals in the world aren't in zoos; they're in every neighborhood and park across the country. Male hummingbirds can dive at 60 mph to impress females. A chickadee can remember where it hid thousands of seeds in different spots. Barn swallows rarely stop flying, even to eat or take baths. Once upon a time, common bird species all had well-known stories associated with them. Legends and folklore about birds abound in almost every culture. It's likely their ability to fly, their beauty and grace, their distinctive and puzzling calls, and the fact that they live all around us is what makes them popular subjects for fables.

This book presents a sampling of traditional bird tales retold in a fresh way that makes them especially relevant and memorable for today's children. Each story is complemented by a "Feathered Facts File," "Be a Backyard Birder" for kids, a library/classroom activity suggestion, and a story sharing suggestion for librarians, teachers, and parents. The teaching activities are designed with flexibility so that they may be used to either introduce new concepts in science and math curriculum or reinforce familiar concepts in a hands-on fashion. Reading selections are written at third to fourth grade reading levels, but are designed to engage both younger listeners and older readers.

Jennifer L. Kroll, MAT, PhD, is former senior editor of Weekly Reader's READ magazine. Her published works include Classic Readers Theatre for Young Adults and Libraries Unlimited's Weekly Reader's READ Magazine Presents Simply Shakespeare: Readers Theatre for Young People.