Robins!: How They Grow Up

...as infectious as the ubiquitous bird's own 'Cheerily-cheerily, cheerily-cheerup, cheerup!

Fresh and inviting, here's the go-to book for children curious about robins.

Addressing readers, two robin "teenagers" explain how they came to live in "your yard." Making good use of sequential panels to show the changing seasons, chicks' development, and passage of time, Christelow's (the Five Little Monkeys series) airy, sketchlike digital illustrations portray pivotal moments in the robins' lives, from leaving the nest to learning to fly and finding food. Cartoony versions of the robins in the margins offer quips and informative comments, but Christelow never sugarcoats the difficulties of being a small bird in a world of predators. A squirrel devours one of their siblings' eggs before it hatches, and a brother is later swept up by a hawk: "Mom and Dad chase the hawk, scolding and screaming, but he flies away, our brother dangling from his talons." A glossary and other details about robins conclude this insightful study of an unflashy but fascinating bird. Ages 6-9. (Feb.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

USA TODAY says ★★★★ stars. "Stuffed with information, much of it fascinating and likely to be a surprise even to adult readers."

★ "Christelow's accurate illustrations are action filled and make excellent use of panels to depict multiple perspectives on bird poses and behavior, as well as moment-by-moment events..." —Horn Book, starred review

Praise for Vote!

★ "It's hard to imagine a more accessible introduction to voting. . . . Whimsical and creative . . . vote aye on this one." —Booklist, starred review

"Well-executed . . . accessible." —Publishers Weekly

"Colorful, comical illustrations . . . light, yet informative tone. . . . This accessible and appealing title deserves a place in all collections." —School Library Journal

"Brisk and engaging." —The Washington Post