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For the Birds: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson Hardcover – Picture Book, November 1, 2011

by Peggy Thomas (Author), Laura Jacques (Illustrator)

16

Winner of the John Burroughs Nature Books for Young Readers Award

Here is the first children's biography of Roger Tory Peterson, a a global environmentalist who revolutionized the way we look at and appreciate birds, animals, and plants.

To some, he was "Professor Nuts Peterson" because of his dedication to his craft. Yet Roger Tory Peterson went on to create the immensely popular Peterson Guides, which have sold more than seven million copies, and which birders everywhere appreciate for their simple text and exquisite illustrations. Working closely with the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, New York, author Peggy Thomas and artist Laura Jacques have created a fascinating portrait of this great naturalist.

Reading age

7 - 10 years
Print length

40 pages
Language

English
Grade level

2 - 5
Lexile measure

AD1010L
Dimensions

10.31 x 0.39 x 10.37 inches
Publisher

Calkins Creek
Publication date

November 1, 2011
ISBN-10

1590787641
ISBN-13

978-1590787649
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent addition to the 'sense of wonder' shelf."—Kirkus Reviews

"Biographical information, touching on such things as [Peterson's] three marriages, is appended, along with a note on The Peterson Effect, which helped people better appreciate the plight of birds and other animals. Thomas's prose and Jacques's art work in tandem to rescue Peterson from obscurity for this age range." —School Library Journal

"Weaving many avian metaphors into the text, Thomas creates an interesting and informative portrait of Peterson." —Booklist

About the Author

Peggy Thomas is the author of Farmer George Plants a Nation, an award-winning history and science picture book biography of George Washington, as well as more than a dozen other books for children. She lives in Middleport, New York, not far from the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

Laura Jacques is an acclaimed artist whose work has focused on wildlife, nature, and environmental awareness for children.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Calkins Creek; Illustrated edition (November 1, 2011)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1590787641
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1590787649
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 7 - 10 years
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD1010L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 2 - 5
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.09 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.31 x 0.39 x 10.37 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #725,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #642 in Children's Science Biographies (Books)
- #1,672 in Children's Zoology Books (Books)
- #31,313 in Children's Animals Books

Customer Reviews:
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About the author

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Peggy Thomas

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I write history, science and nature, and love the thrill of finding a fascinating true story to share with kids. When not researching or writing, I'm usually in the garden, playing with my granddaughter, or sitting on the porch with a book and cup of tea.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5

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Jon Boone

Pitch Perfect

Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2012

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An enchanting account of the boy from Jamestown, New York, who became the man who helped make the life and study of birds important to modern culture, in the process giving ballast to informed environmentalism and habitat conservation. The text provides accurate highlights of Peterson's career and the people important to it. The illustrations are marvelous, beautifully complementing the story while giving intimate expression to Peterson himself; his mother; his teacher, Blanche Hornbeck; the influential artist Louis Agassiz Fuertes; and, not least, the images of birds that Peterson's art and passion gave to the world. The way Laura Jacques depicts the wonder of the young naturalist upon seeing the swirl of golden shafts on a resurrected flicker--a transforming moment in his life--perfectly captures the zeitgeist of this book.

For the Birds would be a treasure for any youngster who seems keen on nature, for their parents, and for teachers and librarians who themselves might wish for more insight on what motivates a love of the natural world.

15 people found this helpful

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J Thomas

Nice book.

Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2015

Verified Purchase

I enjoyed it. My Grandson who loves birds. Lost interest after 3 pages.

2 people found this helpful

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M.M.M.

Lovely

Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2013

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I bought for my daughter's Botany block for homeschooling. She (age 11) was captivated reading about Tory Peterson. The illustrations and colorful and lovely. Can be read to and by much younger children as well. Great for our bookshelf.

3 people found this helpful

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Nina's Notions

This warm book is beautifully illustrated, tells the true story of a great ...

Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2016

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This warm book is beautifully illustrated, tells the true story of a great man, and it will inspire the readers to look at nature in a new light. I sincerely recommend this book for everyone.

One person found this helpful

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Creative and Crafty

This book is beautiful! My students thoroughly enjoyed it

Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2015

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This book is beautiful! My students thoroughly enjoyed it. They went birding around the school after reading it, which led to the purchase of several digital cameras and binoculars.

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LPS

Great book for the classroom!

Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2012

This biography of Roger Tory Peterson takes us through his childhood and into his role as an environmentalist. It's full of great details and anecdotes of both his childhood and adulthood. At almost 3,500 words, this is not a read-aloud-in-one-sitting picture book. It great for independent readers, especially ones with an interest in birds and wildlife. The back matter gives more details about Peterson and his legacy.

8 people found this helpful

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Takingtimeouttosay

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2015

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What a terrific read about a real person which included beautiful illustrations, perfect for elementary students.

One person found this helpful

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C C S