The Best Nest (Arbordale Collection)

This was a delightful story all about birds and their nest building. I loved the book and also the fact that there were details on the birds at the back too. We just finished talking about birds in class last month so this was a wonderful addition to the book shelf for the month.

The Best Nest tells the story of a group of forest birds who are concerned with their young ones being a target for predatory animals. They gather together and go see Magpie, asking for lessons in how to build a more protective nest. An entertaining fable-like story of why the different bird species make their various unique styles of nests. The artwork is colorful and intricate and the back of the book offers some extra ornithological facts as well as a "Match the Nest" quiz. It's a good story but the artwork is really what keeps audiences engaged.

I work in a nature center and this book is an awesome way to tell why birds build their nests so differently.

Maggie Magpie is an excellent nest builder, so all the other birds want to learn from her in order to protect their own eggs better. However, do they learn, and if so how much? Not only does the young child learn how each of the eleven birds build their nests, but they also become budding bird watchers as each bird and its habitat are illustrated in loving detail by illustrator Sherry Neidigh.It is obvious that author Doris L. Mueller has put great thought into the building of her story, and young readers will eagerly follow along with Maggie as she takes time to teach her sometimes-impatient bird pupils. You can imitate the dove's sounds, and perhaps your teacher or parents can help you find recordings of the other bird songs as part of a classroom or home activity. Other information, facts, and a "Match the Nest Activity" are included. This is a fun and engaging book for ages 3 - 8.

I always wonder how Sylvan Dell will surpass their last published titles. And then I look at and read the current crop and realize that they have wonderful authors, the most talented illustrators and subject matter that is both fun and informative. The end result is hard to beat.There was a time, oh so long ago, that magpies built the best nests ever and were the envy of all the other birds. Maggie Magpie believed in helping other birds so she took the time to patiently teach the other birds how to build a strong, comfortable and safe nest.The other birds (most of them) were not as patient as Maggie and listened to a few tips and then flew off without hearing all of the directions. Maggie gave up helping and let the birds fly off and build their nests the way they wanted to. The result? All nests are different sizes and shapes. Oh, there was one bird who listened carefully to Maggie's directions. Read the story and find out who that was.The illustrations are stunning and both children and adults will be drawn to them.Sylvan Dell books always have a fun and educational component to their books. The For Creative Minds section includes fun facts about birds, bird math, and an activity section.Armchair Interviews says: This is a wonderful book for children, but should also be in every school library also.