CLIP Review: Riki’s Birdhouse

Author and Illustrator: Monica Wellington

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer.
It sings because it has a song." Chinese Proverb

Riki loves to watch birds in his yard. He likes their bright colors and their cheerful songs.  This book provides the reader with his year-long journal filled with information on birds.  In September Riki begins planning how to attract birds to his yard by designing a birdhouse.  In the following months he carefully follows his plans, builds a birdhouse, then chooses a special place in his yard to mount it for returning birds in spring.  During the winter months the reader continues on Riki's journey through his journal as he awaits the arrival of the first occupants in the house he has built.  Will they be robins, sparrows, cardinals or what Riki really hopes for - bluebirds?

This book is illustrated with brilliant colors and detailed pictures that allow for much discussion in addition to the text.  Seeing the daddy and mama bird feeding worms to their babies in Riki's birdhouse while he looks on is quite an endearing picture.

The author has provided several pages of detailed information at the end of Riki's story. Step-by-step instructions on "Building a Birdhouse" are given, as well as how to "Install a Birdhouse."   You'll also read more about Birdbaths and Feeders, how to make Bird Food Cupcakes and find some helpful websites on birds and bluebirds.   Enjoy these great bird resources!

Mary Byrne Kline