The Cuckoo's Haiku And Other Birding Poems by Michael Rosen Search Amazon for other books by or about Michael Rosen. Rating: Reviewed by: Bob Walch

The fun of birdwatching is combined with evocative haiku poetry in this beautifully illustrated picture book for youngsters ages 6-10. Arranged by the seasons, 24 birds are featured in this collection. For example, the summer avian group includes the Chimney Swift, Belted Kingfisher, Barred Owl, Great Blue Heron, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Mockingbird, and Common Grackle.

Stan Fellows' watercolors of each bird make this a book any birder, not just children, would be proud to own. The only downside to this volume is that some of the text is in rather small, light, cursive print which is, alas, difficult to read.

Fortunately, the poetry is much larger and doesn't present a problem. What you have to struggle to see are just snippets of information about some of the characteristics of each bird. You'll find additional notes about the birds at the end of the book and these are, thank God, easy to read!

If your child is fascinated by birds, the "cursive print" issue will not detract from the picture book's overall appeal. Use these illustrations to challenge your child to create his or her own poems about a favorite bird or animal.