...This book is about a dog named J.C. He is a bird dog and everyone knows that this kind of dog leads with its nose. J.C. is welcomed to a new home where a cat whacks him on the nose...a dog bites him on the nose...a bee stings him on the nose...and a momma bird pecks him on the nose. All he wants is love and be appreciated by his new family. But how can he point with his nose when everyone is trying to attack it. There must be a better way. I guess this is what happens when you are curious about everything.The part that I liked was when everyone wanted to always attack his nose. Like the first time he saw the cat. "I mean it." His lip curled. "you come any closer, I'm gonna rip your nose off."I mean J.c. wasn't even doing anything to the cat and he gets angry for no reason. "Oooouch! I squealed. "That hurt! You really did...you ripped my nose off."Another part that I liked was when the bee stung him. The bee was getting some pollen from the flower and J.C. asked "Are you getting something to eat? Are you playing down there?" The thing was that the bee didn't even talk. "Yipe,yipe,yipe," I cried and jumped back. The bee had stung him on the nose and it really hurted him. My favorite part was really everything. Because it was very funny and exciting. J.C. was a curious dog who was very confused when it came to certain things. Like when it came to his nose, he always wanted to sniff things and that's why his nose always got hurt. He liked to searched different areas and go on adventures. I guess you can't always be curious about everything you see or hear.

Summary: This book is about a little bird dog who gets a home with Justin. Then the puppy get scratch by a cat, bit by a dog stringed by a bee,and peck by a bird. When he started growing up he started to point backward to protect his nose. Opinion: I think this is a very good book because this little puppy doesn't want get his nose hurt so he point backwards instead of frontward. I think it was very funny too because when his noes was sore it blew up like a balloon. Character:The character in this book are Justin who is a little boy,Bill who is the father Carol who is the mother ,and J.C who is the main character because j.c is the dog. Bill Wallace had won 17 state awards on this one book.

I first read this book when I was about seven, and I keep reading it! I think it's hilarious! If you have a kid who is into funny stories, they won't put this book down! Trust me.

Lyrical and stylish in writing, Gessner is able to create vivid pictures with his words. This gift allows us to be transported to Cape Cod beaches to share with him in his observations on the Osprey's, nature in general, and life, as it can and should be. I am biased however as the town of Dennis where RETURN OF THE OSPREY is set, is no more than 5 miles west of me, and part of my time is spent in similar activities (studying the migration of neotropical birds - specifically warblers). This book has a far broader appeal than for birders or Cape Codder's though. As another reviewer already pointed out, Gessner writes in the best traditions of Thoreau or Emerson. Gessner talks about the life history and behavior of the Osprey, its near extinction and it's recent comeback on the Cape. He does this while exploring the world around him and uses the story of the Osprey as a way of looking at man's role in nature. This is an "experiment in seeing" and to quote Emerson (as he does) "to see is everything".

Ironically it's in trying a bit too hard to be a modern day Emerson where the book falls down a bit. In extending this vision to the personal, Gessner offers us a few too many observations on what the Ospreys and nature means to the inner man. In "exploring the mystery" we could do without him comparing the emotions of watching a diving Osprey with that of his first sexual experience. More scientific observations and less metaphysical ones would have made the book perfect.

No coal mine ever had such fiercesome canaries as David Gessner's beloved Ospreys -- the nearly eagle-sized fish hawks making a triumphant comeback around Cape Cod. Gessner makes the reader truly exult in nature as he walks, skinnydips and kayaks through the marshes, backwaters and beaches of Cape Cod observing Ospreys as their numbers recover from near obliteration by the chemical DDT. Only a few writers since Henry David Thoreau have had the depth of writing skill in this genre to share successfully their respectful observations while they take lessons from the natural world. As Gessner learns to observe, he mentors us by his example, and we, in turn, also learn to observe -- even as we are fascinated. Just as an excellent wine writer passes on the tricks and traditions of savoring a fine vintage, then makes us want to rush out and buy a bottle, Gessner teaches us how to "taste" nature, derive meaning from it, and makes us want to take a very long walk in a wild place. He holds these messages together using the Osprey as glue by linking its fate to Humankind's destiny. The regal raptor becomes a hopeful metaphor for civilization, if we will only take a clue from our mistakes and build upon remedies. He also takes the reader on a personal journey, illustrating how one may learn to understand and improve one's self, accept our shortcomings and peculiarities, and those of the people around us. One of the most appealing qualities of his writing morality is the manner in which Gessner introduces the reader to so many other nature writers, environmentalists and colorful local characters. His message makes us want to know more, read more, do more, and he gently provides a roadmap for that journey with a cleverly interwoven book list. He may also be the first nature writer to praise bug bites as a reminder that they are a sure sign you are out where you want to be.

Beautifully writen, David Gessner takes you on an incredible journey, where you not only learn about the Osprey, but you also may learn something about yourself. For those of you lucky enough to see these "sea eagles" this book will reconfirm what you may already know. For those of you who do not have Osprey in your area it will open your eyes to new possibilities. Thank you David for sharing a part of your world with us.

I wanted to like this book, I really did. The design is exquisite, the illustrations compelling with lush, gorgeous colors. The story is a fascinating one and the idea of turning it into a picture book for younger children was fantastic. It has many important themes such as the struggle for women's sufferage and the idea of empowerment, working for a cause you believe in, and the elements of successful political action, all told in a way that young children can understand. However, I found the text just a little too preachy for my taste, and I am very sympathetic to the cause. I don't think environmental causes are helped by looking down on those who view things differently, instead I would like to read books that help children to understand why there are differences of opinion and have empathy for those who are different. I found the words like "silly" "disgusting" "revolting" "nauseating" "ghastly" used to describe feather-wearers to be unconstructive, uncompassionate and not particularly admirable.

I am in first grade and I am six years old. I really like this book. The pictures are funny. I like the dodo bird and the heath hen, and the spoonbill escaping from the picture. I learned about the Audubon Society, it saves birds. I also learned that Harriet and Minna were cousins and real people. This book is great for ages six and up!

"She's Wearing a Dead Bird on Her Head" is an absolutely wonderful book to illustrate how we need to be kind to our feathered friends! Great when read with "voices" to match the pinch-faced, conservation minded women who star in the book! Hurray to Kathryn Lasky for writing a this child-eye opener and to David Catrow for bringing it to life!

It was very informative and i liked it very much.

Parrot

As someone who has worked with the public to do bird conservation, I have found this book to be helpful in helping to explain the techniques & issues that scientists face when doing ecological censusing.

Other than the fact that most of the species that are mentioned are Old World species (a moot point since the topics & techniques are universal), this is a good book. One thing I would like to see, is a North American version that uses examples based on New World species, & how these censuses & projects relate to our conservation laws in the U.S. The authors make mention of several British or European laws dealing with habitat conservation and restoration. It would be interesting to see U.S. examples based on our laws.

Overall, a good read for anyone getting into citizen-based bird science & conservation, or introductory-level college ecology students.

this is really the best. no doubt.

Limited information about Hostas in this poorly named book. It is better described as a beginners guide to shade gardening, with some reference to Hostas.

The book contains: 83 pages on general shade gardening, garden design, seasonal garden observations, soil preparation, and plant propagation. 15 pages on Hostas (17 species and 37 cultivars), each receiving one small paragraph of information. 30 pages about 119 other shade plants, again each receiving one small paragraph of information. 1 page listing plant suppliers and 1 page listing societies.

Book has a 4 page index. Both cover pages contain a paper fold to act as a page place holder (when you put the book down, you can find where you left off - a nice touch).

Photography is great. Images are clear, colorful, and show interesting plants. Most pictures contain a comment line that properly identifies the plant to species or variety.

The book is not a great reference manual on Hostas. It merely introduces the beginning gardener to shade plants and describes the more common Hostas. Information is solid and helpful, but there is not a lot of depth.

If you're looking for a lightweight introduction to shade gardening - then this is a very good choice.

It's a thin book that is priced around $[price]. Overall, it's a bargin!

This bood was a tremendous help to me in selecting plants for my Hosta garden and shade garden. This book helped with my knowledge and selection of plants at my local nursery. My garden looks great!

John-B knows he is lucky, because he lives on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay where there many wonderful things in his natural world, especially a stand of old oak trees in which a pair of Bald Eagles nest & raise their young, each spring.

This year, however, John-B's teacher tells her fifth grade students that the land has been sold to a development company, which is going to cut down those beautiful oak trees, & build a condominium.

The children decide they have to do something to save these amazing birds' home, they write letters & invite everyone to come watch the eaglets in their nest.

With attractive illustrations by David Aiken, Carolyn Stearns has written a charming, informative story of how people can make a difference in the world in which they live.

Quiet Please - Eaglets Growing is truly inspiring and a wonderful example for children. With beautiful illustrations by David Aiken, Carolyn Stearns tells the true story of how one person can make a difference ---in this case one young boy. John-B was so inspired by the graceful eagles, his observations lead a school and community on a campaign to save these magnificent birds. I found this book to be an inspiration for children (both young and old) to realize one person can make a difference.

Nice photos but the material in the book is out of date. Many more books are available now that are more informative.

Very good book - extremely informative and a pleasure to read. Pictures are wonderful. The reviewer before me makes the very useful comment that it is for African Greys only - I would never have guessed ;)

After thinking about purchasing an African Grey for almost a year, I picked up this book at the recommendation of the owner of an exotic bird shop - "an excellent overview of the African Grey." I wanted to get an education before deciding to purchase a pet that could well out-live me. Responsibility equal or greater than to being a parent (since most children eventually move out of the nest...)!

The book provided an excellent overview of this fabulous bird species, including their history, tips on raising, feeding, housing, breeding, caring for them etc. The book was very easy to read and full of very useful information.

The book is printed on quality paper, with a quality binding. The professionally taken photographs are outstanding. The printing technique of the book makes them look like actual glossy photographs - glued into the book! As a bibliophile with thousands of books, and an amateur photographer - I can honestly say I've never encountered such a well-printed book! The pictures alone are worth the price.

The book positively influenced my decision to add another member to my family - an African Grey Parrot.

Sibley has done a great job of putting pictures, text and maps together in this guide. Regrettably, though, all that info. on 1/2 a page (2 species per page) makes it difficult to see/read; especially with older eyes.

In addition, I still think Peterson's paintings are the best in presenting the birds in a manner closest to how they look in the field. Sibley's paintings are a bit stark compared to the real thing. On a recent trip to Madera Canyon, I noted this when looking, in particular, at a Lazuli Bunting, and a Rufous-Winged Sparrow.

Sibley's new guide is very good, but I still keep "Roger" in the fanny pack, and Sibley back in the car as reference.

Good birding.

Of the making of many books there is no end, and so here we have another volume from David Sibley, author of the (large) Sibley Guide, hands-down the best field guide available to North American birds. Even that book has its disadvantages, though, and Sibley (or rather, one is forced to suspect, his publishers) has sought to remedy two of them--namely, its physical weight and misleading range maps--by dividing it into two considerably more portable volumes. Unfortunately, while the book now fits into generously proportioned pockets, and while the maps are tremendously improved (residents of BC, AB, and Nunavut may disagree...), the new layout made necessary by the smaller format essentially vitiates the original guide's great advantages. Gone are the startlingly large-scale images, replaced by what are for most species literally thumbnail-sized illustrations (well, I've got biggish thumbs); for most species, the images now float in the gutters and margins next to the text. The captions to these images still provide a tremendous amount of information, in a few cases even more information or more clearly stated than in the "big" Sibley. But the cramped layout means that it is impossible to compare some similar species without flipping pages; Western and Cassin's Kingbirds, for example, are on different openings. The great strength of the original guide was the vertical orientation of the species accounts, and now that that is gone, the book barely holds its own against the more traditionally designed and meatier NatGeo. I suspect that birders sophisticated enough to use this volume efficiently will not need it; and those who need it will find it frustratingly cluttered.

This guide is well layed out,provides excellent pictures and text and is the perfect in the field answer to The Sibley Guide To Birds.

This is the first book in this series to be credited solely to David Bird. Previously, the magazine articles written by Bird had been revised by the original author together with Terence Reese prior to book publication. After the death of the latter, David Bird continued to work alone. Of course, he was always the original author and it was never made clear exactly how great an input Reese had to the book revisions.

Like all of the other works in this series, this book follows the adventures of the fictional bridge playing monks of the order of St. Titus. Each chapter sees the monks in some bridge situation where they play a number of hands. The bidding is normally English Acol style but this is secondary to the play of the hands which is where the interesting bridge problems can be found.

While the earlier books all concentrated on the exploits of the monks in England, they also contained a number of chapters detailing the exploits of a missionary outpost in Africa. Political correctness having see off that scenario, the "away" section of the book has the Abbot, the leading character, playing as the guest expert on a bridge cruise, an interlude which is a lot less funny than the rest of the book.

If you are new to the monks of St.Titus, I would recommend that you first track down some of the earlier books. Especially the first two: "Miracles of Cardplay" and "Unholy Tricks" as they are funnier and fresher. However, if you are already a fan of these books, do not hesitate. Reese may be missing from the front cover and the wit may not be as sharp but you will still enjoy the contents.

David Bird's latest volume of stories about the Bridge-addicted Abbot and his Franciscan order of St. Titus wins over the reader on two levels. First, and most important for any Bridge enthusiast, every story involves several puzzles to bend the mind and promote logical thinking. Second, the rich character development will amuse and delight all readers -- particularly enjoyable are the Abbot's reliable vanity and his ongoing vendetta against the young upstart, Brother Cameron. Cards being fickle, both get their comeuppance against one another in various episodes. So that Bridge does not seem like a vengeful contact sport, Bird wisely emphasizes the brothers' roles as teammates in tournament play to ameliorate some of the sassier moments. While there is a lot of humor and able writing here, I would not recommend this book to anyone who does not play Bridge on at least a casual basis, as they will be hard-pressed to grasp the relevance of the puzzles to the stories and the pleasures of this wonderful book will be lost on them.

This is the sixth collection of Abbot stories and I have bought the whole lot! David Bird is the world's best writer, when it comes to humorous bridge fiction, and I read these Abbot books time and again. My favorite story in this particular book is when the monks of St Titus play against a team of nuns! Apart from the narrative being extremely funny, and the dialog too, the quality of the bridge hands is first-class. I can really recommend the book to everyone.