And So They Build Written and illustrated by Bert Kitchen c1993 Candlewick Press : Somerville

The first time you see Bert Kitchen’s illustrations of animals, you are completely captivated. Something about the way the Satin bowerbird depicted above eyes his display, while a female in the background appears ready to give it a thorough inspection adds a dimension beyond what a mere photograph could provide. His wide-apart feet seem to say that he is in control and his work is worthy of notice.

A tailorbird stitches living leaves together to camouflage her nest.

A harvest mouse weaves a cozy next for her soon to arrive babies.

A few facts about each creature and the reasons for their constructions, in nice large print face a full page of Kitchen’s art in this picture book, suitable for ages 4 and up. Framed copies of these illustrations would be as happy in an elementary school science room for nature study as they would be in the art room. This is an example of a natural science book of the highest order. Young readers will be encouraged to look for the animal engineers in their own neighborhoods. This book is one in a series of three nature study books by Bert Kitchen.

Want more Bert Kitchen?

Animal Alphabet by Bert Kitchen c1984 Dial Books

Oops, D for Dodo.

An excellent Alphabet Book where the animals embrace an UPPER case letter. Some not so happily.

Animal Numbers Written and illustrated by Bert Kitchen This edition published 1993 Puffin Books : New York

The numbers from 1 to 10 with realistic animal models. Bonus numbers 15,25,75, and 100.

Other titles illustrated by Bert Kitchen include Animal Lives: The Otter, Tom‘s Rabbit: A True Story from Scott’s Last Voyage, Gorilla/Chinchilla, Whoo Goes There? and others. His books are too good to be buried under the avalanche of new titles published every year and that is why I bring him to your attention. Long live high quality books!