Putting away future publications reader copies to our staff shelves, Nesting by Henry Cole came up. The blue of the cover popped up. I was not sure what was going on. Was it going to be about all birds, robins, hummingbirds? The contrast of the grey/white and blue was (yes, a bit dramatic) mesmerizing. I had put it in my, “Not reading now” pile, but kept thinking I probably should read it. It was not a wasted read.
I give this book a five for illustrations. The reader needs to pay close attention to where (and what) color is used. The reason for the color(s) used might not be clear at first, but they make the entire book quite poetic to look at. They can be enjoyed on their own, and you can read them as if there was no text. Or, of course, while reading the text. The publisher’s comments say the color choices “breathe life into the artwork.”
Nesting is a non-fiction story about the life of a robin and its family. This book would be a great tie-in for an older classroom science curriculum. Yet, the younger reader can enjoy as much. This is a book that can grow with your child: first as a reading-to, then a reading solo (or with a bit of help) and finally the tie-in to science.
Cole has server books for all ages; some he has just illustrated (as a favorite And Tango Makes Three) or written and illustrated A Nest for Celeste) therefore, there is something for everyone. And this time around, I think this book can find a place is everyone’s heart.