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Birds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me
(2019) Neal Porter Books Holiday House
by Susan L. Roth
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"Blending memoir and nonfiction with deep ruminations on what constitutes an artist, Roth presents parallels between her life as an illustrator and the life of an Australian bowerbird. . . . introspective readers will be satisfied by the reflective nature of the text and the behind-the-scenes look at dual artistic processes. Roth persuasively argues that "all artists…seek praise," and this ambitious hybrid demands to be seen."
-starred review, Kirkus
"Part picture-book memoir and part informational text, this fanciful ode to the creative process and the colorful courtship practices of bowerbirds will delight budding artists and bird-lovers alike. . . . The author-illustrator dives deep into how and why she makes her crafting decisions, presenting the artist's process as a fluid endeavor, equal parts cerebral and mechanical. The jewel-toned and textured collage illustrations, filled with paper cuttings as well as found objects, further demonstrate the complexity and ingenuity that each masterpiece entails. Roth and a feathered friend are featured side by side throughout the vibrant pages, and readers will want to jump in alongside them."
-starred review, Booklist
"Roth's writing is simple, direct, and inspirational. . . . The book's collages fly off the pages with color and energy, and the strands of Roth's artfully disheveled hair even resemble feathers. . . . This vibrant book will work well as a read-aloud in a group setting and as a springboard/introduction for creative-thinking and creative-art sessions."
-starred review, School Library Journal
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year - Outstanding Merit
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