CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.
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Ten Birds
CCBC Review:
A visually striking black-and-white book showcases counting backwards, problem-solving, and thinking outside the box. It begins with ten birds on one side of a bridge trying to figure out how to get to the other side (and no, using their wings never occurs to them). The first nine birds each comes up with a technical solution: a parasail, a wheel-and-pulley, mechanical wings, a catapult, etc. As each bird crosses the bridge, the number of birds remaining is highlighted in a narrative that also identifies the bird by its given name: “The one they called ‘Brilliant’ knew how to cross. Marching [on stilts] he left nine behind.” Finally, there is only one bird left. His name is “Needs Improvement.” And his solution is elegantly simple: he simply walks across the bridge. The intricate black pen-and-ink illustrations manage to be both serious and playful in this oversized picture book that not only affirms there are many different ways to arrive at a single destination but also illuminates the shortcomings of labels when it comes to identifying ability or potential. ©2011 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Cybele Young
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-9
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Birds (Fiction)
Counting (Concept)
Humor
Problem-Solving
On CCBC Booklist:
Literary Science 1: K-5 Mentor Texts
Publisher:
Kids Can
Publish Year: 2011
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781554535682
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Young
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.
Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.