The Boy Who Drew Birds
A Story of John J. Audubon

The Boy Who Drew Birds

"The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon," written by Jacqueline Davies and illustrated by Melissa Sweet, narrates the early life of John James Audubon, a passionate naturalist and painter known for his detailed studies of birds. Set in the fall of 1804, the story captures young Audubon's determination to understand bird migration, a mystery that puzzled many at the time. Unlike his peers, Audubon preferred observing birds in their natural habitat rather than relying solely on books.

The narrative highlights his curiosity and innovative spirit as he sets out to discover whether the small birds nesting near his Pennsylvania home would return the following spring. This exploration led him to pioneer techniques that significantly contributed to ornithology, enhancing our understanding of bird behavior and migration patterns.

The book is not just a biography but also serves as an inspiration for young readers to engage with nature and listen for the birds around them. Sweet's illustrations complement the text beautifully, using mixed-media collage to evoke the vibrancy of Audubon's world and his scientific enthusiasm. This engaging story is aimed at children aged 4 to 7 and is recognized for its educational value, winning several awards including the John Burroughs Nature Book Award and being selected as an Outstanding Science Trade Book by the NSTA.

Author: Jacqueline Davies

Jacqueline is a bestselling author known for her engaging children's literature, including the popular "Lemonade War" series. She has a diverse writing portfolio that spans picture books, early chapter books, middle-grade novels, and young adult fiction. Davies discovered her passion for writing at a young age, creating her first illustrated book in third grade. Her extensive life experiences, having moved numerous times, have contributed to her keen observational skills, which enrich her storytelling. She currently resides near Boston and spends time in a cabin on the Maine coast, where she continues to write and share her love for literature with young readers.

Illustrator: Melissa Sweet

Melissa is the illustrator of "The Boy Who Drew Birds," is celebrated for her unique mixed-media collage style that combines watercolor, pencil, and found objects. Her work often features a whimsical and vibrant aesthetic, making her illustrations captivating for children. Sweet has illustrated numerous children's books and has received multiple awards for her contributions to children's literature, including a Caldecott Honour. Her artistic approach complements the narratives she illustrates, bringing stories to life in a visually engaging manner.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Clarion Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Print length: 32 pages
  • Dimensions: 20.32 x 0.89 x 25.4 cm
  • Reading age: 4 - 7 years old
  • Publication date: 27 Sept. 2004
  • ISBN: 978-0618243433

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How can using The Boy Who Drew Birds help in teaching Y1 Science Birds?

Portrait of John J Audubon

Using The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John J. Audubon by Jacqueline Davies can be an effective tool for teaching Year 1 Science, particularly in the study of birds. Here’s how it can enhance the learning experience:

Engaging Storytelling

  • Narrative Approach: The book tells the story of John J. Audubon, a naturalist and painter known for his studies of birds. This narrative can captivate young students' attention and foster a love for nature and science.
  • Illustrative Learning: The illustrations in the book can help students visualize different bird species and their characteristics, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.

Integrating Science Concepts

  • Bird Characteristics: The book provides insights into various bird features, such as feathers, beaks, and habitats. This aligns well with Year 1 Science objectives that focus on identifying and describing animals.
  • Observation Skills: Audubon’s passion for observing birds can inspire students to practice observational skills. Activities could include drawing birds they see or noting their behaviors, similar to what Audubon did.

Hands-On Activities

  • Art and Science Connection: Students can engage in art projects where they create their own bird drawings, mirroring Audubon’s work. This not only reinforces the science content but also integrates art into the curriculum.
  • Interactive Lessons: The book can serve as a springboard for interactive lessons where students make bird feeders or explore local habitats to observe birds in real life. Such hands-on activities enhance experiential learning and deepen understanding.

Curriculum Alignment

  • Complementary Resources: Pairing this book with other resources, such as The Burgess Bird Book for Children or practical kits like Home Science Adventures: Discovering Birds, can create a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of bird science.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Learning: The themes in the book allow for cross-disciplinary connections, integrating literacy with science education effectively.

In summary, The Boy Who Drew Birds is a valuable resource for teaching Year 1 Science about birds. It combines storytelling with scientific observation and hands-on activities, making learning enjoyable and impactful for young students.

Who was John James Audubon?

John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and artist renowned for his detailed illustrations of North American birds. Born Jean Rabin in Les Cayes, Saint-Domingue (now Haiti), he was the illegitimate son of a French sea captain and a Creole woman. After his mother's death, he was raised in France by his father and stepmother, who adopted him and renamed him Jean-Jacques Fougère Audubon.

In 1803, to avoid conscription into Napoleon's army, he was sent to the United States, where he anglicized his name to John James Audubon. Initially struggling with various business ventures, Audubon eventually dedicated himself to studying and drawing birds. His seminal work, "The Birds of America" (1827-1839), is celebrated for its life-sized depictions of birds in their natural habitats and is considered one of the finest ornithological works ever completed.

Audubon identified 25 new bird species and significantly advanced the field of ornithology. His legacy includes the National Audubon Society, established in his honor in 1905, which continues to promote conservation and environmentalism. Despite his contributions to science, Audubon's personal history as an enslaver and critic of emancipation has made him a controversial figure in modern times.

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