The Triumphant Tale of the House Sparrow

The Triumphant Tale of the House Sparrow

Author: Jan Thornhill

Publisher: Groundwood Books Ltd

Published: 2019-11-15

Total Pages: 45

ISBN-13: 1773062913

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“The content encourages us to reflect upon and evaluate the relationship between human beings and animals. This book leaves us with admiration for this feisty bird and hope for our world.” — Friends Journal Behold the most despised bird in human history! So begins Jan Thornhill’s riveting, beautifully illustrated story of the House Sparrow. She traces the history of this perky little bird, one of the most adaptable creatures on Earth, from its beginnings in the Middle East to its spread with the growth of agriculture into India, North Africa and Europe. Everywhere the House Sparrow went, it competed with humans for grain, becoming such a pest that in some places “sparrow catcher” became an actual job and bounties were paid to those who got rid of it. But not everyone hated the House Sparrow, and in 1852, fifty pairs were released in New York City. In no time at all, the bird had spread from coast to coast. Then suddenly, at the turn of the century, as cars took over from horses and there was less grain to be found, its numbers began to decline. As our homes, gardens, cities and farmland have changed, providing fewer nesting and feeding opportunities, the House Sparrow’s numbers have begun to decline again — though in England and Holland this decline appears to be slowing. Perhaps this clever little bird is simply adapting once more. This fascinating book includes the life history of the House Sparrow and descriptions of how the Ancient Egyptians fed it to the animals they later mummified, how it traveled to Great Britain as a stowaway on ships carrying Roman soldiers, and how its cousin, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, was almost eradicated in China when Mao declared war on it. A wealth of back matter material is also supplied. Key Text Features map glossary references resources further information Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.3 Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.7 Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.3 Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.3 Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.2 Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.


The Triumphant Tale of the House Sparrow

The Triumphant Tale of the House Sparrow

Author: Jan Thornhill

Publisher: Groundwood Books Ltd

Published: 2018-04-01

Total Pages: 25

ISBN-13: 1773060074

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Behold the most despised bird in human history! So begins Jan Thornhill’s riveting, beautifully illustrated story of the House Sparrow. She traces the history of this perky little bird, one of the most adaptable creatures on Earth, from its beginnings in the Middle East to its spread with the growth of agriculture into India, North Africa and Europe. Everywhere the House Sparrow went, it competed with humans for grain, becoming such a pest that in some places “sparrow catcher” became an actual job and bounties were paid to those who got rid of it. But not everyone hated the House Sparrow, and in 1852, fifty pairs were released in New York City. In no time at all, the bird had spread from coast to coast. Then suddenly, at the turn of the century, as cars took over from horses and there was less grain to be found, its numbers began to decline. As our homes, gardens, cities and farmland have changed, providing fewer nesting and feeding opportunities, the House Sparrow’s numbers have begun to decline again — though in England and Holland this decline appears to be slowing. Perhaps this clever little bird is simply adapting once more. This fascinating book includes the life history of the House Sparrow and descriptions of how the Ancient Egyptians fed it to the animals they later mummified, how it traveled to Great Britain as a stowaway on ships carrying Roman soldiers, and how its cousin, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, was almost eradicated in China when Mao declared war on it. A wealth of back matter material is also supplied.


A Bird’s Life

A Bird’s Life

Author: Ellen Lawrence

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Published: 2012-08-01

Total Pages: 28

ISBN-13: 1617726168

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A child watches a female cardinal building a nest in his backyard and decides to record what happens to the cardinal family in her diary. Readers will follow along as the young narrator observes the birds’ behavior up close, including the mother bird brooding her eggs, the chicks peeking from the nest for the first time, and the parent birds feeding and fledging their young. All the details of the birds’ lives are explored up to the time when the juvenile birds are ready to leave home. Large photos, diagrams, and clear, age-appropriate text will engage young readers as they explore the life cycle, natural habitat, physical characteristics, diet, and behavior of these colorful birds. The diary format models scientific observation and critical thinking—and encourages children to keep notebooks recording their own investigations into the natural world.


A Sparrow's Disappearing Home

A Sparrow's Disappearing Home

Author: Mary Ellen Klukow

Publisher: Amicus Ink

Published: 2019-08-20

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781681524900

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Animals face scary challenges every day! These narrative nonfiction books focus on describing the changes to animals habitats that affect the animal's way of life—or even puts their species at risk of dying out! Readers will learn about the reasons for changes in habitats that affect animals and small steps they can take to help protect them. A saltmarsh sparrow is looking for a new place to live after not finding enough food in her current location. She needs to find a place with the right plants and must avoid running into glass buildings and loose pets on the beach. Will the sparrow survive and find a new home? This narrative nonfiction title includes a range map, notes on how to help songbirds, further resources, and a glossary.


Birds of All Kinds

Birds of All Kinds

Author: Rebecca Sjonger

Publisher: Crabtree Publishing Company

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 36

ISBN-13: 9780778721604

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A description of different types of birds and their habits.


What is a Bird?

What is a Bird?

Author: Bobbie Kalman

Publisher: New York ; Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. : Crabtree Pub.

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 38

ISBN-13: 9780865058804

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What makes birds different from other animals? Do all birds fly? How are the bodies of birds different? Where do they live and how do they build their nests? These questions are answered in this fascinating new book on what makes a bird.


Falcons in the City

Falcons in the City

Author: Chris Earley

Publisher:

Published: 2016-09

Total Pages: 48

ISBN-13: 9781484494790

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A charming story about a nest of wild birds that alarm, then charm, their city landlords.


Roseate Spoonbill

Roseate Spoonbill

Author: Stephen Person

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Published: 2012-08-01

Total Pages: 36

ISBN-13: 1617726133

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In the late 1800s, the roseate spoonbill was on the brink of extinction in North America. This large bird was hunted for its beautiful pink-and-white feathers, which were used to make hats and fans. However, conservationists and government agencies stepped in to help, and their efforts helped the roseate spoonbill population recover. These animals can now be found in the wetlands of Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. The birds’ future survival depends on protecting their habitat in the Gulf Coast region. In Roseate Spoonbill: Pretty in Pink, kids go on a real-life adventure with scientists in the field as they study these magnificent wild birds. Along the way, children will discover the roseate spoonbill’s life cycle, diet, behavior, and physical characteristics. Large, full-color photos and a dramatic narrative format will keep readers turning the pages.


Homing Pigeons

Homing Pigeons

Author: Jenny Fretland VanVoorst

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Published: 2013-08-01

Total Pages: 24

ISBN-13: 9781617729003

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"In this book, young readers will learn about how homing pigeons are able to carry messages across great distances."--


Ruby's Birds

Ruby's Birds

Author: Mya Thompson

Publisher: Cornell Lab Publishing Group

Published: 2020

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781943645626

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"Sometimes, an ordinary walk can become something ... magical! Tag along with Ruby as she discovers that even big cities have a wild side"--Page 4 of cover