I've been researching FEATHERS for a potential nonfiction book. In the process, I've cycled through an extensive stack of books on the subject and collected countless notes. Clearly, the topic has been addressed already, so I'm searching for a way into it that will be unique and welcomed. The incomparable Melissa Stewart writes nonfiction in such variety and with such expertise that one of her books may have addressed that question better than I or anyone else will be able to surpass: FEATHERS: Not Just For Flying. If that picture book is unknown to you, be sure to check it out.
ADVENTURE PUBLICATIONS, 2025
While examining field guides and other resources aimed at younger readers, I discovered STAN TEKIELA. He's a naturalist wildlife photographer and writer who has created nearly two hundred titles, many of them for kids. His WILDLIFE PICTURE BOOKS offer an effective range of approaches, including animals with "super powers", wildlife babies, critter litter, and titles with questions (Do Beavers Need Blankets?). I found this prolific nonfiction creator through WHOSE FEATHER IS THAT?
The photos are, not surprisingly, a glorious experience in themselves. Of course, when it comes to feathers, birds are going to feature prominently, since birds are Earth's only creatures with feathers. Tekiela activated that fact by designing a format and text structure that will engage kids (and others). With a dedication page caution to NOT collect feathers (or eggs or nests) due to wildlife protection laws, this invites readers on a virtual exploration. The pattern with vibrant design and colors follows a full spread, page-turn pattern throughout. On the left is a simple clue-statement that includes information about the bird from whom the feather is found. That might be habitat elements, size, sounds, or any other facts that readers might have had experience with in their young years. The right side spread features an isolated image of a feather for that bird and the question posed on the cover.
Below that is a simple hint. The page turn provides a vivid close up of the bird in question, with the right side naming it and offering three-to-five addition facts, stated in simple sentences. For each bird, small inset images add details (comparing hummingbird feather size to a dime, showing a flower or setting that might attract that bird). Backmatter provides a final four pages with small image insets of each bird and a few additional facts about the species.
This four-page treatment features ten familiar American birds, from cardinals to owls and turkeys. The feather images are reproduced in similar sizes, but the image of the actual bird is on the facing page to encourage trying to locate the placement and relative size for each feather. A bonus for me is that my research into feathers made me aware that each feather shown is a wing feather. How do I know that? The kind of feather most of us find and recognize are wing and tail feathers, since they are the largest and often the most colorful. However, tail feathers have a central shaft, with symmetrical barbs to each side. Wing feathers have an offset shaft, allowing the barbs to be larger and stronger on one side than the other. That's why those "in the know" can determine if the feather is from the right wing or the left!
That's also why further facts about downy woodpeckers reveal that they are named for the tuft of downy feathers near their beaks (to keep wood dust from getting into their nostrils). But the feather pictured is,consistent with the others, a wing feather. The image of the downy woodpecker provides plenty of accurate inspection opportunity to view those downy guardian feathers, though. I encourage anyone of any age who finds this content to be of interest to get your hands on this book. The information is both accurate and accessible, and the photography is superb high-resolution. That matters. Readers can get an upclose look, can examine various parts of the images using a hand lens. It's exciting to zoom in to see the way wing feathers interweave, to compare the textures of smooth body-cover feathers with downy tufts, and to decide if colorful details on and around legs, beaks, and eyes are parts of visible skin surface or actually tiny feathers.
Meanwhile, with that original caution in mind-- to look but not collect, I hope this book might become a summer favorite for many ages. And if my intended manuscript ever becomes a book I'lll certainly include this one among recommended picture books to pursue!
