Samantha is turned into a bird by her neighbor, who herself becomes a crow, & together they migrate from Canada to a tropical forest in South America. Along the way Samantha learns how urbanization, hunters, rainforest destruction & other problems threaten the birds' ecosystem &, by extension, our own. Sidebar suggestions present a number of practical activities, from the creation of a bird garden in a schoolyard to how to make your own backyard more hospitable to birds. Margaret Atwood, Canada's best-known writer whose most recent works include The Handmaid's Tale & Cat's Eye, is a long-time environmental activist. She is also an avid birdwatcher. Funds from her royalities on this book will be donated to a number of environmental causes. John Bianchi, illustrator of The Dingles, has won acclaim for both his humorous & nature illustrations.