What bird is the national symbol of our country? If Ben Franklin had gotten his way, it would be the turkey. No disrespect to turkeys, but most of us are probably glad that the bald eagle was chosen instead. In this volume of the “My Little Book” collection, two bald eagles return to their gigantic nest high above a large lake. They repair the winter damage with small branches and twigs. A few days later, the female lays an egg, and after two more days another egg comes. In about five weeks, the eggs hatch. Within three weeks, the baby birds are a foot tall. At six weeks, the eaglets are nearly as tall as their parents. When will the young birds be ready to make their first big leap from the nest? And how long will it take for them to become adults?
“Real books,” like this Next Generation Winner of the Indie Book Awards, are a wonderful way for young people to learn about various aspects of the natural world around us. Bald eagles are such magnificent creatures. Whenever we have seen them, whether displayed in zoos or flying in the wild, they always take our breath away. Author Hope Irvin Marston reminds us, “Bald eagles are a protected species. There are stiff penalties for anyone caught bothering them. When eagles are found dead—from collisions with cars, being unlawfully shot or trapped, or from natural causes--the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service salvages them. American Indians can legally acquire eagle feathers for use in religious ceremonies.” This is a great “little book” for kids on a very interesting subject. ( )