BIRDWISE: FASCINATING FACTS AND AMAZING ACTIVITIES TO MAKE YOU BIRD WISE. Hickman, Pamela. Illustrated by Judie Shore. Toronto, Kids Can Press for the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. 1988. 96pp, paper. ISBN 0-921103-66-2 (cloth) $19.95, 0-921103-58-1 (paper) $9.95. CIP Grades 3 to 6/Ages 8 to 11 Reviewed by Maryleah Otto Volume 17 Number 3 1989 May Pamela Hickman under the aegis of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists has written an entertaining book of bird lore that will be useful in school and public libraries for science fair projects and for nature study programs. Parents will find many inexpensive craft ideas here that they can do with children to encourage an interest in birds in cities and in the countryside. Topics covered include anatomy, nesting, habitat, migration and a variety of methods by which children can safely watch, feed, attract and protect birds. Unfortunately, reproduction is omitted. Endangered and extinct species are noted briefly and there is a list of ways for children to become actively Involved In wildlife conservation. Several species are given extensive coverage, i.e., gulls, owls, woodpeckers and hummingbirds. There is a board game for four players called "It's a Bird's Life," several quizzes and an index. Of particular interest is the illustration of a sonogram showing the pitch, volume, and tempo of a bird's song. The language in Birdwise will appeal to young readers because it contains puns, catchy phrases and many popular expressions. By using the second person, Hickman addresses the reader directly, thus riveting his/her attention. The vocabulary is within the range of grade 3 to 4 children but older readers will also appreciate this book. Judie Shore's black-and-white line drawings are of consistently high quality and there are lots of them, perhaps as many as three hundred within ninety-six pages of text. The diagrams for crafts and activities are large and clear. Maryleah Otto, St. Thomas Public Library, St Thomas, Ont.