Starred Review ALA Booklist (Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Starred Review Introducing kids to woodpeckers, Collard opens with their most distinctive and crazy-sounding behavior: they repeatedly pound their beaks into trees with a force that would leave other species brain-damaged. The text explains their physical adaptations, such as shock-absorbing skull bones, and then looks at their motivations. While they peck at trees primarily to reach grubs and ants below the bark, they sometimes drum to communicate with other woodpeckers or drill into wood to create holes for nesting or roosting. In addition to describing family life among woodpeckers and introducing some distinctive species, the text discusses the importance of protecting their habitats, particularly the dead trees they depend upon for survival. The book looks inviting, with its large format, clean layouts, and attractive illustrations, mainly well-composed color photos taken by the author and his son. A science writer with a degree in biology, Collard shares his knowledge of a group of birds that clearly fascinate him, while keeping his audience in mind. The text moves along at a good pace and shows a sense of humor, two elements that make the information easier for kids to absorb. This is a handsome, informative resource on woodpeckers, their unusual skills, and their role in the natural world.

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

A bedtime lullaby answers the question, "When they sleep, what do animals see?" Four-line stanzas feature kittens, turtles, chipmunks, and other animals dreaming of various pleasures, all of which include "you," the reader. The text incorporates rhyme and a panoply of active verbs, but its repetitive phrasing nonetheless lends it a soothing tone. The mixed-media illustrations depict a collection of sweet, softly rounded critters.

School Library Journal (Fri Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Gr 2-4 Starting with their defining characteristics, this volume provides an informative overview of woodpeckers. Starting with the question, "Why do woodpeckers peck into trees so much?," Collard leads readers through details about the birds' diets, behaviors, habitats, and family relationships. The main narrative concludes with ideas about supporting woodpeckers by protecting their habitats. The information is presented in short chapters that are straightforward and understandable, with conversational text and many jokes sprinkled throughout. Included within the main body of text are several asides which highlight selected characteristics of woodpeckers as well as notable species; these tidbits are denoted with different text and background colors. Photos of the birds are crisp and clear, allowing readers to see the woodpeckers' physical characteristics and compare species. In addition to the back matter, Collard includes some photo bloopers. VERDICT A solid addition to elementary nonfiction nature sections. Sarah Reid, Four County Library System, NY