Return of the Osprey

Joan Buchanan is a children’s writer and storyteller. She is the
author of Taking Care of My Cold!, What If I Were in Charge?, Nothing
Else But Yams for Supper!, and The Nana Rescue.

In this picture book, the simple and moving story of a grandfather
passing down knowledge to his grandson serves as a frame for
communicating educational material on osprey and purple martins. The
story takes place in the Burrard Inlet of North Vancouver, where the
reader follows the main character from boyhood to grandfatherhood. The
grandfather remembers what his grandfather had told him of the osprey
who return each year (always to the same tree) to nest in the inlet. He
remembers the summer day when, sleepy with dried fish, salmonberries,
and bread, his grandfather told him of the magic of nature.

Return of the Osprey is at its best when the story takes over—that
is, when the responses, feelings, and thoughts of the main character are
the vehicle for conveying the nonfictional information. In several
places, especially at the beginning, the communication of information
seems a bit forced.

Christopher Bateman’s black-and-white illustrations are at times
stark yet full of action. A percentage of the proceeds from the book
goes toward supporting the Wild Bird Trust of British Columbia.
Recommended.