Birds of Prey.

Gregory Bryan is a member of the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

Robert Bateman is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost nature artists. As such, it is a treat to have him producing books for young readers. Following on his successful Backyard Birds, Birds of Prey is guaranteed to please readers young and old.

In Birds of Prey, Bateman’s exquisite paintings illustrate more than 20 different raptors with full (or almost full) page paintings. Many smaller, but equally detailed, paintings are also included. Bateman’s wonderful eye for detail helps him to portray these birds as regal princes of the skies. In this book, the focus is largely, but not exclusively, on North American raptors and includes paintings and discussion of North American birds such as the snowy owl, bald eagle, golden eagle, northern goshawk, turkey vulture, and peregrine falcon.

Whether one is familiar with Bateman’s work or new to his art, his paintings and the accompanying text (Kovacs successfully conveys Bateman’s personality and preferences) will undoubtedly help readers see birds of prey in a new way. A most enjoyable reading and viewing experience. Highly recommended.