The Truth About Hawks

Gr 1-2–This book about hawks is bold, confident, and straightforward. It features simple facts and clear, bright drawings on each page. The birds speak in cartoon bubbles and offer humorous commentary. This animal dialogue invites readers to empathize with the creatures and enter their world. Goofy comic images like a hawk on the phone add an air of hilarity but do not undercut the realistic pen-and-ink drawings that differentiate between species and illustrate details. Subplots having to do with voles and snails—who are prey—add drama and provide extended examples of the relationship between predators and prey. The author does mention threats to the survival of hawks, but instead of focusing on dire environmental conditions, he emphasizes appreciation for hawks in the wild. The book offers a very short bibliography (two titles) for further research.