GIANFERRARI, Maria. Hawk Rising. illus. by Brian Floca. 40p. further reading. websites. Roaring Brook. May 2018. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781626720961.

Gr 1-5 –A young unnamed girl observes a father hawk searching for prey to feed his young offspring. Against the morning sky, the bird sits on a pole watching and waiting, until he sees a chipmunk below and dives after it. But the chipmunk escapes. The child continues to watch as the bird embarks on a number of unsuccessful endeavors, including trying to catch a sparrow. As the day sinks toward darkness, the father hawk perches once again to wait and watch—finally, he catches a squirrel. Bird and human rest as the night closes in. The lyrical text captures the excitement of observing red-tailed hawks’ hunting efforts in a residential setting. Floca’s stunningly accurate watercolor illustrations beautifully complement Gianferrari’s text. An incredible companion to the author’s Coyote Moon, this latest powerfully demonstrates the wonder that can be found in observing the natural world. Additional information about red-tailed hawks makes the book a valuable educational tool, as well. ­VERDICT A first purchase for most libraries.–Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT

This review was published in the School Library Journal April 2018 issue.