Spit Nests, Puke Power, and Other Brilliant Bird Adaptations

A nonfiction picture book that explores the amazing adaptations that keep certain species of bird alive and soaring

Not all birds build nests with sticks and have good manners. Some construct nests with their own saliva, while others use vomit as a defense

Sound strange? In Spit Nests, Puke Power, and Other Brilliant Bird Adaptations, curious kids ages 5 to 8 discover many of the unique adaptations of birds. Stories of these brilliant adaptations cultivate deeper discussions about the crucial environmental science topic of adaptations. Using an easy narrative tone and vivid illustrations, this book is perfect as a read aloud or an early reader. A limerick poem at the beginning of the book offers a language-based entry into science details. Layered text and back matter provide further information and encourage readers to dive deeper into the world of unique bird adaptations.

Spit Nests, Puke Power, and Other Brilliant Bird Adaptations is part of a set of five books in the Picture Book Science series that explore strange-but-true tales of adaptation. Other titles in this series include Stink Fights, Earwax, and Other Marvelous Mammal Adaptations; Anti-Freeze, Leaf Costumes, and Other Fabulous Fish Adaptations; Water-Walking, Sidewinding, and Other Remarkable Reptile Adaptations; and Sunscreen, Frogsicles, and Other Amazing Amphibian Adaptations.

- Provides layered text and back matter that encourages more in-depth discovery

- Promotes a sense of awe and wonder about the natural world

- Uses humor to engage children's attention

- Includes a hands-on, science-minded project to help support and reinforce deeper learning

- Meets Next Generation Science Standards in ecosystems, biological evolution, and heredity for grades K through 2.

About the Picture Book Science series and Nomad Press

Nomad Press books in the Picture Book Science series present real-world examples of science topics kids find fascinating These nonfiction picture books consist of engaging narratives paired with detailed, accurate illustrations and layered text that offers ample opportunity for discussion and reflection. Elementary-aged children are equipped to recognize basic science concepts and identify the different ways they are demonstrated in real life, while being impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and laboratories.

All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

About the Author

Laura Perdew is an author, writing consultant, and former middle school teacher. She has written more than 20 books for the education market on a wide range of subjects, including wetlands conservation, the history of toilets, pirates, and extinction. Her book Biodiversity: Explore the Diversity of Life on Earth (Nomad Press, 2019) earned a Booklist starred review and was a Junior Library Guild selection. Laura is a long-time member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, an avid runner and hiker, and an environmentalist. She lives and plays in Boulder, Colorado.

Katie Mazeika is an illustrator with a focus in children's publishing. She loves creating illustrations with a strong narrative that are filled with color and texture. Katie is the illustrator of the Picture Book Biography series from Nomad Press. Katie is a member of the SCBWI.