
Reach for this book when your child starts asking the 'tough' questions about how the natural world works, or when they express a budding interest in the animals living right in their own backyard. It serves as a gentle but honest bridge between a child's love for animals and the realistic cycle of nature, focusing on a father hawk's dedication to providing for his growing family. The story follows a red-tailed hawk through a single day of hunting in a suburban setting. While it captures the 'fierceness' of a predator, it is deeply rooted in themes of family care and resilience. It is an ideal choice for parents who want to foster a sense of wonder and scientific curiosity without shielding children from the realities of the food chain, all while emphasizing the bond between a father and his young.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals directly with predation. The hawk hunts and kills a squirrel to feed his family. The approach is biological and secular: it is presented as a necessary part of survival rather than an act of cruelty. The resolution is realistic and life-affirming as the chicks are fed.
A curious 6-year-old who loves 'Wild Kratts' or nature documentaries and is ready for a more sophisticated, lyrical look at the animals they see in their own park or backyard.
Parents should be prepared for the scene where the hawk catches a squirrel. The illustrations are artistic and not overly gory, but the reality of the food chain is clear. It may require a brief talk about why animals hunt. A child witnessing a hawk catch a bird or squirrel in real life and feeling upset or confused by the 'meanness' of the act.
4-year-olds will focus on the bold illustrations and the 'whoosh' of the hawk. 8-year-olds will appreciate the vocabulary (eyases, klee-klee) and the strategic nature of the hawk's behavior.
Unlike many nature books that set the scene in the deep wilderness, this takes place in a recognizable suburb (power lines, houses), making the majesty of nature feel accessible and immediate.
The narrative follows a male red-tailed hawk from dawn to dusk as he hunts in a suburban environment. He stalks squirrels and starlings, facing both successes and failures, eventually returning to the nest to feed his mate and their two hungry eyases. Parallel to the hawk's journey, a human mother and daughter observe his flight from their window.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.