Editorial Review

The latest inductee into the Animal Engineers series (6 titles) is an accomplished architect and dazzling interior designer. There are around 20 species of bowerbirds, all residents of Australia and New Guinea, all with males that construct beautiful bowers to attract mates. Some are simple woven mats, some have protective roofs, and others include multiple avenues.

When the bower is ready and a female approaches, it’s time to dance! If she enjoys the show, she’ll enter the bower to mate, and then it’s off to make a nest. This engaging entry is a charmer, packed with fast facts and flashy photographs. Important vocabulary terms are bolded, and the fun format and snazzy sidebars easily capture attention. A glossary, an index, and further reading/links finish things off. An entertaining introduction to a fascinating, new feathered friend.