When Robin builds her nest, she makes use of the handiwork of many other creatures in this “House That Jack Built” accounting of the effort and its aftermath. Squirrel trimmed twigs “not too big,” Dog brought string “long and strong,” Horse shared straw, Pig mixed mud, Rabbit picked grass, and so on. When the nest is ready, there are eggs “brittle and blue,” and eventually nestlings “tufted and pink,” who turn into fledglings “rumpled and ruffled and ready to fly. Good … Bye.” The energetic text is built on rhythm and exemplary word choice—terrific action verbs and adjectives abound—and set against captivating illustrations that celebrate the natural world, done in Fleming’s trademark combination of printmaking techniques and collage. (Ages 3–7)

A robin’s animal friends help build her nest in this cumulative collage picture book from Caldecott Honor recipient Denise Fleming.

Robin is building a nest, and her friends are ready to help! The squirrel trims the twigs. The dog brings the string. The horse shares his straw. And then a surprise gatefold spread reveals how Robin knits them all together to make a safe and cozy home for her babies.