Detailed realistic illustrations follow a pair of robins as they build their nest, lay eggs, wait for them to hatch, care for their fledglings, and, finally, fly away again with a large group of robins. The text is minimal, and the pen-and-ink drawings use a variety of page designs and visual perspectives to tell this naturally dramatic story that avoids anthropomorphizing the birds. Vertical panels are effectively used to show the passage of time-the parents flying back and forth ... and back and forth .... with food for the juveniles, for example-and small moments of conflict (such as, the parents fending off a hungry snake). The beauty of this book is in its understatement, in both the narrative and the uncluttered illustrations, drawn in black and white with occasional touches of robin's egg blue to depict the eggs, the sky, and the stunning end pages. (Ages 2-6)

Award-winning author-illustrator Henry Cole soars to new heights in this stunning picture book about robins: their homes, their lives, and their families.

In this black-and-white picture book highlighted with robin's egg blue, the reader will follow two robins as they build a nest with twigs and grass. Then mother robin lays four beautiful blue eggs and will keep the eggs warm in the nest until they hatch into four baby robins.

The father robin protects the babies until they can fly on their own. The perils the babies encounter are many, including snakes and storms. The nest is always their safe place.

Nesting provides introductory biology and animal science concepts for very young children, and also makes a spectacular springtime gift.

Award-winning author-illustrator Henry Cole has re-created the life story of the robin with simple text and stunning artwork. Nesting is the perfect primer for young bird-watchers and nature lovers. The beautiful, intricate black-and-white illustrations are illuminated with lovely washes of blue that breathe life into the artwork.

Plus don't miss Henry Cole's acclaimed companion book about beavers, Building.