Olivia's Birds

Saving the Gulf

This post is part of Nonfiction Monday 

hosted today by Practically Paradise

Sterling Children's Books

(pub. 4.5.2011)  32 pages 

A True Tale with A Cherry On Top

A uthor and illustrator: 11-year old Olivia Bouler 

C haracters: birds

 

O verview from the jacket flap: 

         "Written in her own words, this spectacular picture book by budding ornithologist and artist Olivia Bouler is a unique field guide to backyard and endangered birds... it brings the beauty of more than fifty different birds to life and celebrates her brave efforts to save those affected by the 2010 Gulf oil spill... Also included are easy-to-do, everyday ways kids of all ages can get involved, take a stand, and make the world a cleaner, safer, better place." 

 

T antalizing taste: 

     "In April 2010, my grandparents told me about a giant oil spill that had happened in the Gulf of Mexico, deep under the water. The oil was going to hurt all kinds of marine animals that lived there, including birds like pelicans that have just come off the endangered species lists.  I got really upset. My first memory of birds is of the Brown Pelicans and the Great Blue Herons that live in Alabama. My granny and granddad would take me fishing and show me those beautiful birds. Who was going to save them?"

and something more:   During this season of giving, I thought it was particularly appropriate to highlight Olivia Bouler's generous gifts of her time, efforts, and creativity.  The "About the Author" of Olivia's Birds Saving the Gulf states that "... Olivia received the ASPCA's 'Tommy P. Monahan' Kid of the Year Award for her commitment and dedication to animal welfare.  She currently spends much of her time working on various environmental efforts and attending speaking engagements aross the country on behalf of bird and wildlife advocacy.  To date, Olivia has drawn over 120 different species of birds and created over 500 paintings to raise more than $150,000 for her Save the Gulf campaign."  Bravo!  What a great role model for other kids AND adults. My favorite illustration painted by Olivia is the watercolor of the three vivid blue birds swirling around the globe.  Terrific!