Bird Children A Reading A–Z Poetry Book Word Count: 323 POETRY Bird Children Written by Elizabeth Gordon • Illustrated by M.T Ross www.readinga-z.com www.readinga-z.com Bird Children The images and text in this book were first published in 1912 in a larger collection called Bird Children: The Little Playmates of the Flower Children Bird Children A Reading A–Z Poetry Book © 2002 Learning Page, Inc Written by Elizabeth Gordon Illustrated by M.T Ross Written by Elizabeth Gordon Illustrated by M.T Ross ReadingA–ZTM © Learning Page, Inc All rights reserved Learning Page 1630 E River Road #121 Tucson, AZ 85718 www.readinga-z.com www.readinga-z.com TABLE OF CONTENTS Canary Baltimore Oriole Meadowlark .6 Geese Mallard Duck Eagle .9 Great Blue Heron 10 Cardinal 11 Chickadee 12 Ivory-billed Woodpecker 13 Canary-bird said to his mother: Crow 14 “Is that bird in the tree my brother?” Nightingale .15 Mama Canary said: “Oh, no! He’s just a cousin _ wild, you know.” Penguin 16 Baltimore Oriole, pretty thing, Meadowlark has a flute-like voice, Builds his nest of bits of string; Sings a song that’s very choice; He’s sociable and likes to stay Builds his nest low, near the ground, Where people live and children play With woven grasses arched around Said Father Goose: “I think I’ll take In shallow water Mallard Duck A stroll this morning to the lake.” At fishing sometimes tries his luck; Mother Goose said: “Then I’ll go, too, At other times he thinks it’s nice And maybe take a swim with you.” To nibble at the sweet wild rice Eagle has piercing yellow eyes, Great Blue Heron likes to fly, He’s very strong and very wise; And so he builds his house up high, He’s king and master over all Way in the tops of tallest trees The other birds, both great and small Where he lives, happy as you please 10 Cardinal Bird wears vivid red, Friendly little Chickadee He’s very amiable, ’tis said; Is just as cunning as can be; He likes fresh fruits and seeds to eat Upon your windowsill he’ll come And has a song that’s very sweet And thank you kindly for a crumb 11 12 Ivory-billed Woodpecker said: “Dear me! Black, solemn-looking Mr Crow They’re cutting down my family tree; Steals the good farmer’s corn, you know; Where can I live, I’d like to know, If you ask why he breaks the laws, If men will spoil the forest so?” He answers, wisely, “Caws, caws, caws.” 13 14 Said Penguin, pensively, one day: Said Nightingale: “It’s not my way “Come, fishie dear, come out and play,” To practice singing in the day, But fishie answered, in a fright: But wait till all the rest are through “I’ve heard about your appetite.” And I will gladly sing for you.” 15 16 .. .Bird Children The images and text in this book were first published in 1912 in a larger collection called Bird Children: The Little Playmates of the Flower Children Bird Children A... Heron 10 Cardinal 11 Chickadee 12 Ivory-billed Woodpecker 13 Canary -bird said to his mother: Crow 14 “Is that bird in the tree my brother?” Nightingale .15 Mama Canary said:... master over all Way in the tops of tallest trees The other birds, both great and small Where he lives, happy as you please 10 Cardinal Bird wears vivid red, Friendly little Chickadee He’s very