147. Birds of Our Land by Virginia W. Dike

Virginia W. Dike's Birds of Our Land (Cassava Republic Press, 2010 (first pub., 1986); 40) is an illustrative and colourful book on birds found in Nigeria and by extension, perhaps, across West Africa. This carefully written book provides insights into the habitat, habit, identification, and nature of several birds including the Plantain Eater, Parrot, Kite, Sunbird, Egret, Finch, Guinea Fowl, Crow, Coucal, Owl, Pipit, Mannikin, Whydah, Thrush, Kingfish, Roller and more. The book is directed towards young children, probably between the ages of five and fifteen; however, adults could learn a lot from if for how many of us know the birds we have been seeing by name. However, through the clear picturesque illustration by Robin Gowen one is able to identify several of these known birds by name and description.

The book opens with a definition of a bird accompanied by a well-labelled illustration. Following from there is a brief description of the birds, systematically, with each bird followed by its illustrative representation. The text is precise, poetic, and seems to tell a story. The sounds that these birds make have been carried through. The names of the birds have been translated into three main Nigerian languages: Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. And the reader could perhaps compare these translations with what they call it in his or her own native language, if he or she has one. For instance, a Parrot is called Ayekooto in Yoruba, Icheoku in Igbo and Aku in Hausa; in Ghana the Akan Twi speakers call it Akoo. I couldn't help but notice the similar sounds the name has among all the local languages, the alliteration and assonance is not oblivious to the reader.

Though this book is geared towards developing the scientific knowledge and conservation concerns (or habit) of the reader from a tender age, it could also serve as a reading book due to the simplicity of the text and the beauty of the write. None of the words used are difficult and beyond pronunciation. The author did well to do away with the jaw-breaking scientific names these birds carry, relying instead on the common names.

After describing twenty-five birds, the author concluded with a checklist for bird watchers and how to help in the conservation of bird population and bird habitat. Knowledge of this is very important even as we struggle to understand the world we live in and make the best use of it whilst protecting it for posterity. The author, Virginia Dike, also provided a list of what to look for when observing a bird. To conclude this, it is best to quote the author

This book aims to: (1) familiarise children with their environment by introducing the variety of birds around them; (2) help build habits of careful observation; (3) stimulate inquiry about the natural world; and (4) develop communication and critical thinking skills. Its use can help children acquire language and mathematical skills by expanding their vocabulary and providing opportunities for classification and measurement.

And in forty pages the book does this and more. This comprehensive book, with guides to both parents and educators, is likely to build the reader in more ways than one. Whilst acquiring scientific knowledge, the reader will at the same time be appreciating the environment within which he or she lives and appreciating language also. This is very much recommended.

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Read about the author here

NEW PUBLICATION: Birds of Our Land

SYNOPSIS

When the author moved to Nigeria in the early 1970s with her young family, she discovered that Nigeria has so many fascinated birds that she wanted to share with her children and other children.  But she couldn’t find books on Nigerian or West African birds.  Instead, the bookshops had lots of books about birds from the United States and Britain.  This gave birth to Birds of Our Land*, a child’s guide to West African birds with the aim of introducing children to some of the many fascinating birds around them. It explains the basic features of birds and key things to note in observing them and is accompanied by beautiful paintings by illustrator Robin Gowen of 25 birds representing the major species in the region. Most of these are birds that children are likely to come across in most parts of West Africa, while a few are less familiar but amazing in some way.

Through its rich, poetic descriptions Birds of Our Land offers children a gateway to the natural world by introducing them to the basics of bird watching. This book also includes activities relating to birds and a guide for teachers and parents. It is more than a great read. Birds of Our Land is the perfect tool for parents and educators encouraging children to spend more time outdoors exploring the world of nature and giving them an appreciation of the beauty and interdependence of all forms of life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Virginia Dike is a professor and head of the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.  She grew up in the United States and has a BA in History from Harvard University and an MA in Education and an MSc in Library Science, both from Columbia University. She is a founding member of The Children Centre Library at the University of Nigeria in Nsukka.  She is an American by birth and Nigerian by marriage and has five children.
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*The book is published by Cassava Republic