Review - This Is the Nest That Robin Built

This Is the Nest That Robin Built
by Denise Fleming
Date: 2018
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

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.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

While I appreciate the work that went into these illustrations, I can't say that I find them aesthetically pleasing (although I did like all the ladybugs). The text simply follows the pattern of the rhyme, "This Is the House That Jack Built"... except it's about a bird instead of a person. All the animals help out in their own way, whether it's nibbling twigs or mixing the mud, and provide the robin with all the materials she needs for her nest.

I can't really fault the story; it's simple and it works. I just don't think this is a book I'd want to look at over and over again.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 2/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.43 out of 5