Feathers for Lunch

by Lois Ehlert

Book Overview

An escaped house cat encounters twelve common birds in the backyard but captures only feathers for lunch. Includes bird guide. "Destined to become an uncontested favorite with many children and adults."--The Horn Book

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152305505
• ISBN13: 9780152305505
• Release Date: September 1990
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.4" x 12.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

Fake science

Roaming cats are a major cause of the decline in our bird populations, and this book repeats two myths about outdoor cats. Cats do NOT miss every time and only get feathers as in this book. Cat bells do NOT give birds warning because cats quickly learn how to hold the bell still while hunting. The lack of understanding by so many cat owners is illustrated by another reviewer here who "feels sorry for the cat." Really? You are not aware that birds ARE caught by cats, then either torn apart or left alive--maimed--as kitty toys? How would you feel if my free-roaming dog came in your yard and did that to your cat? Two other reviewers love how the book teaches children about native birds. Well, great, but where is the information about what birds need for survival? Will birds automatically be with us forever, despite cats, habitat destruction, water pollution, drought, climate change, and tribal public denial? This otherwise excellent book could have been composed in an age-appropriate way to show young children what responsible cat ownership looks like, and the danger they pose to our native birds.

Beautiful little charmer

Another favorite of my 3 1/2 year-old daughter, along with "Top Cat" by the same author. Hmmm...is it possible that Top Cat or his little brother is the cat in "Feathers for Lunch"? That aside, the pictures in this wonderful book allow a child a good first look at several North American birds, and the text introduces your child to their birdsong. All the birds are "drawn" (I believe they are actually designed by paper cut), to actual life-size.

Great bird book

This is a wonderful little book for children to learn some common American birds and their calls. The story is about a cat trying to catch a bird for lunch but the bell on the collar keeps giving him away, hence "feathers for lunch" but the illustrations are almost all birds such as the Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Morning Dove, House Wren, Northern Flicker, etc... My little boy actually likes Ehlert's "Top Cat" better, but this story has seen many readings. My boy can tell the difference between several birds that he sees in his backyard. Recommended for the little birders.

Continues to be a favorite

Entertaining, colorful, informative --- what's not to like? I have to admit, however, that I feel sorry for the cat.

A must-have for young children

This wonderful book was the first favorite book of both my children; now the 5-year-old chants along from memory when the 18-month-old demands her daily reading(s). My only complaint about Feathers for Lunch is that it isn't available in a board book form--ours is held together with tape!

A practically perfect childrens book!

Bright, bold, uncluttered illustrations and a jaunty rhyme make this a perfect book for children ages 1-4. Toddlers and older can also learn to recognize some common North American birds. -One of our daughters' favorites.