***WINNER 2014 KIRKUS PRIZE Children and Teens*** Since 2031, Aviary Wonders Inc. has offered bird lovers a unique opportunity: Assemble your own bird from stunningly beautiful and carefully hand-crafted parts. The birds can even be taught to fly and to sing! This slyly satirical crafter's delight is offered as the perfect antidote to extinction of birds in the wild. Brilliantly illustrated with oil paintings and filled with laugh-aloud asides as well as sobering facts about extinct species, this mock catalog is a clever send-up of contemporary sales spin and a thought-provoking look into an all-too-possible future. AGES: 9-12 AUTHOR: Kate Samworth studied (and taught) painting at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art and printmaking at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Art, where she took an illustration course with David Wiesner. She is an ardent spokesperson for environmental protection and preservation. REVIEWS: "For children and their bird-watching parents, who will appreciate the clever premise and the message of admiration." ?Kirkus, starred review "This is an original, somewhat disturbing, and wholeheartedly bizarre (but in a good way!) picture book for older children. . . An impressive picture book debut." ?Booklist, starred review colour illustrations
