Pistes d'exploration

Discuss the history of women’s rights and how things have changed over time.

Using the book as a starting point, research the Audubon Society of today and write an article outlining the history of the society and what it does now.

Make a poster outlining an upcoming meeting of the Audubon society (in the time of the book) and its intention to change the laws to protect the birds.

Identify the kinds birds found in the story. Sort them in various ways (e.g. Do they live in your area? Are they endangered or extinct?)

Discuss how fashion, household and industrial choices affect the planet (e.g. use of water bottles, consumerism, over-packaging).

Think about what can be done in your school to minimize negative effects on the environment.

Choose a situation or a cause that you feel strongly about. Formulate a solution and write a letter to your principal/the parents

With a partner, explore the Audubon Society website by focussing on the tabs and headlines. Discuss what it stands for and who is involved.

After reading the story and the author’s note, use a semantic map to distinguish between fact and fiction.

Research the Audubon Society of today and write an article outlining its history and current role.

Birds A to Z, Aviary Wonders Inc.: Spring Catalog and Instruction Manual

Mots-clés

Humour , Picture book , animal rights , birds , conservation , democracy , endangered animals , environment , human rights , women's rights

Commentaire descriptif

Funny, serious and informative, this is a fictionalized account of a pair of determined Bostonian women, Minna Hall and Harriet Hemenway, whose founding of the Audubon Society had a profound impact not only on bird protection but on the women's suffrage movement. The book traces their activism from the first “revolting” hat they notice to their success in effecting changes through legislation. What could make for dreary history has been made into a child-friendly narrative that will resonate with older children who have begun to wonder what it means to be a global citizen of the world. They will also love the vivid watercolour and ink illustrations depicting fashionable ladies with hilarious facial expressions, parading around town in elaborate hats topped with rare and exotic stuffed birds. Curious readers who would like more information can read the detailed author's note on the last page. An excellent book to use in conjunction with a unit on democracy, it could also fuel research on the different bird species presented.