first based upon natural history and the second upon the elementary
principles of living which should be made clear to every child at the
earliest age of understanding.

The first of these aims he has accomplished by adapting every one of
his bird characters to its living counterpart in the realm of biology.
The child learns very definite truths about which the story is woven;
learns in such a fascinating manner that he will not quickly forget,
and is brought into such pleasant intimacy that his immediate sympathy
is aroused.

The author accomplishes the purpose of driving home simple lessons on
good conduct by attributing the many of the same traits of character
to his feathered heroes and heroines that are to be found wherever the
human race made its habitation. The praise-worthy qualities of
courage, love, unselfishness, truth, industry, and humility are
portrayed in the dealings of the field and forest folk and the
consequential reward of these virtues is clearly shown; he also
reveals the unhappy results of greed, jealousy, trickery and other
character weaknesses. The effect is to impress indelibly upon the
imagination of the child that certain deeds are their own desirable
reward while certain others are much better left undone.

If any further recommendation is necessary, would it not be well to
resort to the court of final appeal, the child himself? Simply
purchase a trial copy from your bookseller with the understanding that
if it meets with the disapproval of the little man or woman for whom
it is intended, he will accept its return.