The Nest That Wren Built

The Nest That Wren Built follows the life of a nest from initial twigs to final abandonment after the hatchlings have left, showcasing in particular the process Papa and Wren go through to create a nest that will be a perfect home—comfortable, sturdy and safe. Factual tidbits alluded to throughout the text (such as the use of snakeskin and spiders’ sacs in nest building) as well as some of the more specific vocabulary words (e.g., brood, fledgling) are explained in further detail at the back of the book to enlighten curious minds. While slightly reminiscent of the classic English rhyme “The House That Jack Built,” Sonenshine’s text benefits from the warmth of nostalgic familiarity while simultaneously being a true original with absolute magnificent poetry and masterfully precise word choice—“This is the tuft of rabbity fur, / plucked from a sharp, persnickety burr / to warm the nest that Wren built.” The beauty of Sonenshine’s verse is met point for point in Hunter’s illustrations, which have a timeless and classic quality in their muted colors and crosshatched strokes. The combination is a work of art that celebrates the specifics of nature and biology in a way that’s sure to entrance budding nature lovers, fact-seekers, poets and artists alike.