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Roger Tory Peterson revolutionized the way we look at and appreciate birds, animals, and plants. Some kids called him "Professor Nuts Peterson" because of his dedication to his craft; yet he went on to create the immensely popular Peterson Guides, which have sold more than seven million copies, and which birders everywhere appreciate for their simple text and exquisite illustrations. Working closely with the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, New York, author Peggy Thomas and artist Laura Jacques have created a fascinating portrait of a global environmentalist with this very first children's biography of Peterson, a winner of the John Burroughs Nature Books for Young Readers Award.
Peggy Thomas is the author of more than a dozen books for children and young adults, including Joshua the Giant Frog, a tall tale about the Erie Canal. Ms. Thomas is also an instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature and a frequent speaker in schools and libraries. When not writing, she can be found at home in Middleport, New York, digging in her own garden.
"For the Birds: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson is noteworthy for its artwork alone. But I hope that it will serve to entice young people to read the story, where they will find someone their own age who followed his passion and left an indelible mark on the world. Even more, by emphasizing Peterson’s desire to help birds this book introduces the concept of, and need for, conservation. I would’ve loved this book as a child and would highly recommend it."
– Grant McCreary (07-02-2014), read the full review at The Birder's Library
"Both author and illustrator worked dilligently with us at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute to accurately and joyfully tell the story of the most celebrated naturalist of the twentieth century. Peterson's youth – the details of which are too quirky to be anything but true – should inspire any young reader to follow his or her dream and make it a reality."
– Mark Baldwin, director of education, Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History
