The scarlet plumage and jaunty crest of the cardinal make him one of our most handsome birds. Now Robert McClung, who is known for his many life-cycle books about familiar creatures, tells the story of Redbird in clear, controlled prose.

As the author follows the activities of one particular cardinal family through the course of a year, he explains the mating, nesting, and feeding habits of the species, and the way the fledglings are raised. Into the background, he weaved information about the environment, in this case New England, of the cardinal and the other animal life that is part of it. Although scientifically exact in every detail, the story has a natural plot of survival against numerous dangers, and it is one with special appeal for young children.

To write this book, the author studied a number of cardinal nests in his neighborhood for several months. Many of his vivid illustrations also have been drawn from life. Certainly the cardinal is an ideal subject for Mr. McClung, whose enthusiasm and respect for his work show on every page.

From the book