Featherland How the Birds lived at Greenlawn By: George Manville Fenn (1831-1909)
Featherland How the Birds lived at Greenlawn by George Manville Fenn is a delightful and insightful children's book that takes its readers on a thrilling adventure through the world of birds. Fenn's vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling skills make this book an absolute joy to read. The story is set in Greenlawn, a quaint countryside village, where the birds have built their homes and live harmoniously. Fenn's ability to anthropomorphize the birds makes them relatable and endearing characters that children will instantly connect with. Each bird species is portrayed with distinct traits and personalities, which adds depth and variety to the narrative. One of the book's strengths is the author's meticulous attention to detail when describing the birds' habitats and behaviors. Through Fenn's vivid descriptions, readers gain a deeper understanding of the birds' lives, their nesting habits, and their unique ways of communication. This attention to detail not only educates young readers but also sparks their curiosity about the natural world around them. Moreover, the book is filled with a sense of wonder and adventure, as the birds face various challenges and overcome obstacles together. Fenn skillfully weaves in themes of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance, imparting valuable life lessons to young readers. The birds' determination to protect their home from outside threats showcases the importance of unity and the power of working together towards a common goal. Another notable aspect of Featherland is Fenn's beautiful use of language. His prose flows effortlessly, painting vivid imagery that brings the scenes to life in readers' imaginations. The author's love for nature shines through his words, making readers appreciate the beauty and intricacy of the natural world. The book is also accompanied by charming illustrations that complement the text perfectly. The colorful and engaging artwork adds an extra layer of visual appeal, enhancing the reading experience for children. Featherland How the Birds lived at Greenlawn is not only an entertaining story but also a valuable educational resource. It effortlessly combines adventure, friendship, and scientific knowledge, making it an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and children alike. George Manville Fenn's masterful storytelling, attention to detail, and beautiful language create a truly magical reading experience that should not be missed. First Page: Featherland, or How the Birds lived at Greenlawn, by George Manville Fenn. As he explains in the last paragraph the book was written for the amusement of two little girls who were fond of leaning up against his knee, and asking him to tell them a story. Fenn was a very good naturalist, and I feel sure that he enjoyed looking out at the birds on the lawn, and seeing their reactions to one another. From this he has gone on to add occasional snatches of English speech, to illustrate to the girls the way the birds, and a few other animals (the dog, the cat, the bees, a hedgehog, the flies, the wasps), were behaving in each other's presence. On the whole the language is easy, and suitable for young children, but just occasionally a word slips in such as "gourmandising", which would need explaining to a child. I am not much in favour of books that make animals talk as though they were little human beings, but in this book such language is used only to the very minimum, just enough to make the animals' activities meaningful. For the rest the birds mostly make their appointed noises. But I did enjoy the skylark's song. And once Fenn had put in one song it was inevitable that he would put in another, for which the bluebottle was the "singer"... Continue reading book >>

Featherland How the Birds lived at Greenlawn By: George Manville Fenn (1831-1909)

Featherland How the Birds lived at Greenlawn by George Manville Fenn is a delightful and insightful children's book that takes its readers on a thrilling adventure through the world of birds. Fenn's vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling skills make this book an absolute joy to read.

The story is set in Greenlawn, a quaint countryside village, where the birds have built their homes and live harmoniously. Fenn's ability to anthropomorphize the birds makes them relatable and endearing characters that children will instantly connect with. Each bird species is portrayed with distinct traits and personalities, which adds depth and variety to the narrative.

One of the book's strengths is the author's meticulous attention to detail when describing the birds' habitats and behaviors. Through Fenn's vivid descriptions, readers gain a deeper understanding of the birds' lives, their nesting habits, and their unique ways of communication. This attention to detail not only educates young readers but also sparks their curiosity about the natural world around them.

Moreover, the book is filled with a sense of wonder and adventure, as the birds face various challenges and overcome obstacles together. Fenn skillfully weaves in themes of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance, imparting valuable life lessons to young readers. The birds' determination to protect their home from outside threats showcases the importance of unity and the power of working together towards a common goal.

Another notable aspect of Featherland is Fenn's beautiful use of language. His prose flows effortlessly, painting vivid imagery that brings the scenes to life in readers' imaginations. The author's love for nature shines through his words, making readers appreciate the beauty and intricacy of the natural world.

The book is also accompanied by charming illustrations that complement the text perfectly. The colorful and engaging artwork adds an extra layer of visual appeal, enhancing the reading experience for children.

Featherland How the Birds lived at Greenlawn is not only an entertaining story but also a valuable educational resource. It effortlessly combines adventure, friendship, and scientific knowledge, making it an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and children alike. George Manville Fenn's masterful storytelling, attention to detail, and beautiful language create a truly magical reading experience that should not be missed.

First Page:

Featherland, or How the Birds lived at Greenlawn, by George Manville Fenn.

As he explains in the last paragraph the book was written for the amusement of two little girls who were fond of leaning up against his knee, and asking him to tell them a story. Fenn was a very good naturalist, and I feel sure that he enjoyed looking out at the birds on the lawn, and seeing their reactions to one another. From this he has gone on to add occasional snatches of English speech, to illustrate to the girls the way the birds, and a few other animals (the dog, the cat, the bees, a hedgehog, the flies, the wasps), were behaving in each other's presence.

On the whole the language is easy, and suitable for young children, but just occasionally a word slips in such as "gourmandising", which would need explaining to a child.

I am not much in favour of books that make animals talk as though they were little human beings, but in this book such language is used only to the very minimum, just enough to make the animals' activities meaningful. For the rest the birds mostly make their appointed noises. But I did enjoy the skylark's song. And once Fenn had put in one song it was inevitable that he would put in another, for which the bluebottle was the "singer"... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Teen/Young adult

eBook links
Wikipedia – George Manville Fenn
Wikipedia – Featherland How the Birds lived at Greenlawn

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac