ABOUT THIS BOOK

The birdwatchers of Central Park were buzzing–a young red-tailed hawk had been spotted, would he stay? The bird they dubbed Pale Male not only stayed, he became one of New York City’s most famous residents. Pale Male and his mate built their nest near the top of one of Fifth Avenue’s swankiest apartment buildings. Nine years and 23 chicks later, Pale Male’s fame had grown so large that a CBS newsman named him Father of the Year! But Pale Male was less beloved by the residents of the building, and in 2004 the owners suddenly removed the nest–setting off an international outcry on behalf of the birds.


REVIEWS

Starred Review, School Library Journal, January 2008:
"From the eye-catching endpapers ... to the energetic city scenes, readers experience New Yorkers’ excitement about Pale Male ... and understand why his story has captured the interest of so many people."

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, January 28, 2008:
"[T]his version stands out for its urbane, reportorial prose and stylish watercolors ... by the final page, even readers who live far from Manhattan will appreciate that Pale Male's significance and stature rise well beyond those of media darling."

Starred Review, Booklist, February 15, 2008:
" Beautiful contrasting views of the bird soaring above the wild park and the forest of the skyscrapers will ignite children's curiosity in both urban animals and the caring people who help protect them."

Starred Review, Horn Book, March/April 2008:
“This third recent picture book about the red-tailed hawks that have nested on a posh building across from Central Park since the 1990s is the best so far.”

Review, New York Times Book Review, June 1, 2008:
"[Schulman's] language is sophisticated and wry . . . [and] the watercolor illustrations, by Meilo So, are luminous."


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janet Schulman is a renowned editor and publisher of children’s books. She lives in New York City.

Meilo So has illustrated many acclaimed and award-winning books. She lives in the Shetland Islands, Scotland.


AWARDS

WINNER 2008 - School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
WINNER 2008 - Horn Book Fanfare
WINNER 2008 - New York Times Best Illustrated Book