THE WONDER WORLD OF BIRDS

Maris Neurath's attractive pictures are perhaps better than her text in this latest ""Wonder World"" book (see also The Wonder World of Animals, The Wonder World of Insectss). Like the others, its only coherent central theme is the general subject, in this case birds. Each of the two page spreads tells of a different habit or trait in a different bird family -- and though there are advantages in the author's world wide coverage (penguins to vultures) and a lively display of many facts, it is a hodge podge that leaves much to be desired. A quick trip to the zoo- for less inquisitive children.