The Children’s Book Review | December 10, 2019
Watching birds soar through the sky or nest in a tree are some of the simplest pleasures that we can foster in our children. Following is a description of bird-themed books that will surely spark the interest of even the youngest readers.
Written by Bernard Duisit
Illustrated by Olivia Cosneau
What to expect: Pop-up book about bird activities
In Six Little Birds, young readers will be delighted by the beautifully engineered pop-up birds on each page. This simple tale tells the story of six nuthatches that fly from their nest and where each one of them ends up. The simple text conveys lots of different emotions and is complemented by lovely illustrations. The story lends itself to the imagination and will surely spark interested questions from even the youngest readers.
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Ages 2-5 | Publisher: Little Gestalten | 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-3-89955-828-9
Written by Andrew Gibbs
Illustrated by Zosienka
What to expect: Coping with disabilities, unexpected friendships
In this charming tale, a young bird has to learn how to cope with his small, misshapen wing. Try as he might, he can’t fly like his brothers and sisters. When they all leave the nest, he finds himself alone and trying desperately to learn to fly. It isn’t until he meets a new friend that he starts to realize that there are other ways to get around that can be just as exhilarating as flying is. Baby Bird is filled with beautiful illustrations that perfectly complement this touching story of finding your place in the world, no matter the circumstances.
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Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books | 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1-78603-591-2
Written by Helen Frost
Photography by Rick Lieder
What to expect: Sandhill cranes, poetry
In Hello, I’m Here! readers are introduced to a family of sandhill cranes through a lively poem. The simple verses chart the growth of the little crane from the moment he decides to break out of his egg until he meets his brother and his mother. The crane begins to explore and starts asking lots of questions, much like any young reader will after seeing the emotive photographs that accompany the text.
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Ages 2-5 | Publisher: Candlewick | 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-0-7636-9858-4
Written by Lisa Steele
What to expect: Chicken-keeping and development
In Let’s Hatch Chicks! author Lisa Steele introduces readers to the joys of raising chickens. In this chapter book, readers will discover the journey of a chick from when they leave their shells to when they become mature adult chickens. Readers will also learn what chickens need to survive—what they eat, how they sleep, and how they nest and breed. The author has included a handy glossary of terms that will come in useful when discussing chicken keeping methods.
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Ages 5-8 | Publisher: Young Voyageur | 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-0-7603-5785-9
Written by Susan Edwards Richmond
Illustrated by
What to expect: Citizen scientists, bird watching and bird counting
In Bird Count, readers meet young Ava, an avid bird-watcher who is about to embark on the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Citizen scientists are tasked with recording each bird they see on a specified route during the bird count. Anyone interested in birds can join since all you really need are your eyes and ears. During this year’s count, Ava gets to keep the tally of birds. Readers will delight in the colorful bird illustrations and the excitement of finding new and interesting birds. The author has included a handy glossary of the birds listed in the story, with interesting facts about each bird. This is sure to spark readers’ curiosity and encourage their participation in the citizen science movement.
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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company | 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-156145-954-4
Written by Lela Nargi
Illustrated by
What to expect: 3-D printing, helping animals with disabilities
In Karl’s New Beak readers are introduced to an Abyssinian ground hornbill with a broken bill. Karl adapted to living with his broken bill but eating was very hard for him and he wasn’t getting enough food. Scientists at the Smithsonian Institute came up with an ingenious plan to create a new beak for him with the help of a 3-D printer and an old bird skeleton. Readers will root for Karl and the scientists as they work on the beak and try to make it fit. The author has included many interesting facts about hornbills, the Smithsonian and 3-D printing.
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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Capstone Editions | 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1-68446-026-7
The book list 6 Bird-themed Books for Young Readers and Birders was curated by Luisa LaFleur. Discover more books like these titles by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Birds.