Book Review of Who Is Singing?
The Children’s Book Review
Who Is Singing?
Written by Janet Halfmann
Illustrated by Chrissy Chabot
Ages: 2-6 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Belle Isle Books (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-966369-75-2
What to Expect: Birds, nature, animals, music, interactive read-aloud.
An interactive guessing-game picture book that introduces young naturalists to twelve common birds through their distinct auditory calls.
Have you ever heard a melody floating down from the treetops and wondered exactly which feathered friend was making that sound? Who Is Singing? invites children and adults alike to step outside, close their eyes, and tune in to the vibrant music of nature. From a loud and bold scream in the branches to a gentle coo along a city sidewalk, this engaging book explores the unique voices of various familiar birds. By turning birdwatching into a playful guessing game, it encourages readers to look up, listen closely, and discover the lively conversations happening right outside their windows.
Janet Halfmann’s writing is perfectly tailored for a young audience, utilizing a predictable and highly effective question-and-answer structure. She weaves genuine ecological and behavioral facts into the brief descriptions, teaching readers about bird habits—like a killdeer protecting its nest. The text concludes with a robust “Fun Facts About Bird Sounds” section and a creative activity, providing excellent educational value that respects a child’s curiosity.
The illustrations by Chrissy Chabot provide a bright, vibrant, and charming visual companion to the text. Each piece of artwork captures the distinct features and colorful feathers of each species, making it easy for young readers to identify the birds by sight as well as by sound. The playful depictions—like dressing a chickadee in a literal black cap and bowtie to mirror its physical markings—add a whimsical layer of storytelling that rewards repeated readings.
Who Is Singing? is a fantastic introductory guide and teaching tool for budding young naturalists, and the delightful rhythm and interactive design make it an excellent choice for a lively bedtime read or a classroom read-aloud.
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About the Author
Janet Halfmann (http://www.janethalfmannauthor.com) is an award-winning children’s author who strives to make her books come alive for young readers and listeners. Many of her picture books are about animals and nature. She also writes picture book biographies about little-known people of achievement.
Recent titles by Janet include How Can We Be Kind?: Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom; Caterpillar’s Surprise; Yay for Big Brothers!; Who Is Singing?; The Clothesline Code: The Story of Civil War Spies Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker; A Bobby-Dazzler of a Pouch!; The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls (Chapter Book for Grades 3-7); Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School; Grandma Is a Slowpoke; Animal Teachers; Home in the Cave; Good Night, Little Sea Otter; Fur and Feathers; Little Skink’s Tail; and Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story. Janet has written almost fifty fiction and nonfiction books for children.
Before becoming a children’s author, Janet was a daily newspaper reporter, children’s magazine editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books for Golden Books. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of seven. When Janet isn’t writing, she enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visiting living history museums, and spending time with her family. She grew up on a farm in Michigan and now lives in South Milwaukee, WI.
Visit her online at janethalfmannauthor.com.
