Children’s books, both fiction and nonfiction, share an innocence and joy of birds with the youngest readers, and remind older readers of all that is fascinating, mysterious, and magical about birds. From picture books with colorful drawings to dynamic stories for young readers, these books introduce youngsters not just to birds but to reading as well, and offer flights of fancy, discovery, and fun within their pages. (New reviews will be posted often; check back for even more reading suggestions!)
Children’s Books
Click book titles or cover images for more detailed reviews.
Peep: The Hundred-Decibel Hummer
Children are fascinated by all types of birds, and Peep: The Hundred-Decibel Hummer can introduce the smallest of birds to the youngest of readers in a charming and relatable way. Based on a true story, this clever and colorful picture book is both instructive and entertaining, and a great way to encourage children’s enthusiasm for birds and promote their interest in helping hummingbirds. Read more…
You Nest Here With Me
Bedtime books are a staple for young readers, and the sweet rhymes, poetic repetitions, and folksy illustrations of You Nest Here With Me is sure to create a bird-friendly bedtime. Covering a range of species and offering further trivia and details about each bird at the end of the book, this is an engaging and comforting picture book sure to lead to many sweet and birdy dreams. Read more…
GQ GQ. Where Are You?
Young children are fascinated by birds, and GQ, GQ. Where Are You? brings a colorful and curious Gambel’s quail right into a child’s world with bright illustrations, clever text, and multiple activity suggestions. The included CD with both read-a-long and sing-a-long versions gives young readers different ways to explore this book and together the book and CD are a great way to introduce kids to birds and other desert wildlife. Read more…
Tea with Lady Sapphire
Children are naturally curious, and that youthful curiosity comes alive in Tea With Lady Sapphire. Though a simple picture book, the story of a grandmother and grandchildren enjoying a treat and feeding winter birds does an admirable job of introducing backyard birding to young readers. Colorful photos, folksy descriptions, and the thrill of discovering new birds make this not only an enjoyable book to share, but an educational one as well. Read more…
Backyard Birding for Kids
Backyard birding is fun for all ages, and Backyard Birding For Kids is a concise, engaging resource to get children involved with birds. Both an activity book and an introductory field guide, this book offers a sound, educational introduction to birding, but does so in a fun and exciting way to spark a passion for birds in even the youngest reader. From projects and tips to profiles of common birds in many habitats, Backyard Birding For Kids has everything young birders need to take flight with a passion to enjoy all their lives. Read more…
Olivia’s Birds
Written in her words and illustrated with her artwork, Olivia’s Birds is an inspiration, encouraging everyone to do what they can to make a difference. Filled with trivia about different birds as well as useful tips for seeing, protecting, and learning more about birds, this book is a great choice for every young birder’s bookshelf, elementary school classroom, and children’s library. Read more…
All About Penguins
Richly informative about some of the world’s most popular and charismatic birds, All About Penguins: Discover Life on Land and in the Sea is a stunning introduction to these birds, with ages 5-7 in mind but offering trivia and details to impress birders and penguin-lovers of all ages. Illustrated in beautiful watercolor throughout, this picture book brings all species of penguins to life in great educational and thoughtful detail without overwhelming young readers. Read more…