Great Read Alouds: Bird Watching

The fall weather invites each of us to stop, wonder and look at nature. An entertaining family-friendly activity is observing and identifying birds in your own backyard. Birds are always on the go! So it’s easy to bird watch outside or from the comfort of your home. The library has bird watching kits that makes it easier to enjoy nature this season. I've selected great books to inspire your bird watching.

Crow Not Crow written by Jane Yolen &  Adam Stemple, illustrated by Elizabeth Dulemba

This is a perfect book to introduce your child to bird watching. You'll find a sweet tale of a dad introducing his daughter to bird watching using the “crow – not crow” method. His insight is to identify a bird with black feathers, black feet and black eyes as a crow. As birds come near the pair, the girl learns to label the bird as a crow or not a crow. This book is sure to encourage and inspire you to learn more about the birds in your backyard.

“A solid choice for introducing the hobby to younger readers.” – Kirkus Review

Yolen has written more than 300 books for children, young adults and adults. Her other works include the Emperor and the Kite, Owl Moon, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? and The Devil's Arithmetic. She has won numerous awards including the Kerlan Award, the Regina Medal, the Keene State Children's Literature Award, the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, two Christopher Medals, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Fantasy Awards, the Golden Kite Award, the Jewish Book Award, the World Fantasy Association's Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Association of Jewish Libraries Award.

Sparrow Loves Birds written by Murry Burgess & illustrated by Tamisha Anthony

Meet Sparrow as she sets out for a day of birding. She identifies birds by their colors, their song and their movement. There is simplicity in her advice to watch birds with your eyes and ears. Sparrow also draws pictures in her journal of the birds she sees.

The illustrations are beautiful and encourage you to learn more. This book reads like a picture book but it is an informative like a nonfiction book.

“As Sparrow’s observations of individual species’ attributes educate, the protagonist’s day outside invitingly suggests that patience and perception are all it takes to connect to nature.” – Publisher’s Weekly

Burgess' passion for animals led her to pursue a career in wildlife biology. She earned her PhD in Fisheries, Wildlife,and Conservation Biology at North Carolina State University. As both a naturalist and conservationist, Burgess believes kids, whether living in urban or suburban settings, can connect with nature as there is wildlife all around us.

How to Find a Bird written by Jennifer Ward & illustrated by Diana Sudyka

The author and illustrator provide the perfect invitation to be a bird watcher. This book features more than 50 different bird species. Each illustration is labelled with the name of the bird. You'll find tips on where birds are and why (in the sky or splashing in the water). The sound advice is practical and engaging. It invites you into the world of nature.

“A thoroughly charming introduction to bird behavior …” -- Booklist

"A veteran birder invites young readers to look for the birds around them....Ward makes clear why birds are where they are. Some are feeding or nesting on the ground; some are snacking or splashing in the water; some are high in the sky; others perch on wires or feed in your own backyard. Sudyka’s opaque watercolors are as engaging as the text....An afterword for older readers or caregivers provides good suggestions and further resources. Bird-finding made easy and attractive." – Kirkus Reviews

To See an Owl written & illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Follow an enthusiastic young girl on her hunt to see an owl. Janie's success is not quick. But with patience and persistence, and some guidance from her teacher, we share in her journey to see an owl. Janie's anticipation of seeing an owl gives value to time spent in nature.  

“Both compelling and informational, the story of Janie’s quest, like the experience of finally sighting a pair of owls, is ‘magic’.” – The Horn Book

Matthew Cordell is the author and illustrator of many celebrated picture books for children, including the Caldecott Medal winner Wolf in the Snow, Evergreen, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, and Hello Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mr. Rogers.