Sunday, March 20, 2016

Welcome Spring! Welcome Back, Birds!

It's funny that during the winter I don't think about missing the birds' songs. But as soon as they're back, I am so happy to hear them!

To celebrate both spring and birds, I'd like to introduce you to 3 books that, though published for children, are great for all ages. These books are fun to read, beautifully illustrated, and full of information.


Every Day Birds by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, illustrated by Dylan Metrano, is brand new and already receiving acclaim, including being named a Junior Library Guild selection. Rhyming text and paper-cutting illustrations teach about birds that many of us see every day.



What makes a bird a bird? Feathers, of course! Melissa Stewart has written Feathers: Not Just for Flying to help us understand what feathers are used for. This multiple-award-winner, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen, When you find a feather on the ground where you walk, you'll think about this book. What bird dropped it? How did the bird use this feather?




Finally, what's better than a reassuring, rhyming good-night book that features birds? By masterful storyteller poet Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi Stemple and illustrated by Melissa Sweet, You Nest Here With Me describes the the nests built by 14 different birds, ending each stanza with the comforting title refrain.

I hope you appreciate bird songs this spring and share the joy with friends young and old. Where I live, we get excited to see the first robin--a true spring harbinger. Enjoy this song by Kaija Bondi and East of Westreville: 




4 comments:

  1. Thank you so much, Jane, for including Dylan's and my book here on your beautiful list - I love FEATHERS: NOT JUST FOR FLYING and YOU NEST HERE WITH ME. I saw my first robin in Western New York today on this first day of spring! Thank you for the song too - Happy Spring! xo

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    1. Amy, thanks so much for taking time to comment. We have flocks of robins, even though snow is forecast for Wednesday. :) I think it's important for adults to get kids outside to experience the wonders!

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  2. Thanks for the bird book recommendations! I'm with you, too; I don't realize I haven't heard bird songs for months until I hear them again in early spring.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Debbie. Hope you enjoy these books, the birds, and spring!

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