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About... A Guide for Children
About Birds: A Guide for Children
Text and illustrations introduce the world of birds from eggs to flight, from songs to nests.
40 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1991
6 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Sill
55 books12 followersCathryn Sill, a graduate of Western Carolina University, was an elementary school teacher for thirty years. She lives in North Carolina.
When she was an elementary school teacher who loves nature. When she had trouble finding good natural history books for her kindergarten class, she decided to write them.
With her husband John as the illustrator, she has created two series of nonfiction books for children.
The ABOUT series is about different groups of animals and includes 16 books. She has just completed the eighth books in a series about habitats.
When she was an elementary school teacher who loves nature. When she had trouble finding good natural history books for her kindergarten class, she decided to write them.
With her husband John as the illustrator, she has created two series of nonfiction books for children.
The ABOUT series is about different groups of animals and includes 16 books. She has just completed the eighth books in a series about habitats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 18, 2015
I think this was one of the earlier books in this series, which shows in the lack of detail - not that the detail here is bad, it's just a little sparser than in more recent books. The facts are pretty basic and I didn't feel like I came away with a lot of new information. Still, for a child this is a wonderful introduction to birds and maybe can help inspire a bit of an interest in birding if used with an outing and a pair of good binoculars.
September 18, 2015
I know I read this book about a week ago, and could have sworn there was a review posted on here too. I'm going to have to shrug and guess it's either me being glitchy or Goodreads, and move on.
Awesome series. Loved the little details about the various birds. Format keeps things interesting and possible to use this series with multiple ages of children. Overall, really glad I stumbled on this book and found all the rest.
Awesome series. Loved the little details about the various birds. Format keeps things interesting and possible to use this series with multiple ages of children. Overall, really glad I stumbled on this book and found all the rest.
August 24, 2019
Simple guide if you are interested in birds and nature. Very basic. Nice illustrations.
May 18, 2023
Beautiful illustrations. The back couple of pages were informative. The actual storyline wasn’t super engaging for my kids - would be better for younger ones (maybe 4-5 years old?).
August 16, 2024
My 3 year old enjoys this book and has for over a year now. Very basic information though but the short sentences are great for the younger ages. The back has more information about birds that would be interesting for older kids. Beautiful illustrations!
February 13, 2014
Review can be found at: http://aleisuremoment.blogspot.com/20...
About Birds is the perfect book to have on hand if at home you have a dual language child. This book works great if they have to read every night in English and Spanish, you can get both languages taken care of in just one book. My 7 year old enjoyed reading the book and finding out about all the different birds mentioned in this story. He also liked learning the birds species in English and Spanish. About Birds will introduce the child to not just reading in English and Spanish but they will learn all about this birds with beautiful water color illustrations. They won't realize they are practicing reading both languages because they will be engrossed in the birds themselves. For the younger readers this book will inspire them to look outside to find these birds or inquire where they can be found. The older readers once they finish the story they will enjoy also the more detailed information in the back of the book about each bird.
My son has come back to reading the book over and over again, that just proves how much he loved the book. As a parent I highly recommend. I will be sharing this book with the dual language class, so as a whole they can all enjoy About Birds too. I will be checking out all the other About animal series books that Sill has written too.
About Birds is the perfect book to have on hand if at home you have a dual language child. This book works great if they have to read every night in English and Spanish, you can get both languages taken care of in just one book. My 7 year old enjoyed reading the book and finding out about all the different birds mentioned in this story. He also liked learning the birds species in English and Spanish. About Birds will introduce the child to not just reading in English and Spanish but they will learn all about this birds with beautiful water color illustrations. They won't realize they are practicing reading both languages because they will be engrossed in the birds themselves. For the younger readers this book will inspire them to look outside to find these birds or inquire where they can be found. The older readers once they finish the story they will enjoy also the more detailed information in the back of the book about each bird.
My son has come back to reading the book over and over again, that just proves how much he loved the book. As a parent I highly recommend. I will be sharing this book with the dual language class, so as a whole they can all enjoy About Birds too. I will be checking out all the other About animal series books that Sill has written too.
January 28, 2023
Summary: About Birds: A Guide for Children is a cute picture book that tells of all different kinds of bird species. There are ones that fly, have fur, and are big while some swim, live alone, and are small. This book is a great way to teach, answer, and show children about the different kinds of birds in the world. The author hopes to teach children to appreciate birds and that they are an important part of our lives.
Thoughts: I thought this was a great book, for children to flip through! The graphics are very realistic and there aren't a lot of words which makes it easier to read. Towards the back of the book, there is more information about these birds to read. I did really like how each page said what kind of bird it was. The print was tiny, so if their names were a bit bigger, I think the book would be perfect for all readers.
Classroom: Birds are all around us! I think this book can greatly aid when teaching children about the different kinds of birds. It will help them understand birds more and be excited because they can name them when they see them. Especially when they get to go to the zoo and see different birds like the penguin, who don't build nests, or the ducks, who swim.
Thoughts: I thought this was a great book, for children to flip through! The graphics are very realistic and there aren't a lot of words which makes it easier to read. Towards the back of the book, there is more information about these birds to read. I did really like how each page said what kind of bird it was. The print was tiny, so if their names were a bit bigger, I think the book would be perfect for all readers.
Classroom: Birds are all around us! I think this book can greatly aid when teaching children about the different kinds of birds. It will help them understand birds more and be excited because they can name them when they see them. Especially when they get to go to the zoo and see different birds like the penguin, who don't build nests, or the ducks, who swim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2011
Perfect for the little bird-lover - a field guide for the younger set. The book provides very basic information about birds and shows many common birds which are identified in the opposite page. Children will enjoy pointing out the birds they recognize, learning the names of those they do not, and learning about birds in general. On the back pages, there is more information for the child with even more questions.
April 12, 2014
Colorful illustrations. Simple sentences. Excellent introduction to birding for young explorers.
June 21, 2017
Great illustrations and information. Highly recommended for Grades 1-5.
November 23, 2024
Simple text and sweet pictures
April 18, 2018
About Birds is an informational book all about birds for children. It teaches children the different species of birds we have in North America. It teaches birds basic habits, their diet, and any basic knowledge that you would like of the species. It provides many pictures to demonstrate what the author is trying to convey and keep the reader entertained.
The author used a lot of visual elements when writing this book. The illustrations were very colorful and detailed which is perfect for a young reader. This allows them to stay focused and gives them a fun way to learn about the different bird species in North America. The vocabulary used in the book is relevant and simplified for young readers so they are able to understand and relate to what the book is trying to convey. Children like to see what they are reading about so the use of pictures next to the text is very beneficial for their learning development.
This book is an informational book. It provides several facts to the reader of all the basic things birds of North America do. It creates awareness for children so they can understand how important birds are to the world.
I liked this book because it taught me a lot about birds that I had no idea about. Children will love this book because it is colorful and they can teach their friends all about what they learned about birds which makes it very interactive. I would recommend this book for teachers to have in their classrooms as a way to connect with the children while also creating an environment where they can learn about North America.
The author used a lot of visual elements when writing this book. The illustrations were very colorful and detailed which is perfect for a young reader. This allows them to stay focused and gives them a fun way to learn about the different bird species in North America. The vocabulary used in the book is relevant and simplified for young readers so they are able to understand and relate to what the book is trying to convey. Children like to see what they are reading about so the use of pictures next to the text is very beneficial for their learning development.
This book is an informational book. It provides several facts to the reader of all the basic things birds of North America do. It creates awareness for children so they can understand how important birds are to the world.
I liked this book because it taught me a lot about birds that I had no idea about. Children will love this book because it is colorful and they can teach their friends all about what they learned about birds which makes it very interactive. I would recommend this book for teachers to have in their classrooms as a way to connect with the children while also creating an environment where they can learn about North America.
March 3, 2018
This is a VERY SIMPLE book about birds. Which, I guess can be good. My version is English-only--I'd much rather have a Spanish-English (especially since it is so simple) since I have many Spanish speaking students in my K-6 library.
What I like: beautiful illustrations, some with more detail for the kids to look for items. Nice afterword in the back with more info on each bird. (This didn't name the birds, but the names are on each page.) It is simple, but you can go into more detail using the extra info with older kids.
Didn't like: Kinda wish it had been written in rhyme, especially since this is such a simple book. There is no plot or "excitement." Rhyme would have given it some more energy and flow. I might try to write a rhyme for it before I read it to my groups.
I do think I'll be using it for my March "Spring" month which will include a week about birds. I'm a former naturalist, so I can let kids know which birds they might see in our area (which, actually, is most of them!) It's very North America-centric.
What I like: beautiful illustrations, some with more detail for the kids to look for items. Nice afterword in the back with more info on each bird. (This didn't name the birds, but the names are on each page.) It is simple, but you can go into more detail using the extra info with older kids.
Didn't like: Kinda wish it had been written in rhyme, especially since this is such a simple book. There is no plot or "excitement." Rhyme would have given it some more energy and flow. I might try to write a rhyme for it before I read it to my groups.
I do think I'll be using it for my March "Spring" month which will include a week about birds. I'm a former naturalist, so I can let kids know which birds they might see in our area (which, actually, is most of them!) It's very North America-centric.
July 4, 2017
Pending.
April 28, 2018
Love this book for storytimes with younger children!
August 9, 2018
Really good book about birds.
March 8, 2021
This was a delightful book! It was informative and easy for young children to enjoy and understand.
Recommended
Recommended
March 15, 2021
This is pretty and scientifically sound but geared for my classes age group. Recommended.
Q2021 book.
(No tropical birds.)
Q2021 book.
(No tropical birds.)
April 5, 2022
Lovely for very young children
April 2, 2024
This is a beautiful book! My toddler loved it.
August 18, 2012
For Ages 3-8
Hardcover $16.99, 40 pages
Lovely picture books open the eyes, then the heart, and then the mind of the young child. This series, "A Guide for Children," takes the child up close to creatures and brings in words and illustrations, facts and knowledge while helping the child to gain an appreciation of the creature. Today we are looking at "About Birds - A Guide for Children."
As you begin the journey learning about birds, you open the page and there on the left page is a simple statement..... "Birds have feathers," and on the right page is a beautiful picture of the brilliant cardinal in winter. The specific bird is identified in a corner of the text page. Remember, I said they are learning in this journey... they have learned that birds have feathers and that the bird pictured is the Northern Cardinal. This continues through the book instructing in simple, concise statements for the young child.
At the end of the book is an "Afterword" with each page/illustration presented with a short but broader statement about that particular bird or illustration. I highly recommend these books as excellent for the home library, the school library, or for a gift from grandma.
It is a pleasure to present North Carolina Cathryn Sill, author and John Sill, artist. North Carolina is a diverse state filled with a vast quantity and variety of wildlife. BUY IT HERE FROM THE PUBLISHER
Cathryn Sill, a graduate of Western Carolina University, was an elementary school teacher for thirty years. She lives in North Carolina.
John Sill holds a BS in wildlife biology from North Carolina State University. Combining his knowledge of wildlife and artistic skill, John has achieved an impressive reputation as a wildlife artist and received several awards. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit John Sill’s website here.
GIVEAWAY: Peachtree Publishers is offering a copy of About Birds to one of Chat With Vera's readers. Begins August 16 ENDS September 6 at Noon EDT- USA only. Email required for contacting winner (edit it as "myname at yahoo [dot][com]" )
Mandatory entry: Visit Peachtree Publishers website & find "About Birds: A Guide for Children" and find 2 other titles in the Guide for Children series that appeals to you. Leave a comment on here telling me which two titles. Leave your email so I can contact you if you are the winner.
Extra entry/s: May be done DAILY! Tweet this review. Use the Tweet button at the end of the post to Tweet & include the hashtags @GG_Survey @PeachtreePub #Giveaway. Leave a separate comment here for each daily Tweet which includes the Twitter URL for the Tweet (your email, too, please).
Extra entry/s: Share this review link in a Facebook post & visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta...? saying you're from Chat With Vera. Each comment counts as an entry so leave a separate comment here which includes the Facebook URL for the post (your email, too, please).
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of About Birds by Peachtree Publishers in exchange for my honest review and I was under no obligation to render a positive review. The giveaway copy will be provided to one of Chat With Vera's readers by Peachtree Publishers.
Hardcover $16.99, 40 pages
Lovely picture books open the eyes, then the heart, and then the mind of the young child. This series, "A Guide for Children," takes the child up close to creatures and brings in words and illustrations, facts and knowledge while helping the child to gain an appreciation of the creature. Today we are looking at "About Birds - A Guide for Children."
As you begin the journey learning about birds, you open the page and there on the left page is a simple statement..... "Birds have feathers," and on the right page is a beautiful picture of the brilliant cardinal in winter. The specific bird is identified in a corner of the text page. Remember, I said they are learning in this journey... they have learned that birds have feathers and that the bird pictured is the Northern Cardinal. This continues through the book instructing in simple, concise statements for the young child.
At the end of the book is an "Afterword" with each page/illustration presented with a short but broader statement about that particular bird or illustration. I highly recommend these books as excellent for the home library, the school library, or for a gift from grandma.
It is a pleasure to present North Carolina Cathryn Sill, author and John Sill, artist. North Carolina is a diverse state filled with a vast quantity and variety of wildlife. BUY IT HERE FROM THE PUBLISHER
Cathryn Sill, a graduate of Western Carolina University, was an elementary school teacher for thirty years. She lives in North Carolina.
John Sill holds a BS in wildlife biology from North Carolina State University. Combining his knowledge of wildlife and artistic skill, John has achieved an impressive reputation as a wildlife artist and received several awards. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit John Sill’s website here.
GIVEAWAY: Peachtree Publishers is offering a copy of About Birds to one of Chat With Vera's readers. Begins August 16 ENDS September 6 at Noon EDT- USA only. Email required for contacting winner (edit it as "myname at yahoo [dot][com]" )
Mandatory entry: Visit Peachtree Publishers website & find "About Birds: A Guide for Children" and find 2 other titles in the Guide for Children series that appeals to you. Leave a comment on here telling me which two titles. Leave your email so I can contact you if you are the winner.
Extra entry/s: May be done DAILY! Tweet this review. Use the Tweet button at the end of the post to Tweet & include the hashtags @GG_Survey @PeachtreePub #Giveaway. Leave a separate comment here for each daily Tweet which includes the Twitter URL for the Tweet (your email, too, please).
Extra entry/s: Share this review link in a Facebook post & visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta...? saying you're from Chat With Vera. Each comment counts as an entry so leave a separate comment here which includes the Facebook URL for the post (your email, too, please).
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of About Birds by Peachtree Publishers in exchange for my honest review and I was under no obligation to render a positive review. The giveaway copy will be provided to one of Chat With Vera's readers by Peachtree Publishers.
June 25, 2015
I borrowed this book from the library for the summer reading program, since one of the activities is, "Read an animal book."
When I first started to read this book to my daughter, I was a little disappointed. I mistakenly thought that it was going to be a very simplified book on birds for toddlers with lovely illustrations, but when I came to the "Afterword", there was a whole lot more detail written about each plate.
My only "complaint" is that the Plates at the afterword did not have the birds named. The birds were named throughout the book, but because they were not listed in the afterword, I had to keep flipping back and forth while reading to my daughter.
Even though I read this book to my four year old this morning, she's already requesting I "read it again."
When I first started to read this book to my daughter, I was a little disappointed. I mistakenly thought that it was going to be a very simplified book on birds for toddlers with lovely illustrations, but when I came to the "Afterword", there was a whole lot more detail written about each plate.
My only "complaint" is that the Plates at the afterword did not have the birds named. The birds were named throughout the book, but because they were not listed in the afterword, I had to keep flipping back and forth while reading to my daughter.
Even though I read this book to my four year old this morning, she's already requesting I "read it again."
September 3, 2015
Summary:
Straightforward and simple text, in English and Spanish, giving young readers an introduction to birds of all different types. How they look, what they eat, where they live, etc. Accompanied by full-page, watercolor illustrations. An afterword gives much more detail on each illustration plate. Other reference aids include a glossary and bibliography. Part of the About...series.
Review:
Large and uncluttered text is paired beautifully with detailed watercolor illustrations in this educational book about birds, for younger elementary readers. Not just for those with an interest in birding alone, but nature-lovers of all kinds! Recommended.
Straightforward and simple text, in English and Spanish, giving young readers an introduction to birds of all different types. How they look, what they eat, where they live, etc. Accompanied by full-page, watercolor illustrations. An afterword gives much more detail on each illustration plate. Other reference aids include a glossary and bibliography. Part of the About...series.
Review:
Large and uncluttered text is paired beautifully with detailed watercolor illustrations in this educational book about birds, for younger elementary readers. Not just for those with an interest in birding alone, but nature-lovers of all kinds! Recommended.
February 16, 2013
With fifteen watercolor plates accompanying the simple words, this book is a wonderful introduction to the aviary world. Young readers learn about birds' characteristics, where they build nests, and how they move, and how they obtain food as well as why they matter to humans. Thumbnail sketches in the back matter offer additional information about the birds in the plates, but the author and illustrator keep things simple so that even the youngest readers can learn important aspects about nature.
December 20, 2015
About Birds is the perfect book to have on hand if at home you have a dual language child. This book works great if they have to read every night in English and Spanish, you can get both languages taken care of in just one book.
To read the rest of the review, and to find out more about the book, simply follow the link: http://www.aleisuremoment.com/2014/02...
May 3, 2016
So you know what's weird? Is that this BIG bird book doesn't have as much facts in it as the TINY TINY bird book I got at the dump ["Birds" Golden Guide by Herbert Zim].
But it says it's for children so maybe that's it.
All I know is, it's got GREAT pictures of birds. And it does have SOME facts at the end. So if you want you can look up the rest of the facts in the LITTLE book or just look on Facebook or something. I don't know.
But this one is big and pretty and that's all you need!
But it says it's for children so maybe that's it.
All I know is, it's got GREAT pictures of birds. And it does have SOME facts at the end. So if you want you can look up the rest of the facts in the LITTLE book or just look on Facebook or something. I don't know.
But this one is big and pretty and that's all you need!
June 29, 2013
2.5
I found this a little disappointing after the other backyard birding book I read for children. This one is very, very simple. It's the most basic of introductions. It's nice, but could provide just a bit more in the way of substance.
The illustrations are spot on, showing birds in interesting ways. To me, it just wasn't anything special.
Grab it at your local library.
I found this a little disappointing after the other backyard birding book I read for children. This one is very, very simple. It's the most basic of introductions. It's nice, but could provide just a bit more in the way of substance.
The illustrations are spot on, showing birds in interesting ways. To me, it just wasn't anything special.
Grab it at your local library.
January 27, 2016
A perfect overview book. The text is simple and succinct, but in a very beautiful way. The illustrations are detailed and lovely, and the book exudes a sense of thoughtfulness and care.
*****
For my full blog post about my favorite picture books about birds, click here
*****
For my full blog post about my favorite picture books about birds, click here
October 5, 2012
This would be a great book to read to students when introducing the topic of birds. It is filled with wonderful pictures and students would really enjoy this book. Especially students that love birds!
March 31, 2015
I loved this book so I rated it 4 stars. I rated it 4 stars because it has great illustrations and content. You can get the children involved as you are reading. You can ask them about the birds they have seen and where they may live.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews