What do you think?
Rate this book
Consider the Birds: Heartwarming True Stories of Our Feathered Friends
Whether we watch quick little songbirds at our backyard feeders, keep of a flock of chickens, teach parrots to talk, or stand looking up at the sky, mesmerized by the aerial acrobatics of blackbirds gathering as the leaves turn in the fall, humans have an almost universal admiration of and interest in birds. We love the birdsong of spring, the fledglings in summer, the deep V of geese in autumn, the bright spot of red cardinals against white snow.
Wild or domestic, birds are clearly one of God's best gifts. This collection of forty heartwarming true stories of our fine feathered friends from animal-lover Callie Smith Grant celebrates that gift. With stories of brave budgie brothers, serene shore birds, hungry hummingbirds, a curious crow, an owl that came into a boy's life as an answer to prayer, and many more, Consider the Birds is the perfect companion to a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and a chair by the window--where you can see the birds.
Wild or domestic, birds are clearly one of God's best gifts. This collection of forty heartwarming true stories of our fine feathered friends from animal-lover Callie Smith Grant celebrates that gift. With stories of brave budgie brothers, serene shore birds, hungry hummingbirds, a curious crow, an owl that came into a boy's life as an answer to prayer, and many more, Consider the Birds is the perfect companion to a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and a chair by the window--where you can see the birds.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published December 2, 2025
4 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Callie Smith Grant
24 books94 followersCallie Smith Grant is the editor of A Prince among Dogs and A Dickens of a Cat. She is also the author of several nonfiction books for young readers and adults as well as many animal-themed stories and poems which can be seen in Guideposts anthologies and in magazines such as Small Farmers Journal.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 15, 2025
ever since i moved house about a year ago, birds have become such a lovely part of my life. so many of them visit our garden and the trees around our house that we’ve made sure we have plenty of feeders and birds baths for them. just being able to see and hear them everyday is such a joy and really reminded me how important they are. this book truly captured all of that. it was so lovely to read all of these stories of people’s love over birds and the fascinating things they do. sometimes the stories did feel a bit fabricated and silly, but it still had that sweet and emotional message to it that sometimes had me tearing up. i loved the messages of patience, hope and happiness all these stories included and the importance of stepping out of our busy life’s to take time to watch and appreciate nature. if you’re a bird fan, an animal fan i highly recommend this. even if you’re neither, this is a story filled with reasons to stop and appreciate the things around us, including the cute and quirky birds.
thanks for netgally for providing me with this arc.
thanks for netgally for providing me with this arc.
August 8, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Revell for providing me with an ARC copy. My review is my own opinion and not influenced in any way.
Consider the Birds by Callie Smith Grant is a beautiful collection of short stories revolving around how birds influence and change our views on life. Each of the stories touched me in an emotional, vivid way. Some of the stories even made me cry and left a lasting impact on my heart. My favorite piece has to be "That Day My Husband Cut Down a Tree" by Susy Flory in which her husband cuts down a tree and the remains of the tree saves a bird's life as it provides the perfect hiding spot from predators. The story captivates how, as the Flory states, "one life had been traded for another, and what seemed like death had instead become a resurrection and rebirth."
Another story that touched me was "Tweets for Help" by Karen M. Leet. Leet admits to not being an avid birder, but she feeds the birds in her backyard. This story focuses on how the birds cried for help after a squirrel was trying to get bird eggs in a nest, and Leet runs out of the house to the rescue. The theme shows how birds and humans can co-exist with each other and work together against a predator.
The themes of death, rebirth, love, and human-bird-nature relationships play a huge role throughout all the stories. Each author captured the themes of their stories through beautiful prose, and vivid description that is worth the read. Birds changed these authors lives, and by reading this book, it will change your perspective on your relationship with birds and nature.
Consider the Birds by Callie Smith Grant is a beautiful collection of short stories revolving around how birds influence and change our views on life. Each of the stories touched me in an emotional, vivid way. Some of the stories even made me cry and left a lasting impact on my heart. My favorite piece has to be "That Day My Husband Cut Down a Tree" by Susy Flory in which her husband cuts down a tree and the remains of the tree saves a bird's life as it provides the perfect hiding spot from predators. The story captivates how, as the Flory states, "one life had been traded for another, and what seemed like death had instead become a resurrection and rebirth."
Another story that touched me was "Tweets for Help" by Karen M. Leet. Leet admits to not being an avid birder, but she feeds the birds in her backyard. This story focuses on how the birds cried for help after a squirrel was trying to get bird eggs in a nest, and Leet runs out of the house to the rescue. The theme shows how birds and humans can co-exist with each other and work together against a predator.
The themes of death, rebirth, love, and human-bird-nature relationships play a huge role throughout all the stories. Each author captured the themes of their stories through beautiful prose, and vivid description that is worth the read. Birds changed these authors lives, and by reading this book, it will change your perspective on your relationship with birds and nature.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
A great collection full of short snippets about people’s experiences with birds—both wild ones and pet ones. As with any collection, there were stories I enjoyed more than others. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read full of messages about hope, appreciating the beauty of God’s creation, slowing down, and reminiscing.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 16, 2025
A collection of sweet, simple written essays. This book was a nice break from the thick fantasy and heavy thrillers I've been buried in recently.
Each one is a personal experience with some type of bird, either wild or pet. Although the writing is a bit clunky in some places, it feels direct and real, a bit like a friend has written a letter. The stories remind me a bit of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Many of the stories seem to be reminiscing about childhood or younger years. I got the vague impression that most of the writers were retirement age, based on the perspective and some notes like, "I hoped to show my granddaughter that there’s more to life than her technological gadgets." (This one made me laugh because the children I know are pretty darn aware that there's a lot to life, but I know this is a common opinion of modern kids.)
I think a bit more variety would have been nice, as a lot of the stories feel like they have a similar "voice." But then again, I'm likely not the exact target audience, so the editor probably knows what they're doing.
I've always loved birds. On vacation, I could stare at (or follow) pigeons and seagulls for an hour. Two birds that even enthusiast find dull after awhile, but we didn't have them where I grew up. That love never left but it took me a couple of decades to realize there were other people -- a whole hobby! -- that felt like me (maybe less so about the pigeons and gulls, but that's ok, more for me).
So, this is a lovely book. Slow-paced and cozy. It does have a warning in the introduction about animal death. There are several sad or melancholy stories. I was thankful that the warning was given upfront. Apparently this editor has other collections about animals and always had a rule *against* stories about death. Personally, that would have been my preference, but it's easy to make me cry over animals I don't know and I'm sad enough. Reading is my escape.
Final note, I'm not religious, so I was a bit hesitant about the description mentioning God. I love birds and I'm not especially stalwart in my agnosticism. I'm glad I decided not to care because this isn't a religious-heavy book. There are a few stories than mention it in passing. Not an issue.
If all of that sounds like silly criticism, then this is a 5-star read for you. It's easy, comfortable, and delivers on exactly what it promises. I recommend reading it on a porch, at the morning or dusk, to the sounds of whatever birdsong graces your backyard, should you be so lucky :)
Each one is a personal experience with some type of bird, either wild or pet. Although the writing is a bit clunky in some places, it feels direct and real, a bit like a friend has written a letter. The stories remind me a bit of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Many of the stories seem to be reminiscing about childhood or younger years. I got the vague impression that most of the writers were retirement age, based on the perspective and some notes like, "I hoped to show my granddaughter that there’s more to life than her technological gadgets." (This one made me laugh because the children I know are pretty darn aware that there's a lot to life, but I know this is a common opinion of modern kids.)
I think a bit more variety would have been nice, as a lot of the stories feel like they have a similar "voice." But then again, I'm likely not the exact target audience, so the editor probably knows what they're doing.
I've always loved birds. On vacation, I could stare at (or follow) pigeons and seagulls for an hour. Two birds that even enthusiast find dull after awhile, but we didn't have them where I grew up. That love never left but it took me a couple of decades to realize there were other people -- a whole hobby! -- that felt like me (maybe less so about the pigeons and gulls, but that's ok, more for me).
So, this is a lovely book. Slow-paced and cozy. It does have a warning in the introduction about animal death. There are several sad or melancholy stories. I was thankful that the warning was given upfront. Apparently this editor has other collections about animals and always had a rule *against* stories about death. Personally, that would have been my preference, but it's easy to make me cry over animals I don't know and I'm sad enough. Reading is my escape.
Final note, I'm not religious, so I was a bit hesitant about the description mentioning God. I love birds and I'm not especially stalwart in my agnosticism. I'm glad I decided not to care because this isn't a religious-heavy book. There are a few stories than mention it in passing. Not an issue.
If all of that sounds like silly criticism, then this is a 5-star read for you. It's easy, comfortable, and delivers on exactly what it promises. I recommend reading it on a porch, at the morning or dusk, to the sounds of whatever birdsong graces your backyard, should you be so lucky :)
November 9, 2025
Reading Consider the Birds by Callie Smith Grant was like discovering an exquisite buried treasure. Not only did I enjoy the forty true stories about birds and the human connection with them but more importantly, learned more about our Lord's love and kindness through His wondrous creation. Numerous authors share their surprising, sometimes humorous, miraculous experiences with birds. The stories are deeply meaningful and enjoyable, evoking nostalgia and lovely memories. I live in a forest and have many gorgeous bird stories, enough to fill a small journal, so this book feels like it was written for me.
Amongst the most impactful concepts for me in this book are that birds are wonderful company and a bright spot in our lives; God created each of us and each of the birds with a reason in mind, orchestrated in minute detail to bring us together at precisely the right time with such love; like birds, humans can gain courage; trees and other creation can sprout new and better growth than before being pruned; God has full life for us; activity is not always visible; birds can act entitled as we do before God. But there are so many more!
Every single story contains information to mull over and smile about but I do have favourites. A husband cut down a tree which posed a danger which inadvertently caused his wife sadness (I've been there!). But cutting down one tree turned out to be a life saver to birds and grew back even stronger. Another is the fledgling robins standing up to a hawk. Mr. Bird snatched a contact off a woman's eye! I had wondered about the reason for the red dot on seagulls...now I know. A budgie escaped a home only to return with a surprise. One bird even avoided cameras!
What a sweet, gentle and informative book, ideal for those who are passionate (er...obsessed, like me) about birds or for those who are itching to learn more about God's marvellous lessons and creations. A gorgeous reminder of God's love for even the most common house sparrows and we have so much more worth!
Amongst the most impactful concepts for me in this book are that birds are wonderful company and a bright spot in our lives; God created each of us and each of the birds with a reason in mind, orchestrated in minute detail to bring us together at precisely the right time with such love; like birds, humans can gain courage; trees and other creation can sprout new and better growth than before being pruned; God has full life for us; activity is not always visible; birds can act entitled as we do before God. But there are so many more!
Every single story contains information to mull over and smile about but I do have favourites. A husband cut down a tree which posed a danger which inadvertently caused his wife sadness (I've been there!). But cutting down one tree turned out to be a life saver to birds and grew back even stronger. Another is the fledgling robins standing up to a hawk. Mr. Bird snatched a contact off a woman's eye! I had wondered about the reason for the red dot on seagulls...now I know. A budgie escaped a home only to return with a surprise. One bird even avoided cameras!
What a sweet, gentle and informative book, ideal for those who are passionate (er...obsessed, like me) about birds or for those who are itching to learn more about God's marvellous lessons and creations. A gorgeous reminder of God's love for even the most common house sparrows and we have so much more worth!
December 2, 2025
Consider the Birds by Callie Smith Grant
Consider the Birds: Heartwarming True Stories of Our Feathered Friends Kindle Edition
True Stories Celebrating the Intelligence and Beauty of Birds
· Callie Smith Grant's animal-themed story collections have sold over 350,000 copies
· 40 heartwarming true stories celebrating the intelligence and beauty of birds and their unique connection to humans
· Perfect for any time your spirit needs a lift--or a bird-lover needs a gift!
Whether we watch quick little songbirds at our backyard feeders, keep a flock of chickens, teach parrots to talk, or stand looking up at the sky, mesmerized by the aerial acrobatics of blackbirds gathering as the leaves turn in the fall, humans have an almost universal admiration of and interest in birds. We love the birdsong of spring, the fledglings in summer, the deep V of geese in autumn, the bright spot of red cardinals against white snow.
Wild or domestic, birds are clearly one of God's best gifts. This collection of forty heartwarming true stories of our fine feathered friends from animal-lover Callie Smith Grant celebrates that gift. With stories of brave budgie brothers, serene shore birds, hungry hummingbirds, a curious crow, an owl that came into a boy's life as an answer to prayer, and many more, Consider the Birds is the perfect companion to a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and a chair by the window--where you can see the birds.
A wonderful resource.
The book is easy to read and understand.
I recommend this book.
Consider the Birds by Callie Smith Grant is a 5 -star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Callie Smith Grant.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
Consider the Birds: Heartwarming True Stories of Our Feathered Friends Kindle Edition
True Stories Celebrating the Intelligence and Beauty of Birds
· Callie Smith Grant's animal-themed story collections have sold over 350,000 copies
· 40 heartwarming true stories celebrating the intelligence and beauty of birds and their unique connection to humans
· Perfect for any time your spirit needs a lift--or a bird-lover needs a gift!
Whether we watch quick little songbirds at our backyard feeders, keep a flock of chickens, teach parrots to talk, or stand looking up at the sky, mesmerized by the aerial acrobatics of blackbirds gathering as the leaves turn in the fall, humans have an almost universal admiration of and interest in birds. We love the birdsong of spring, the fledglings in summer, the deep V of geese in autumn, the bright spot of red cardinals against white snow.
Wild or domestic, birds are clearly one of God's best gifts. This collection of forty heartwarming true stories of our fine feathered friends from animal-lover Callie Smith Grant celebrates that gift. With stories of brave budgie brothers, serene shore birds, hungry hummingbirds, a curious crow, an owl that came into a boy's life as an answer to prayer, and many more, Consider the Birds is the perfect companion to a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and a chair by the window--where you can see the birds.
A wonderful resource.
The book is easy to read and understand.
I recommend this book.
Consider the Birds by Callie Smith Grant is a 5 -star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Callie Smith Grant.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
December 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ — 3.5-Star Review: Consider the Birds by Callie Smith Grant
Consider the Birds is a gentle, faith-tinged collection of true stories that celebrates the simple joy and wonder birds bring into everyday life. Callie Smith Grant gathers a wide range of experiences—from brave budgies to mysterious crows and sweet hummingbird encounters—and each short chapter reads like a small moment of calm. It’s the kind of book you can pick up for a few minutes at a time and still feel satisfied.
The strongest appeal here is the warmth. The stories clearly come from people who love birds deeply, and that sincerity shines. If you enjoy quiet, uplifting tales with a bit of spiritual reflection woven through, this will hit the right note. The book also does a nice job capturing how birds connect us to the rhythms of nature: spring songs, summer fledglings, autumn migrations, and winter cardinals all show up as comforting markers of the seasons.
That said, the collection can feel slightly uneven. Some stories have memorable emotional beats or vivid detail, while others skim the surface and end a bit abruptly. It’s still a pleasant read overall—you just may find yourself wishing a few entries went deeper or offered more nuance.
For readers who want something peaceful, wholesome, and easy to dip into, Consider the Birds delivers exactly that.
I received this audiobook as an advanced reader/listener copy from NetGalley, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Consider the Birds is a gentle, faith-tinged collection of true stories that celebrates the simple joy and wonder birds bring into everyday life. Callie Smith Grant gathers a wide range of experiences—from brave budgies to mysterious crows and sweet hummingbird encounters—and each short chapter reads like a small moment of calm. It’s the kind of book you can pick up for a few minutes at a time and still feel satisfied.
The strongest appeal here is the warmth. The stories clearly come from people who love birds deeply, and that sincerity shines. If you enjoy quiet, uplifting tales with a bit of spiritual reflection woven through, this will hit the right note. The book also does a nice job capturing how birds connect us to the rhythms of nature: spring songs, summer fledglings, autumn migrations, and winter cardinals all show up as comforting markers of the seasons.
That said, the collection can feel slightly uneven. Some stories have memorable emotional beats or vivid detail, while others skim the surface and end a bit abruptly. It’s still a pleasant read overall—you just may find yourself wishing a few entries went deeper or offered more nuance.
For readers who want something peaceful, wholesome, and easy to dip into, Consider the Birds delivers exactly that.
I received this audiobook as an advanced reader/listener copy from NetGalley, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
December 20, 2025
Consider the Birds is a delightful and comforting collection that celebrates the beauty, mystery, and joy birds bring into our lives. Callie Smith Grant shares 40 true stories that are tender, inspiring, and often quietly profound. Whether it’s a hummingbird at a window or an owl arriving as an answer to prayer, each story gently reminds us of God’s care through His creation. The writing is warm and inviting, perfect for slow, reflective reading. It’s the kind of book that pairs beautifully with a quiet afternoon, a hot cup of tea, and the view of a bird feeder outside. A lovely gift for bird lovers and anyone who finds peace in the presence of nature.
October 11, 2025
Consider the Birds by Callie Smith Grant is a collection of experiences with birds.
This was such a delightful book about all kinds of birds. Doves, Seagulls, parakeets, chickens, cardinals and more. Each story was heartfelt and rewarding. Short stories that changed how people viewed birds. I think any bird lover would enjoy having this book in their library.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
This was such a delightful book about all kinds of birds. Doves, Seagulls, parakeets, chickens, cardinals and more. Each story was heartfelt and rewarding. Short stories that changed how people viewed birds. I think any bird lover would enjoy having this book in their library.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
October 7, 2025
Thanks to the publishers for an arc.
This is a sweet book. At a recent birdwatching outing, we introduced ourselves by sharing a special "bird moment" in our lives. This book felt like that: a collection of little moments and special encounters that meant a lot to the people living them.
The writing style varies greatly per story, and most of them I wouldn't classify as literary. But it's still a soft, gentle book worth picking up.
This is a sweet book. At a recent birdwatching outing, we introduced ourselves by sharing a special "bird moment" in our lives. This book felt like that: a collection of little moments and special encounters that meant a lot to the people living them.
The writing style varies greatly per story, and most of them I wouldn't classify as literary. But it's still a soft, gentle book worth picking up.
October 23, 2025
Really sweet collection of short bird stories from multiple authors. Liked how most pointed to God's love for us in some way, and a great reminder that sometimes the simple things in life such as befriending a bird or even simply watching wild birds from afar can point us to God and how awesome His creation is. Thank you netgalley for my arc, this is my honest review.
November 7, 2025
These true stories about encounters with birds will inspire you and some will make you laugh.
My true story "Peace Eagles" is in this book about feeling out of place when I moved to a new town, but seeing a species of bird soaring over the town got me curious and led me to look for my place in this new life I had made for myself.
My true story "Peace Eagles" is in this book about feeling out of place when I moved to a new town, but seeing a species of bird soaring over the town got me curious and led me to look for my place in this new life I had made for myself.
December 13, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of Consider the Birds by Callie Smith Grant in exchange for an honest review. This book was made up of short stories of people who had an experience with a bird that has helped shape their lives. As someone who has lived in the mountains my whole life, I was and am lucky to have birds in my everyday life.
September 25, 2025
This was a nice book for dipping in and out of because they are all short stories/essays. Birds are fascinating and real characters and this book just reinforced that. Thanks to the author, NetGalley and publisher for the ARC
October 4, 2025
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was a beautiful book of essays written about true experiences with birds. It’s great to read all at once or an essay here and there that you can come back to.
A great gift for anyone who loves birds!
This was a beautiful book of essays written about true experiences with birds. It’s great to read all at once or an essay here and there that you can come back to.
A great gift for anyone who loves birds!
December 12, 2025
(3.5 stars) This is definitely a niche book for bird lovers! Lots of different stories about different birds. It was cute but I did find the audio a little annoying. Bird lovers will appreciate this one!
November 18, 2025
Such a lovely, heartwarming book of stories about birds. This would be a great gift for anyone who needs a bit of cheering up or has an interest in birds.
November 28, 2025
I really loved the bird stories, however, the overarching religious aspect wasn't for me.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for this audiobook ARC!
Thanks so much to NetGalley for this audiobook ARC!
Read
December 5, 2025review to come
December 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this sweet collection of bird stories! Many will touch your heart, some will make you laugh out loud, a few will bring a tear to your eye. Charming!
December 2, 2025
A beautiful collections of stories that touch the heart and soul. I have a piece included in this book. My story is "Daddy's Red-Cap Friends". I hope you read this book and enjoy every story. Great to give as a gift. Great to read again and again.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews