Birding Is My Favorite Video Game: Cartoons about the Natural World From "Bird and Moon"

by Rosemary Mosco

Amusing science cartoons about the natural world including animal dating profiles, wildlife wine pairings, threat displays of completely non-threatening animals, why hammerhead sharks have hammer heads, and much more.
 

Birding is My Favorite Video Game is a collection of fun, quasi-educational comics combining weird science facts, cute visuals, sweet wit, and a strong environmental message. Based on the popular webcomic Bird and Moon, this collection does for biology what XKCD does for math and Hark! A Vagrant does for history.
 

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Nature, Science, Humor, Birds

112 pages, Paperback

First published April 17, 2018

About the author

Rosemary makes books and cartoons that connect people with the natural world. Her Bird and Moon nature comics won the National Cartoonists Society’s award for Best Online Short Form Comic and were the subject of an award-winning museum exhibit. She makes best-selling science books for kids and adults and gives keynotes at birding festivals. She’s written and drawn for The New York Times, Audubon, PBS kids’ Elinor Wonders Why, Ranger Rick, and more. She’s represented by Seth Fishman. Her favorite glacial landform is the esker.

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have LOVED this book as a kid. Brightly colored cartoons, puns, and animal facts?! It's perfect. And this book isn't just for curious kiddos; adults will appreciate it, too. The jokes are very clever, and the animal and nature facts are fascinating. I especially enjoyed the multiple references to David Attenborough and the quotes from women scientists and naturalists who weren't Jane Goodall. An overall delightful read!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great illustrations and wonderful puns along with some science.
Gift from my daughter for Christmas 

[Hákon Gunnarsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who know science could be so funny?

But this isn't just funny, it's also quite informative, and interesting.

Definitely recommended.

[Woody Chichester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuuuuuuuute! Funny and informative, too. Climate change is real. Speak up for animals, because they can't.

[Darinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny, yet informative, look at science and the natural world. This graphic novel is based on the webcomic Bird and Moon. A fun comic that depicts birding, animal life, nature, and biologists/naturalists. Cute illustrations.

I received a copy of this book from Andrews McMeel Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Tasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very cute read and a fun way to learn. However some pages were a little lackluster and detracted from the overall feel of the book. These undoubtedly would work better as standalones rather than a compilation for me.

[Preeti · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This book is out today, April 17, and you should definitely get yourself a copy!*

If you're a science nerd and on Twitter or Tumblr, you're likely already familiar with Rosemary Mosco's work, also known under the the title Bird and Moon.

Rosemary is a science communicator who tells her stories through the form of often adorable, but always educational, short comics. This book showcases a collection of some of her best work. I was already familiar with most of these as I've been following Bird and Moon for a while now, but for anyone who's into wildlife and nature, with a flavor of environmentalism, you will absolutely enjoy these. I think one of the best descriptions came from The Birdist, who said that the collection "does for biology what xkcd does for math and Hark! A Vagrant does for history: pull out the humorous voice from a field not known for expressing itself with much gusto."

I think the best word to describe Rosemary's work would be quirky. It's hard to encapsulate her work in any other way, so here are some of my faves to give you a taste.


This is quite possibly my favorite one of all time.







This book will be released on April 17 and I highly recommend you get yourself a copy!

Note: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Redfeather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful and educational!

[Muriel (The Purple Bookwyrm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was way too freaking cute, funny, and deliciously Nature/bio-nerdy. I love Ms. Mosco's comics and have been following her Instagram page for a while now, but I wanted a neat little book repository for a bunch of them and... This is it! 😊

Bird lovers will enjoy this, slimy- and creepy-crawly lovers will enjoy this, plant lovers will enjoy this, broader naturalists will enjoy this. There's a bit of everything for everyone here... 'Nuff said! 😁💚

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review!

Yay, one of the books I am reading for review is good again! I was already worried after 2 misses that this would also not turn out to be fun, but thankfully this was just as a fun as I hoped!

Sure, it had some parts that were a bit boring, or felt a bit too much like a teacher telling the kids to DO something (sorry, my mind is not really up to thinking what the right English word would be). But I still read those parts as they had fun illustrations. :P

The other parts were just terrific. The book is separated in 5 parts, starting with Feathers (birds), Scales, Fins & Others (you can guess), Seasons (fun!), So You Want to be a Biologist (of course, doesn’t everyone with such pretty nature outside?), Tips & Tricks (some more information and tips). I quite liked that it was done this way, though I am a bit sad the book ends short as the index takes quite a few pages.

I laughed so hard at several of the comics/parts. Like the dating profiles (that one bird that just kept on walking on the beach), the turkey vulture, the turtle one (have to show it to my boyfriend, he loves turtles and I am sure he will laugh when reading it), and many others. It was a feast to read this one.

The illustrations were brilliant, I just adore the style. How to say it, I just love how life-like the critters are but also can look comically and hilarious. Plus the use of colours is just fab!

So all in all, a fun book with lots of facts about animals, lots of humour, and great art. Definitely recommended!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Tobias Langhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like video games, my wife likes bird watching. She gave me this book as a present. She's currently sitting by the TV playing Super Mario World on the SNES Classic Mini she gave me as a Christmas present. I still haven't gone bird watching with her.

I've never read the webcomic this book is based on, Bird and Moon, but I like False Knees and so now I like this one too.

[Christine Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The funniest book I have read in a while. Share it with your friends and share a laugh!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Birding Is My Favorite Videogame is great because it’s educational and funny. They’re not “laugh out loud” funny, but I definitely chuckled a few times. These are easily a good choice for children, even with the cussing. They’re funny and teach environmentalism and respect for nature! Comics are easy to see and enjoy. Definitely recommend.

[John of Canada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good art. Interesting facts. Fun.

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, delightful, hilarious.

Episodic, one page (sometimes one panel) comics about birds, animals, plants, etc. Some of them made me laugh out loud. Full color. Bold lines. Accurate science except when it's obviously not.

Although maybe pitched at a knowing adult, I seriously considered taking this out to local middle schools.

Great!

[Nostalgia Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember quite a lot of these from the Mosco’s Bird and Moon blog, but that doesn’t mean I got any less enjoyment out of rereading them. I have so many favorite comics, whether due to their information or cuteness (or, in most cases, both) that it would be impossible to call out favorites. But let’s just say if you are an animal and nature lover, there will be at least a few comics in here that are right up your alley. Mosco doesn’t shy away from any taxonomic kingdom, which helps to bring light to the awesomeness of some typically disregarded classes and species. Not only are the comics funny and cute, but they’re quite informative! (I still use the “c is for cat, x is for X-TREEM dogs” general rule whenever I find paw prints.)

Definitely a must if you love nature and animals. It would make an awesome gift book too!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!

(Cross posted on my blog.)

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has the BEST title.
It's also got clever goofiness, but I didn't feel like it sparked much beneath or beyond.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just birds.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

After taking a look at this title and cover I was reminded of the old Duck Hunter game that I used to play and so chose to check out what could be found within this small book.

Unfortunately I didn't find the comic that was included on the front but there was one chapter full of bird comics including those that could be used to help birders. Other chapters cover other animals, seasonal comics and the last two are more informative with one focusing more on biology aspects of nature. And the very last of the two focuses on providing the reader with nature cheat sheets, comics that focus on environmental issues, a prehistory alphabet and one that encourages the reader to do something since animals apparently don't have an idea or ways on how to get things done.

Furthermore there is an index species in the back that provides a reader with understanding of the basics of the animals mentioned. This is more useful for the comics where multiple animals may have been mentioned generically but not given a name otherwise for curious readers.

The comprehension is quite easy for any age or those of any understanding level. Furthermore there may be a few that are more mature-themed for kids but nothing that would truly make this anything of an awkward read if a child were wanting to look over it. And furthermore there are quite a few funny comics included that may intrigue some readers.

All in all it was a decent and fast nature read while one that I would recommend for those who are nature-lovers and need just a light break in their reading.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly had no idea what to expect from this. The cover caught my attention and I like birds so I gave it a shot. And I adored it! The author is not only an artist but also a science writer so "Birding Is My Favorite Video Game" is not only adorably illustrated - it's very informative and interesting, too. Often funny, sometimes a bit depressing (species extinction, climate changes, etc., not fun topics). I loved Mosco's quirky sense of humour and her passion for nature. Hopefully she'll publish more books like this one :)

Oh, and btw., it's not the title might be a wee bit misleading because it's not only about birds. But that's not a bad thing at all!

[Paul Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A one-panel comic strip—I guess you would need at least two panels to make a strip, but whatever—concerning the animal kingdom. It sneaks up on you, but once you get over the first couple of shocks you realize this is hilarious!
Bird call mnemonics! Cool! But there’s no way I’ll remember them.
That is not the word I would use for the turkey vulture.
The three-way crash on the tree was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.
A new contender for world’s smallest violin!
“Parasitism is the sincerest form of flattery.” Wow.
Snakes fall prey to talking villain syndrome.
“The blood of mighty dinosaurs courses through my veins!”
Best wedding photo ever!
Attenborough gets his table turned!
I can’t believe how many times such easy jokes made me laugh so hard! Even something as simple as Top 10 posts and dating profiles!
“Snakes are typically self-governing.” Wow again! And “Many birds do not recognize its authority.” By the way, the horny one “only thinks of you as a friend.”
What would a turtle butt selfie look like?
Species index at the end, including Reading Attenborough.

[Barbara McEwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute little collection for biology nerds, wanna be biology nerds, your nerd friends that won't admit they are nerds but love birding, nature, classification, cartoons... That sounds specific but I know at least a couple people who would like this and as a nerd I don't have a ton of friends. Also, cute pictures/graphics a budding nerd would be happy to put up in their room.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy for my unbiased review.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the cutest book of comics I have ever seen. I originally thought this was a children book, but it's a compilation of web comics similar to the Pusheen the Cat sensation. Lots of cute and silly bird and nature comics in here. For a while I though about doing my own bird-related comics, but these are so amazing, I doubt I could do better. :)

[Alicea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nonfiction look at flora and fauna through the medium of comics. Tackles tough topics like climate change in a lighthearted and easily digestible way for all ages. Super cute with lots of fun (and funny) details. 

[Ktbird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, accurate, and important comics about the world around us.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and fun. Negative is that the print is sometimes really tiny, tough to read.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

So fun!

[Kristie Lock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Animals with Misleading Names
Horny Toad
Not a toad.
Only thinks of you as a friend.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb! My only complaint is that I wish this was slightly larger format. It's cute that it's pocket-sized, but it sometimes makes it harder to read.

[Ryne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tried to spread reading this over a few days, but I couldn't do it. Every page made me laugh and/or smile.