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Nature All Around
Nature All Around: Birds
The perfect resource for budding bird-watchers, this beautiful, comprehensive introduction encourages children to appreciate the wonderful world of birds all around them. Because birds can be spotted in every neighborhood, and in all seasons, they are an excellent choice for piquing children’s interest in wildlife. Here’s a comprehensive, child-friendly guide to birds that makes the perfect starting point. Colorful pages explore the characteristics of different bird species, along with many of their fascinating and unique features, from their feathers to their eggs and nests. A journey through a year in the lives of birds gives readers clues to what to look for, season by season. And a beginning bird-watcher section helps youngsters get started in the field, including a list of what tools they need to use, and guiding questions to help with bird identification (for example, by their song, size and unusual color patterns). This book is part of the Nature All Around series, which encourages children to hone their observation skills in order to appreciate the variety of wildlife that can be found right outside their front doors. Bestselling, award-winning author Pamela Hickman brings birds up close, with loads of fun facts about bird life cycles, homes, habitats and most common behaviors. The vivid illustrations by Carolyn Gavin offer clear depictions of the subjects and is a pleasure to peruse. This book has many curriculum applications in grades two to five, when children are learning about the characteristics of living things, and covers both life science and earth science topics. End matter includes information on how readers can help endangered birds, a bird feeder activity, a glossary and an index.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2020
1 person is currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 19, 2020
This was a very interesting bird book! It's so cute, great illustrations, and has a lot of good information in it.
It goes through talking all about all kinds of birds, showing different things about it like their beaks, feathers, eggs, and such. For a young reader who wants to know more about birds, or who just loves birds in general, this is a great read for them. It had some interesting information in it, like that birds are the only specie that has feathers? Just something I hadn't really thought about before. 😄
So those who have young kids and want a book for them about birds - this would be great read for them!
*Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me a copy of this book on NetGalley. I was not required to write an honest review and all opinions are my own.
It goes through talking all about all kinds of birds, showing different things about it like their beaks, feathers, eggs, and such. For a young reader who wants to know more about birds, or who just loves birds in general, this is a great read for them. It had some interesting information in it, like that birds are the only specie that has feathers? Just something I hadn't really thought about before. 😄
So those who have young kids and want a book for them about birds - this would be great read for them!
*Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me a copy of this book on NetGalley. I was not required to write an honest review and all opinions are my own.
July 23, 2020
A smart, short introduction to birds for a young reader.
In reading it from the hindsight of maturity I found its appeal based on short chapters, limited technical information and a range of rich drawings illustrating differences in feathers, beaks and egg-laying.
Not that the book isn’t informative or educational it just doesn’t appear to be a classroom set book or a read for homework.
You learn a great deal within these pages simply because you do not feel you are been taught facts. It is more someone sharing their love and interest in birds.
I cannot fault it, other than its very simplicity and this perhaps could be addressed by websites to learn more, become more involved or follow-up one’s new interest.
There is an excellent glossary and comprehensive index but in these modern times I would have expected more pointers to building bird boxes and feeding birds and the range of organisations and agencies to follow, support or join.
So a book to promote interest that should delight based on the information shared and colourful depictions in birds. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy as a gift or recommend to parents as promoting an interest in nature and facilitating a hobby or scientific leaning towards birds. A diverse and captivating part of what makes a walk or a garden view so enjoyable.
In reading it from the hindsight of maturity I found its appeal based on short chapters, limited technical information and a range of rich drawings illustrating differences in feathers, beaks and egg-laying.
Not that the book isn’t informative or educational it just doesn’t appear to be a classroom set book or a read for homework.
You learn a great deal within these pages simply because you do not feel you are been taught facts. It is more someone sharing their love and interest in birds.
I cannot fault it, other than its very simplicity and this perhaps could be addressed by websites to learn more, become more involved or follow-up one’s new interest.
There is an excellent glossary and comprehensive index but in these modern times I would have expected more pointers to building bird boxes and feeding birds and the range of organisations and agencies to follow, support or join.
So a book to promote interest that should delight based on the information shared and colourful depictions in birds. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy as a gift or recommend to parents as promoting an interest in nature and facilitating a hobby or scientific leaning towards birds. A diverse and captivating part of what makes a walk or a garden view so enjoyable.
July 4, 2020
This is a great guidebook about birds for kids and very informative too. The illustrations are beautiful.
December 28, 2020
The illustrations are beautiful! The paper is that thick, quality paper that feels good in your hand as you flip pages. The book is a large size - large enough for two people to look it over together or possibly a teacher to hold up and share with a small group of children. But.
Who is this book for? Not small children to enjoy on their own; fancy as they are, the illustrations are only half of the book (this is not a ‘picture book’), and the reading level is probably above 3rd or 4th grade. It’s not 4th grade or older on their own because the info about birds and birdwatching is too basic — a field guide with photos would be much more useful. Not teens or parents as an art book because, though it has attractive illustrations, the glossary and fact boxes are clearly meant for a child. So... maybe a book for an adult to look at with a child, together. Once.
I see the “Nature All Around” part of its title means it’s one in a series—ultimately I think this means this is a gift book a family member might buy for a smaller child (who won’t be able to read it) or a middle grade kid (who won’t find it useful); it (perhaps the entire series) is a beautiful bauble that a gifter would feel proud to give and the giftee will likely display but not read or will just give away.
Who is this book for? Not small children to enjoy on their own; fancy as they are, the illustrations are only half of the book (this is not a ‘picture book’), and the reading level is probably above 3rd or 4th grade. It’s not 4th grade or older on their own because the info about birds and birdwatching is too basic — a field guide with photos would be much more useful. Not teens or parents as an art book because, though it has attractive illustrations, the glossary and fact boxes are clearly meant for a child. So... maybe a book for an adult to look at with a child, together. Once.
I see the “Nature All Around” part of its title means it’s one in a series—ultimately I think this means this is a gift book a family member might buy for a smaller child (who won’t be able to read it) or a middle grade kid (who won’t find it useful); it (perhaps the entire series) is a beautiful bauble that a gifter would feel proud to give and the giftee will likely display but not read or will just give away.
July 4, 2020
The second of this series I've experienced, having recommended the Plant one before now, is again a great book to have as an educational resource, as long as you live in North America. We see the different aspects of what makes a bird, how they live their life cycle, then how they live their annual go-around, before branching out into what we might think to look for when trying to identify them in the field, and take a look at some superlative examples. The painted artwork never gets in the way of verity – some books for this audience, as I'm sure you're aware, go for a style that just lessens the realism of the visuals, but not here. Once again, the only thing preventing me from urging a global readership to take the plunge is that it is concentrated on just two countries. (That and the way it tells us why migrating birds come back too far before telling us why they left in the first place.) But still – it has introduced me to grouse drumming, which is a wonderful thing to always be grateful to it for.
October 14, 2020
I'm becoming a fast fan of this "nature all around" series because they're done so beautifully from the information it provides to the illustrations to the layout itself. I've only read them digitally, so I'd love to get my hands on the print version.
In the meantime, it's a basic bird book in that it covers things like feathers and beaks and excitingly adds a little story about an outlier to show that nature isn't perfect but it's certainly darn fun to learn about.
The muted colors but endearing artwork feels old but new at the same time in the presentation which is captivating. I always want just a little more every time.
In the meantime, it's a basic bird book in that it covers things like feathers and beaks and excitingly adds a little story about an outlier to show that nature isn't perfect but it's certainly darn fun to learn about.
The muted colors but endearing artwork feels old but new at the same time in the presentation which is captivating. I always want just a little more every time.
July 31, 2020
This is my first experience with the Nature All Around series, and I am seriously impressed. We need to add this entire collection to our family library!
Birds is a beautiful introduction for children and adults alike. The illustrations are gorgeous, the facts are "tidbit-sized" to keep little ones' attention, and the glossary and index in the back are a wonderful resource! Charlotte Mason homeschoolers will love this "living book".
(I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
Birds is a beautiful introduction for children and adults alike. The illustrations are gorgeous, the facts are "tidbit-sized" to keep little ones' attention, and the glossary and index in the back are a wonderful resource! Charlotte Mason homeschoolers will love this "living book".
(I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
August 28, 2020
I really enjoy birds. Each one is unique with differing colors and personalities. This book is well written and very informative. It breaks down the details of each bird into easily understandable segments. Explaining about birdwatching and how to make a bird feeder are wonderful additions since now a student may take what they have learned and put it into practice. This book should be on everyone’s bookshelf.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 1, 2025
I had never heard of cowbirds.
Really liked all the information and a way to practice my French, I needed Google translate to help me with the bird names (I want to remember the word for hummingbird — colibri) and some of the specific vocabulary.
Gorgeous art and appreciate that it was relevant to me as it was about birds in the US and Canada.
Really liked all the information and a way to practice my French, I needed Google translate to help me with the bird names (I want to remember the word for hummingbird — colibri) and some of the specific vocabulary.
Gorgeous art and appreciate that it was relevant to me as it was about birds in the US and Canada.
August 27, 2020
This lovingly illustrated book introduces children to the world of bird watching and is filled with many interesting facts for budding ornithologists and for adults alike. Bird behaviours are explained well, with the beautiful little illustrations providing examples, and the language is easy to understand. Of course the book also includes a very important section on endangered birds.
The book has certainly introduced me to several birds I didn’t know before, such as White-tailed Ptarmigans, who have extra feathers between their toes to enable walking over snow without sinking into it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kids Can Press and Pamela Hickman and Carolyn Gavin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book has certainly introduced me to several birds I didn’t know before, such as White-tailed Ptarmigans, who have extra feathers between their toes to enable walking over snow without sinking into it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kids Can Press and Pamela Hickman and Carolyn Gavin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2020
Loved the illustrations and the information contained within its pages. Perfect for budding bird watchers and young animal lovers!
May 16, 2021
I had a great time reading this book, with plenty of fun facts and lively illustrations for the budding bird lover.
Kids are shown how to make a garden feeder with a plastic bottle, string and a stick. Then they learn to identify the species which visit, and understand how they move and what they are saying.
If you've heard the comment 'birdwatching is my videogame' you'll understand that kids may spend too much time looking at screens and could just as easily be absorbed in watching nature.
Enjoy!
I read this e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
Kids are shown how to make a garden feeder with a plastic bottle, string and a stick. Then they learn to identify the species which visit, and understand how they move and what they are saying.
If you've heard the comment 'birdwatching is my videogame' you'll understand that kids may spend too much time looking at screens and could just as easily be absorbed in watching nature.
Enjoy!
I read this e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
August 7, 2020
Discover the World of Birds
What a delightful book to teach children all about birds! The book has all sorts of colorful pages with illustrations on a variety of topics about birds, like looking at migratory patterns, the different parts of a bird's body, birds through the seasons, and different bird habitats. Throughout the book, the author has sidebars about strange birds as well. The author has an easy and engaging writing style, and she explains new terms well so it doesn't feel like she's teaching, which kids don't appreciate in books. I even felt like I learned quite a bit about birds! The author includes information about endangered species of birds as well. In its later pages, the book encourages children to try bird watching or building a bird feeder. A nice glossary at the end sums up the words that the author has defined throughout. My only complaint is that I wish the illustrations were more detailed and lifelike. Some only seem to give the essence of a bird, not the beautiful details in all their glory. All in all, though, I found this book to be a great introduction to birds. If you have a child who likes birds or you are a birder yourself who would like your child to join you in your bird-watching hobby, this book could be of interest.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
What a delightful book to teach children all about birds! The book has all sorts of colorful pages with illustrations on a variety of topics about birds, like looking at migratory patterns, the different parts of a bird's body, birds through the seasons, and different bird habitats. Throughout the book, the author has sidebars about strange birds as well. The author has an easy and engaging writing style, and she explains new terms well so it doesn't feel like she's teaching, which kids don't appreciate in books. I even felt like I learned quite a bit about birds! The author includes information about endangered species of birds as well. In its later pages, the book encourages children to try bird watching or building a bird feeder. A nice glossary at the end sums up the words that the author has defined throughout. My only complaint is that I wish the illustrations were more detailed and lifelike. Some only seem to give the essence of a bird, not the beautiful details in all their glory. All in all, though, I found this book to be a great introduction to birds. If you have a child who likes birds or you are a birder yourself who would like your child to join you in your bird-watching hobby, this book could be of interest.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
December 8, 2020
My Thoughts
What It Is (From Goodreads this time)
The perfect resource for budding bird-watchers, this beautiful, comprehensive introduction encourages children to appreciate the wonderful world of birds all around them.
The How (I Felt)
I previously loved Nature All Around: Plants by this team of author/illustrator. And just like that read, Birds also easily captured my attention as well.
Both Hickman and Gavin have managed to maintain and excel in conveying information beautifully and efficiently while captivating and delighting their readers.
Like with the previous book, readers are introduced to bird behaviors, species, nesting habits, and more. Little factoids all around add to the information perfectly for the intended audience. And the additional resources, glossary and backmatter are comprehensive too – so don’t miss those.
Perfect Pairing
Pair it with How to Find a Bird ; and with both these books, arm yourself with a notebook, don on sturdy shoes and head out into the outside to look for and observe the birds around you!!
In Summary
Information rich and a pleasure to peruse simply because of the gorgeous artwork, this book is a must-read and must-have for budding ornithologists everywhere!
Thanks to Netgalley for the digital RC of this book.
What It Is (From Goodreads this time)
The perfect resource for budding bird-watchers, this beautiful, comprehensive introduction encourages children to appreciate the wonderful world of birds all around them.
The How (I Felt)
I previously loved Nature All Around: Plants by this team of author/illustrator. And just like that read, Birds also easily captured my attention as well.
Both Hickman and Gavin have managed to maintain and excel in conveying information beautifully and efficiently while captivating and delighting their readers.
Like with the previous book, readers are introduced to bird behaviors, species, nesting habits, and more. Little factoids all around add to the information perfectly for the intended audience. And the additional resources, glossary and backmatter are comprehensive too – so don’t miss those.
Perfect Pairing
Pair it with How to Find a Bird ; and with both these books, arm yourself with a notebook, don on sturdy shoes and head out into the outside to look for and observe the birds around you!!
In Summary
Information rich and a pleasure to peruse simply because of the gorgeous artwork, this book is a must-read and must-have for budding ornithologists everywhere!
Thanks to Netgalley for the digital RC of this book.
July 20, 2020
Birds are a popular subject of late, with several books being released around this part of nature. This book has wonderful illustrations, fun facts, and important book parts like glossary and index that are age appropriate for the reader. When finding non-fiction titles, the glossary and index are selling points for early learners as it helps
them "solve" on their own, "What page is that one on?" or "What does that word mean?" which empowers their learning. These illustrations are delightful, colorful with many being up-close details. Tidbits of information are perfect for beginner or reluctant readers. Children will love sharing about how beaks or claws work. Budding birders will enjoy the couple pages talking about how to spot and log their sightings. The only thing that was challenging was the font choices. There were areas where the font changes and could lead to some struggles with the words in that font, page 6 as an example -BEAK, TAIL and FEET, as examples. Otherwise the size of the font is well chosen throughout the book. This will be a good choice to add to collections specifically ones looking to add more outdoor interests for younger readers.
Review provided for ARC from #NetGalley and #KidsCanPress
them "solve" on their own, "What page is that one on?" or "What does that word mean?" which empowers their learning. These illustrations are delightful, colorful with many being up-close details. Tidbits of information are perfect for beginner or reluctant readers. Children will love sharing about how beaks or claws work. Budding birders will enjoy the couple pages talking about how to spot and log their sightings. The only thing that was challenging was the font choices. There were areas where the font changes and could lead to some struggles with the words in that font, page 6 as an example -BEAK, TAIL and FEET, as examples. Otherwise the size of the font is well chosen throughout the book. This will be a good choice to add to collections specifically ones looking to add more outdoor interests for younger readers.
Review provided for ARC from #NetGalley and #KidsCanPress
September 26, 2020
Children's non-fiction books are just incredible and this one - Nature All Around: Birds is no exception. I hadn't realised that there are a series of wonderful books including a trees, bugs and plants that preceded this fabulous title too.
Stunningly illustrated by Carolyn Gavin this book is a beautiful introduction to birds. I love how it journeys through the seasons to tell us more about these spectacular creatures. Pamela Hickman explores the anatomy and habitat of different birds in a way that is so accessible to young children. It's a lovely blend of text and images. The words are not obscured by the pictures which makes it an excellent choice for early independent readers. The publisher suggests a reading/ interest age of 7-10 years, however, my daughter who is four found the book fascinating. We loved the section on how to be a beginner bird watcher.
For a fuller review - head to https://busybusylearning.com/nature-a...
I highly recommend this book and will absolutely be looking into the rest of the marvellously, magical nature series.
Stunningly illustrated by Carolyn Gavin this book is a beautiful introduction to birds. I love how it journeys through the seasons to tell us more about these spectacular creatures. Pamela Hickman explores the anatomy and habitat of different birds in a way that is so accessible to young children. It's a lovely blend of text and images. The words are not obscured by the pictures which makes it an excellent choice for early independent readers. The publisher suggests a reading/ interest age of 7-10 years, however, my daughter who is four found the book fascinating. We loved the section on how to be a beginner bird watcher.
For a fuller review - head to https://busybusylearning.com/nature-a...
I highly recommend this book and will absolutely be looking into the rest of the marvellously, magical nature series.
July 7, 2020
Nature All Around: Birds is a gorgeously illustrated resource depicting various species of birds. The accompanying text is informative and quite easy to understand for the younger audience. Furthermore, this is a great educational resource that comprises of gorgeous illustrations and plenty of interesting information such as bird characteristics, bird life cycles, amongst many more facts. Additionally, the information is presented in bite-sized amounts so it’s not overwhelming for the readers (which is a plus for children).
This is a great book for fans of birds, people interested in animals or bird-watching, or even a great introductory to birds. The art style is gorgeous and a huge plus. A highly-recommended read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great book for fans of birds, people interested in animals or bird-watching, or even a great introductory to birds. The art style is gorgeous and a huge plus. A highly-recommended read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2020
4 1/2
A few weeks after we all began self-isolating because of Covid-19, I was semi-imploring people to start taking advantage of the time to notice their surroundings, to become aware of all of the wildlife and nature around them. I’m pretty sure I failed. However, it was noted in a recent article that many people across the United States had taken up bird watching, to which I say a fervent “Yay!”
I, of course (ha), thought I knew a lot about birds, but as I read Nature All Around: Birds, a book geared toward School Grades 2-5, I realized that I didn’t know much at all. This is a wonderful book with lots of interesting facts about birds. Information regarding migration, feathers, eggs, nests is covered enhanced by colorful illustrations.
read more here
A few weeks after we all began self-isolating because of Covid-19, I was semi-imploring people to start taking advantage of the time to notice their surroundings, to become aware of all of the wildlife and nature around them. I’m pretty sure I failed. However, it was noted in a recent article that many people across the United States had taken up bird watching, to which I say a fervent “Yay!”
I, of course (ha), thought I knew a lot about birds, but as I read Nature All Around: Birds, a book geared toward School Grades 2-5, I realized that I didn’t know much at all. This is a wonderful book with lots of interesting facts about birds. Information regarding migration, feathers, eggs, nests is covered enhanced by colorful illustrations.
read more here
October 31, 2020
There are non-fiction books that look mass-produced by an impersonal, computer. In contrast, this lovely book feels like something extremely special. It has a vintage quality that reminds me of days gone-by spent bird-watching with my grandfather. This perfect beginner guide will lure little ones into the enjoyment of spotting the features, sounds, and habitats that differentiate these lovely creatures from one another. I can imagine making memories by taking my own grandchildren on a quiet walk with this book and pulling out a blanket to sit with our sketchbooks/colored pencils. The illustrations draw the reader in, and the text is very informative. I received an advanced reading opportunity from NetGalley, and will be purchasing this for my grandchildren as soon as it becomes available!
July 30, 2020
This is such a beautiful book with its quite appealing and colorful illustrations. There is so much that can be learned about birds in this short title. There is everything from details about the appearance of birds in terms of their features, to their homes, to making a bird feeder. There are also chapters on birds in the different seasons. Credit is given for the hard work that birds do including eating insects and pollinating flowers. There are also tips for bird watching. This book would make a welcome gift to a young nature lover in your life.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for an ARC. all opinions are my own.
Nature All Around: Birds is a beautiful and rich text, full of fun and interesting bird facts. I have always had an interest in birds and their beauty. This book was right up my alley. Hickman includes great illustrations to accompany different information about birds. I enjoyed how the book was organized and appreciated the comparison of birds, which allowed for greater understanding of different species.
Great for young and old birdwatchers.
Nature All Around: Birds is a beautiful and rich text, full of fun and interesting bird facts. I have always had an interest in birds and their beauty. This book was right up my alley. Hickman includes great illustrations to accompany different information about birds. I enjoyed how the book was organized and appreciated the comparison of birds, which allowed for greater understanding of different species.
Great for young and old birdwatchers.
December 1, 2020
I love the illustrations in this nonfiction book on birds. The book is a little dry for nonficiton pleasure reading, but it is a great reference resource for birds. If anyone thought that birds would not abandon their young, they should read about the cowbird. There are lots of interesting facts that I had never heard before in this book. It ends with instructions on how to become a bird-watcher, talking about strange birds and endangered birds, and instructions for making a bird feeder. There is a lot packed into this bird book.
July 14, 2020
Nature All Around: Birds by Pamela Hickman. I absolutely love birds. I love taking pictures of cardinals and blue jays. This book is great book to introduce your children to birds. Is a great picture book for children. I definitely will be looking for this book for my grandchildren. Introducing children to birds when they are young is so much fun. My parents introduced birds to me.
September 16, 2020
This book will work nicely in my classroom it was full of great information about birds. It covered all the bases from habitat, to life cycle and anatomy. The pictures were beautiful and I even learned a few things. I appreciated the glossary in back along with a how to on how to make your own bird feeder. This book covered all the bases!
September 28, 2020
As someone who has been birding for the past 15 years off and on, I found this book to be a wonderful summary of beginning bird-watching tips including how to start to observe and tell birds apart, from feet to size, beaks to feathers, habitat to number of eggs and where nests can be found. Beautiful illustrations and very complete. Bravo.
October 27, 2020
I actually really enjoyed this book. I thought everything was so interesting to read about. This would be a fantastic book for a kid learning about birds and wildlife. The art was great and I loved the way the book was laid out. I can't wait to share this book with the little ones in my life!
*eARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
*eARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
July 3, 2020
What a wonderful little bird book for children .. it has lovely illustrations and explains all kinds of bird behaviours.
Really informative and ideal for children over 6 I'd recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for ARC
Really informative and ideal for children over 6 I'd recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for ARC
July 7, 2020
A wonderful and illuminating guide to birds. Perfect for kids and beginners. This was a beautifully illustrated guide and was clear and concise with the information. I really enjoyed it and found it to be a great look into not only understanding birds bit to learning about bird watching.
July 3, 2020
The illustrations in this book are beautiful and bright. This book will answer any questions a kid might have about birds. It also has a cute bird feeder project.
October 16, 2020
Excellent book about birds. Lots of good information and easily accessible for kids.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews