Ruby's Birds

by Mya Thompson, Claudia Davila (Illustrations)

Meet Ruby, a plucky young girl who uncovers the wild side of her city neighborhood with the help of a grown-up friend. When Ruby realizes there are amazing birds right in her neighborhood, her imagination takes flight. Birders have a name for the moment they get hooked--they call it their spark moment. This is the story of Ruby's spark moment, in her very own words.

This delightful story includes a seek and find element with birds hiding on nearly every page. Information about where to find all of the birds in real life follows, plus Ruby's tips for taking a nature walk, and how to connect with Celebrate Urban Birds, a citizen-science project at the Cornell Lab.

Genres: Picture Books, Birds, Childrens, Nature, Animals, Fiction, African American

36 pages, Paperback

Published April 5, 2020

Reviews

[♥ℂĦℝΪՖƬΪℕÅ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Bird-watching ★'s


➽I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Hidden Gems Books.

Unfortunately, the story or to be more exact the text didn't do much for me. I like the idea behind it but I just feel like it missed the mark, It took a bit to long to get to the point. I did find that all of the different birds finding facts at the back of the book was way more interesting than the story itself and so did my 5-year-old niece. As for the illustrations they are really well done and very lovely.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the concept here of a young girl learning to control her exuberance at the appropriate time and calm her energy into birdwatching -- then sharing her newfound passion with her family. The storytelling style and illustrations didn't really feel "special" to me. But, my kids and I enjoyed it well enough, and the back matter is very good so bonus star for that (I do wish there was a Bibliography but it is published by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology so I assume the content is accurate) as it includes tips about birdwatching and 14 of the birds you'd most likely see in the city (nice that the focus here is on urban birdwatching, though it does take place in Central Park and not everyone living in a city has access to such a large park that is such a haven for birds... but certainly some of this could still be adapted to even smaller city parks). I love the little back section with Ruby's tips for getting your family excited to go outside and enjoy nature. 'If they say, 'But there's not much to look at around here,' remind them that there are animals and plants everywhere, and you don't have to travel outside your city or town to go on a nature walk. If they say, 'But we don't have time today,' ask them when they will have time, then put it down on the calendar." Also, "Remember! Don't let your adults get discouraged if they don't know what kinds of plants, insects, mushrooms, or birds you see and hear. Offer a hug and remind them that it's all about having fun and noticing new things." YES! :-)

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl becomes mindful of the birds around her neighborhood

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's quite an experience to read this book deconstructed along an outside #Storywalk in the city of Albany for sure but it was fun with my boys. The public library put this book up along a pond, so we got to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while reading the picture book. It was a lovely experience and who doesn't love a bit of birding. The illustrations were bright and the story was enjoyable.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had trouble connecting with this story. Though I think perhaps it was more the text. Basically, the story is about an energetic girl named Ruby who is introduced to birdwatching by her neighbor. When she discovers what it takes to watch birds and the excitement it brings, she’s anxious to share the activity with her family.

But as fast as I say I wasn’t all that crazy about the text, I did like various other aspects of the book. After the story, there are activities and information that promote watching birds. Perhaps one of the most fun activities for some children will be backing up and reading the story again. And this time searching and identifying each bird on a page that might have gone unnoticed the first time through. There is a key at the back of the book with the name, picture, and short description of each bird. It’s a bit of a seek and identify the bird activity.

There is another section at the back of the book titled Ruby’s Tips for taking a nature walk. Also, two websites are included for readers to learn more about birds as well as Central Park, where Ruby enjoyed her walks.

I received a review digital copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review completely voluntarily. Thank you #CornellLabPublishingGroup #wundermillbooks #persnicketypress #MyaThompson and #BookSirens .

What Concerned Me
As I mentioned above, the text didn’t really excite me. It felt like it could have been written in a more interesting manner.

What I Liked Most
The information at the back of the book and method of teaching what certain birds look like was a great way of providing interaction.

More Reviews: https://pickagoodbook.com

[Jillani Birech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I really love this short book. It's really beautifully illustrated. Its style is so simple. You can read it in one sitting. I do recommend every parent to grab a copy to their children.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounding up to five stars because not only is it a fun story, it's also an important one. Lots of back matter. I love the advice "Don't let your adults get discouraged...."

[Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute book at a girl discovering birding in Central Park. Beautifully illustrated. Great tips for young birders at the end.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby learns about bird watching from her downstairs neighbor. They go to Central Park and spot a bird on its migratory path that reminds the neighbor of her home in Costa Rica. The illustrations are realistic and highly detailed.
Informative text at the end identifying birds that were illustrated throughout the book and other information on bird watching.

[Aliza Werner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the back matter far more interesting than the story itself.

[Natasha Roslosnik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby's Birds was a book written about a child with ample energy. The downstairs neighbor (after listening to stomping) invites the child to go to the park with her. At the park Ruby learns that she needs to be quiet to see animals in nature (specifically the bird from Costa Rica).

I did not like that the child went to Central Park without asking her grandparent for permission. I also did not like that this seemed to be the first time that the neighbor took her out to a place that Ruby had not been before (into the woods). I think that this might be a bad message for children, it is not safe to go off into an unknown location with just any neighbor. I think that more context at this point would have been great for future readers.

I did like that Ruby shared this experience with her family at the end of the book.

I did not like how abruptly the book ended.

Listen for yourself on my podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CmJ...

[Nanette Heffernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need an active afternoon activity with the kiddos? I suggest reading Ruby’s Birds then heading to the park for a bird watching expedition of your own. Ruby, the main character, is adorable with her missing front teeth. Normally, Ruby is loud and has a hard time standing still but in the story she learns the power of quiet when it comes to nature. I think my favorite page is the dream sequence. So artfully done, you feel like you right in that wonderful dream with Ruby!
There is also information in the back on how to follow “Celebrate Urban Brids” a citizen science project out of Cornell Lab. Citizen science is so important, especially for children. It offers a unique way to give back that has huge impact and really shows them how every little bit adds up.

[Cynthia Gutzwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby is staying with her Grandmother while her mom and dad is at work. The neighbor, Eva, asks her if she would like to go to the park. Yes! Yes! Yes! They walk past her favorite park and go to Central Park. They head to the woods. Eva stops and listens and then looks through her binoculars while being very still. Ruby starts to sing and scared some bird away. Eva is upset that the bird went away. Why is Eva upset? What is so special about a bird? (A lot!). How do you find ou? While listening/reading of course.
This is a great story about an introduction to birding for Ruby. There is a Hunt and Find in the back of the book. There are "Ruby's tips" and an "About this Story" page in the back. You will be looking at 🐦 🕊 differently after reading this book.

[Villa Park Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby is a spirited young girl who lives in New York City. Ruby’s fun-loving personality and animated disposition unquestionably mirrors the activity, noise, and energy of that great city. When Ruby is invited on a nature walk in Central Park, however, she learns about an entirely different slice of the city. By curbing her energy, actively listening, and paying careful attention, Ruby discovers a remarkable thing about Central Park- it is home to an amazing number of distinct and unique birds. This delightful book will help readers take a fresh look at what city life can offer. For the beginning birder, an additional section of the book offers descriptive facts about birds as well as some tips about how to take a successful nature walk.

[BreeAnn (She Just Loves Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I Loved: The illustrations in this book were a lot of fun. My daughter enjoyed looking at each page.

How I Felt: I just was unable to fully connect to this story. I didn't understand WHY Ruby was being taught this lesson and I did not feel like there was a great payoff at the end of the story to help a child understand the lesson behind the words.

To Read or Not To Read: If your child is interested in bird watching or nature, they will enjoy the illustrations and the short discussion about birds.

I was provided an advanced readers copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Sandy Wilmering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby is a busy and sometimes noisy young girl who learns from her neighbor Eva that she has to be quiet and still to see birds, like a warbler on its way through from Costa Rica. Ruby then teaches what she has learned to her family. There is more information at the back of the book about seeing birds at your home or in your city. There is also a list of 14 different birds that the author and illustrator have scattered throughout the book for the reader to go back and find. This is a cute and informative book that children will love. I would like to thank BookSirens for allowing me to read this advanced copy for free in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

[Jess Roever · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story and illustrations, and I liked how Ruby sang everywhere. I wish the author had connected the part of the story where Ruby is being herself and showing her character to the birdwatching. Ruby seemed to want to play at the park, not necessarily be in nature, maybe a Ruby could have shown more interest in nature earlier in the book, too. The neighbor clearly knows she wants to take Ruby birdwatching, but doesn’t explain that to her or tell Ruby how to behave. I also wish the author had out in that Ruby checked with her Grandma before leaving with the neighbor. I will just add that part in for my kid.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Jen KD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby’s Birds is a cute book that takes place in NYC. Ruby learns about birding and a little bit about mindfulness. She is a typical child, singing, chatting and making noise. Then she is taken to Central Park and learns the art of birdwatching. Her friend Eva’s enthusiasm is catchy, and I feel like Ruby (and young readers) will be inspired. A nice feature in this book is the illustrated list of birds you can search for...by scanning back through the pages or actually birdwatching outdoors. There are good tips for enjoying nature as well.
I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved the culturally authentic family and the pleasant urban life. I loved the clearl non-fiction elements seamlessly woven into the picture-book-y text. So kid-friendly, inciting curiosity and action and joy. Great backmatter with some bird identifications, where to start connecting with nature in your neighborhood, and adorably kid-centric advice on how to get the adults on board. A lovely introduction to amateur birdwatching with a terrifically rereadable narrative underneath (or is it the other way around?) Oh, and the illustrations are a treat, especially the reversible poster dust cover. A gem.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of Ruby's Birds for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily. If you are fascinated by bird song and identification, this is a great introduction to listening and enjoying nature. Did you know that there are 280 types of birds in Central Park? There are 14 types of birds hidden in the story for the reader to discover. With simple text and detailed illustrations, Ruby's Birds would be a wonderful purchase for school and public libraries. There are also links to Cornell Bird labs.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Ruby's neighbor, Eva, introduces her to bird watching in Central Park. Ruby learns how to stay quiet and still, move carefully, and pay attention looking for tiny movements in the leaves. Later, Ruby teaches her family the tricks she has learned, and they spot a rare bird together.

A great book to pair with the free Merlin Bird ID app during a STEM storytime. Includes back matter about how to find birds in your neighborhood or city as well as information on birds you might have seen in the book and that you might also find near your home.

[Savanna Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children's book is beautifully written and illustrated. This book reminds us that even in the loudest places we can always find something magical. I love that Ruby isn't afraid to be herself and to sing regardless of who is listening. The illustrations truly bring this book to life and are bright and cheerful.

Not only is it a cute story that children will love, but it also includes nonfiction bird facts and advice on how to go on a walk of your own to discover some magic yourself.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little story about a girl who learns to pay attention to the birds on a walk with her neighbor. I think it teaches kids to stop and pay attention to nature - birds specifically - and the wonder of nature. I liked the section at the back of the book that teaches kids how to search for different birds in their own neighborhood and how to do their own nature walk too. Really a cute little book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby's Birds
by Mya Thompson
Adding to the experiences of students this book shows the interest in the natural world. the book shows a context of bird watching, in the urban and city environment. Read to a first grade class, whom loved voices and using questions to add humor to the story. With a little made up songs the book is far more impressive.
A good roll model book to show cultural expansion and understanding.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting tale about an adventure to pass the time on a summer afternoon. When Ruby’s neighbor asks her to go to the park, it's not Ruby’s usual park or adventure. What Ruby learns on this trip is the importance of being quiet at certain times, and the payoff for using patience. A wonderful story with beautiful, soft illustrations.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how this child sings for entertainment, but after meeting a local birder she learns that quiet is beautiful, as well. At a park in the Big City, Ruby learns about the birds that migrate through New York and is amazed by how fun it is to watch them.

I added this book to one of my library collections and hope to order more for other libraries. It is a special story.

[Shanique Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable book that's a great way to get kids to engage with nature! Eva goes to the park with her friend Ruby and they see a wonderful bird that sparks Eva's interest in bird watching and being in nature.

[Hester · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute book that is fun for kids and also has something for adults. Adults can use the information in the back so they can learn from the book as well.

This is an especially good book for kids who live in NYC.

[Elaine Ciarnau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book Ruby's Birds but I wish the story was longer. The facts were a nice touch to the end of the book. It's a good book to teach kids about birds.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this for some friends with a kid for the kid's b-day. Read it quickly first so I could be sure it was OK. Did not disappoint. I picked it for the bird/nature themes, and it has a lot to offer there.