Counting Birds

by Alice Melvin

Swans, swallows, peacocks, geese, and starlings appear in this charming story that leads children through a spring day from dawn to dusk. Deep in the countryside, the day begins with with a solitary cockerel’s crow, sunlight falling on two lovebirds in a cage, and three china ducks on a wall. Magpies, chicken, and many more familiar birds are lovingly portrayed in Alice Melvin’s intricate signature style, while a rhyming text makes this an ideal book to read aloud with children learning to count.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Counting, Birds, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Using an entire day from dawn to dusk various birds are counted from one to twenty. The story is told in rhyming couplets and the reader or listener will see several species of birds that may be unfamiliar with as the author/illustrator resides in Scotland. So if you are not a resident of Scotland enjoy seeing some new bird species.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Edward Goreyesque illustrations, this book drew me in, from the cover to the end pages. Beautifully wrought peacocks, swans, and birds of all kinds, kids can join in counting them on each page. Delightful. Note: A Spanish translation is also available and is great!

Themes: birds, counting, nature, stories that rhyme
Ages: toddler-1st grade (shorten for littles)
Pub year: 2009

[Suhad Albaat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Counting Birds book is a cute book, but I do believe kids would not read the whole book, because it is a little longer and kids do not have that attention span. To me, I liked it because there was alot of different colors and alot of birds.

[Lauren Duffy · Rating 3 out of 5]

For my bird loving 4 year old this book was “okay.” Its written in rhyme and the illustrations are nice but it’s nothing amazing.

[Beverly Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best counting book I've read.

[Abigail (Abbe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very beautiful book.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs a little practice for a read-aloud.

[Hannah]

This is a beautifully illustrated book, and a new favourite in our house. My boys love to count the birds, look at the colours, the patterns, and then find the written numbers which are in a different position on each page. Even the inside cover is beautifully designed. These pages could be easily framed and displayed. I love the work of Alice Melvin. A beautiful book.

[Joann Aubain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this book was very rich with numbers and counting concepts, I felt the illustration wasn't inviting. Also the book is too lengthy and counts all the way to 20. This book would be great for introducing different birds or counting numbers however not a large group read.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes counting books are to be endured. Others like Richard Scarry are laughed and chuckled over. This one is lovely and nice. Birds of all sorts are included, some in their natural environment and others more fanciful. If you're going to read counting books, this one makes the cut.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

love love love the illustrations in this book

[Mishka · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a great book. Lovely rhyming, nice progression through the day as the counting goes from 1-20 and the illustrations (by the author) are terrific.

[Annie Donette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Birds are everywhere. Numbers are everywhere. Go figure!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are gorgeous.

[jennifer]

This book is soooo beautiful. I want to keep staring at all the pictures or maybe hang them on my walls.