Backyard Birdies

by Andy Geppert

This is a common pigeon. Common because it's almost identical to every other pigeon.You'll sometimes see a white one. That's because it's just had a bath. I made that last bit up.If you would like to learn more VERY REAL facts like this about some of Australia's most common backyard birds, this is the book for you. I mean, who doesn't want to know what bok, bok, bok means in chicken? Or how often a budgerigar poops?A handy first field guide packed full of fascinating facts (some of them are even true) about Australia's most common backyard birds.

Genres: Picture Books, Humor

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2021

Reviews

[Figgy]

Review to come, but this is a gorgeous book!

[Katey Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has you covered with facts AND funny moments. Great.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard to categorise this book beyond saying it is a 'must read' for young children. A combination of factual information with fable, fantasy and the ridiculous woven in between.
Geppert presents a number of common birds found in backyards in Australia. On each double page there is an illustration of the bird a size comparison (with a bucket!), a soft, and surprisingly accurate watercolour illustration of the bird, a location map of Australian and blobs of paint to show each bird's colours. Also, a check box to tick if you see the bird and a 'stapled on' label with the scientific name. All quite accurate in detail but very whimsical in the presentation.

The text is a clever and artful combination of expository writing - factual and descriptive, but with opinion and humorous asides and advice added in - and sometimes complete nonsense.
"This is an ibis.
Ibis have long curved beaks
for catching food in rock pools,
tropical billabongs and bins.
If you see an ibis in your backyard,
you either have a billabong,
or a bin."

The overall design is excellent, the end papers provide a silhouette of each bird from mid body upward these are numbered with the corresponding page number and bird name provided in a list. At first look this presents as a serious and useful contents but with some quirks that hint at the ridiculous elements within - swan (giant inflatable); pigeon (roof chicken)

This is an innovative, original, very funny but also informative book about familiar birds for young readers, but some of the jokes may go over their heads. Older readers will quickly pick up on and then hone in on the tongue in cheek presentation. Delightful, original and highly recommended.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Hachette for sending us a copy to read and review.
A review that is little different and one for those that may have young children or grandchildren.
Australian Backyard Birdies is beautifully illustrated and whimsical in its format.
A book for young children to learn and identify different birds they may encounter in there backyards or at parks.
I loved the fact it covered the very common across the nations yards.
Showing where they are found and recording the scientific name.
In addition it shows the size of the bird compared to a bucket and the types of feathers it has.
A short narrative gives facts on the bird and offers humorous tit bits.
The colour spectrum for each bird showing they can change depending on age and variety.
The Bin Chicken was one that caught my eye as they are creepy and scavenge and I know kids find the nickname hilarious.
A book that visually and educationally stimulates learning.
The hard cover designed for many hours of perusing and hard knocks.
Books like this enhance kids awareness and with luck will inspire the next generation of avid readers to indulge in this fabulous pastime.

[Kat Schrav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humorous introduction to non-fiction for 3-6yos.

[Pam Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun, packed with facts, beautiful illustrations, a quirky book for young readers. I hope there are more books to come. It was too short!

[Jaq · Rating 3 out of 5]

Visually appealing and quirky.

[Tina]

Magpies review