The Big Book of Birds
The Big Book Series
on Goodreads (240)
What’s inside...
The Big Book of Birds is an informative and visually appealing book that introduces young children to the colorful and diverse world of birds. Following the success of The Big Book of Bugs, The Big Book of Beasts, and The Big Book of the Blue, this book explores various bird species through engaging illustrations and captivating facts. It covers a wide range of topics including how to recognize different types of birds, understand bird calls, and bird behavior. The book features a variety of birds from flamingos to bald eagles, and encourages young bird-watchers to protect birds and make their gardens bird-friendly. Illustrated by Yuval Zommer, the book combines picture-book charm with informative nonfiction, making it a great resource for children and parents alike.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would feel like to fly like a bird?
Which bird from the book is your favorite and why?
How do birds help our environment?
Can you imagine what the world would be like without birds?
What's one new fact you learned about birds from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their answers and share your own thoughts to keep the conversation two-sided.
Encourage your child to illustrate their favorite bird from the book, discussing its colors and features as they draw.
Take a walk outside, pointing out birds and comparing them to the ones in the book.
Use the book as a reference to look up more facts online or in other books, showing that learning is an ongoing journey.
After reading, watch a documentary about birds, linking visual learning to what was read.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation for biodiversity
Explanation: Through vivid illustrations and engaging descriptions, 'The Big Book of Birds' introduces children to a wide variety of bird species, emphasizing their unique characteristics and habitats.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and respect the diversity of wildlife in their local environment and the broader world, fostering a sense of responsibility towards conservation.
Example Lesson: Importance of habitats
Explanation: The book discusses different environments that birds inhabit. It explains how specific features of these habitats support the birds’ needs.
Real-World Application: Children understand the critical role habitats play in the lives of birds, which can translate to a better appreciation and proactive attitude towards preserving local parks, forests, and other natural spaces.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and lifelong learning
Explanation: By posing interesting questions and presenting intriguing facts about birds, the book encourages readers to think critically and ask further questions.
Real-World Application: This fosters a love for learning and exploration that children can apply in school and other areas of interest, promoting an inquisitive and knowledgeable mindset.
Example Lesson: Observation skills
Explanation: Children are prompted to observe birds’ features such as beak shapes and wing colors, which play a role in their survival and behavior.
Real-World Application: Enhanced observation skills can help children in educational settings and in everyday life, making them more attentive and detail-oriented.
Example Lesson: Conservation awareness
Explanation: The book conveys messages about the impact of human activities on bird populations and the importance of conservation efforts.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to engage in or support activities that protect bird populations, such as building bird feeders or participating in local wildlife conservation programs.