When it comes to bird books, Peachtree knows its stuff. From nonfiction bird books about every bird species you can imagine (and some you can’t!) to adventuring penguins and daydreaming hens. Learn something or have a good laugh with this list of the best bird books around. Let us know which is your favorite in the comments below!
Nonfiction:
Written & illustrated by Susan Stockdale
Ages 2 – 6
Formats Available: Hardcover, Board Book
From the Blue-footed Booby to the Red-billed Oxpecker, the breadth of bird life depicted in this stunning book will captivate young ornithologists. Susan Stockdale’s bold colors and crisp, clean lines can’t help but grab the reader’s attention. An afterword identifies each animal and tells a little bit about it and where it lives.
Written by Cathryn Sill
Illustrated by John Sill
Ages 3 – 7
Formats Available: Paperback
In this Spanish edition of the acclaimed About… series, educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what birds are, what they do, and how they live.
Also available in English and bilingual.
Written by Cathryn Sill
Illustrated by John Sill
Ages 3 – 7
Formats Available: Hardcover
About Woodpeckers explains the basic characteristics that all woodpeckers share, while presenting a closer look at the many types of birds that fall into this diverse category. To inspire young readers to learn more, an afterword provides further detail on the woodpeckers portrayed.
Written by Cathryn Sill
Illustrated by John Sill
Ages 3 – 7
Formats Available: Hardcover, Paperback
From the smallest hummingbird―the Bee Hummingbird of Cuba, to the largest―the Giant Hummingbirds of the Andes Mountains in South America, Cathryn and John Sill offer a first glimpse into the natural world of hummingbirds with this beginner’s guide.
Written by Cathryn Sill
Illustrated by John Sill
Ages 3 – 7
Formats Available: Hardcover, Paperback
In this addition to the acclaimed About… series, educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what penguins are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live. With beautifully detailed, realistic paintings, noted wildlife illustrator John Sill introduces readers to a variety of penguins, from the Adélie to the Rockhopper to the Emperor.
Written by Cathryn Sill
Illustrated by John Sill
Ages 3 – 7
Formats Available: Hardcover, Paperback
Educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what the birds called raptors are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live.
Written by Cathryn Sill
Illustrated by John Sill
Ages 3 – 7
Formats Available: Hardcover
From the colorful Blue Lorikeets of the Polynesian Islands to the Rosy-faced Lovebirds of southwestern Africa. Cathryn and John Sill offer a first glimpse into the natural world of parrots with this beginner’s guide.
Written by Melissa Stewart
Illustrated by Higgins Bond
Ages 6 – 10
Formats Available: Hardcover, Paperback
Stewart provides an intriguing look at birds, the ecosystems that support their survival, and the efforts of some people to save them. Glorious full-color illustrations vividly and accurately depict birds and their surroundings.
Written by Leslie Bulion
Illustrated by Robert Meganck
Ages 8 – 12
Formats Available: Hardcover
Ever wonder which bird has the loudest voice? Which one builds the biggest nest or has the most feathers? Get to know all about the best and brightest―and smelliest!―denizens of the bird world with this collection of nonfiction science verses.
Fiction:
Written & illustrated by Kevin Luthardt
Ages 2 – 6
Formats Available: Hardcover, Paperback
PEEP! A duckling breaks through its shell and immediately attaches itself to the first thing it sees—a warmhearted young boy. The newly hatched duck follows the boy home and soon the two are inseparable.
Written by Judy Hindley
Illustrated by Alison Bartlett
Ages 2 – 7
Formats Available: Hardcover
One sunny morning, Mother Bird leaves her hedgerow home and sets out in search of a nice, juicy breakfast for her little ones. Follow her flight through this book, lifting the flaps as you go, and discover all the beautiful things she sees on the way.
Written & illustrated by Julie Paschkis
Ages 4 – 8
Formats Available: Hardcover
Kalinka’s a showy little bird with an eye for neatness, but her grumpy neighbor Grakkle doesn’t care one bit about cleaning. He just wants to relax in his favorite chair and soak his feet in a cool bucket of pickle juice. “Grakk!” he complains as Kalinka “tidies up” his messes. “You’re welcome,” she responds. They simply aren’t on the same wavelength. Can an unfortunate accident plus a little humor and empathy help an odd couple like this see eye to eye?
Written & illustrated by Julie Paschkis
Ages 4 – 8
Formats Available: Hardcover
Extraordinary hen P. Zonka spends her time taking in the beauty around her: the shiny green of the grass, the buttery yellow of the dandelions, the deep blue of the sky. The other hens can’t understand why she never lays eggs like they do―they think she’s just plain lazy. But when P. Zonka finally decides to give egg-laying a try, the other chickens are in for a spectacular surprise!
Written by Pip Jones
Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie
Ages 4 – 8
Formats Available: Hardcover
When Izzy Gizmo finds a crow with a broken wing, she just has to help! Izzy tries again and again to build a new pair of wings, but nothing is working. And that makes Izzy really cross! Can Izzy overcome her failures? Or is her friend destined to live as a crow who can’t fly?
Written by Lester L. Laminack
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Ages 4 – 8
Formats Available: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Lester L. Laminack brings readers a the laugh-out-loud tale of three hens who get in way over their feathered heads, and one very distressed peacock who just can’t figure out how to lay an egg.
Written & illustrated by Alex Latimer
Ages 4 – 8
Formats Available: Hardcover
All of Penguin’s friends are excited about the upcoming talent show, but Penguin can’t seem to figure out what his talent is. He tries juggling appliances with Bear, doing magic tricks with Rabbit, and burping the alphabet with Fox, but he doesn’t seem to be good at any of it. Author and illustrator Alex Latimer’s quirky charm lights up the pages of this entertaining picture book about finding your true talent.
Written by Jackie Mims Hopkins
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Ages 4 – 8
Formats Available: Hardcover, Paperback
Mary McBlicken is sure a stampede’s a comin’! She hurries to the ranch, gathering up her friends along the way. Before the fine feathered and furry folks get to their destination, they encounter a coyote who says he knows a shortcut. Should they trust him? And where is that rumbling coming from anyway?
Also available in bilingual.
Written & illustrated by Quentin Blake
Ages 4 – 8
Formats Available: Hardcover, Paperback
Following a blustery night, Angela Bowling finds a baby bird blown out of his nest. She names him Augustus, and he quickly becomes more to her than just a bird to be looked after. He’s her little Loveykins. But Augustus is growing larger and rounder and soon requires a special garden shed to house him. He seems content enough…until another night brings even stronger winds.
Written & illustrated by Alex T. Smith
Ages 8 – 12
Formats Available: Hardcover
Meet Mr. Penguin: adventurer (and penguin)! This humorous, page-turning story from Alex T. Smith, the author-illustrator of the popular Claude series, is sure to thrill young readers looking for a good adventure.
Written by Shan Correa
Ages 8 – 12
Formats Available: Hardcover, eBook
Paul Silva lives in a paradise―a little farm high in the hills of a lush, green island in Hawaii―where his disabled father makes a living by raising, training, and caring for roosters. But Paul has been sheltered from the harsh reality of the ties between the family business and the underworld of cockfighting.
Written by Sneed B. Collard III
Ages 12 – 16
Formats Available: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Luther Wright used to be just like all his friends, playing football and partying every chance he got. But now he spends his time helping the local veterinarian Kay rehabilitate injured raptors. Against the backdrop of Montana’s worst wildfire season in years, Luther begins questioning many of his community’s basic precepts, and in doing so faces alienation. But when someone starts shooting Kay’s birds and suspicious fires start breaking out, Luther is drawn into a situation far more dangerous than he could have ever imagined.
Pre-order these titles at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble.