Inside you’ll find: Charlotte Mason inspired living books about birds for kids.
The first official year of the Charlotte Mason inspired “Ambleside Online” has students studying birds. At first, I thought that would be really dull. I mean, all birds are practically the same right? Oh my, how wrong I’ve been. My oldest has totally “taken off” with his bird obsession and these books have been a big part of that! Check them out from your local library or buy them online, either way, GET YOUR HANDS ON THEM!
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- The Burgess Bird Book for Children
This is the gold standard of living books about birds for little ones. Join the famous Peter Rabbit as he gets to know a crazy about of bird facts while getting to know his feathered friends in the old orchard. Each chapter introduces kids to a new bird or three and you learn about their looks, habitat and habits, without even realizing you’re learning!
- When I first started reading Albert by Donna Jo Napoli
, I thought that maybe the library catalog had made a mistake saying the subject was about birds. A young man, intimidated by the outdoors and loud noises, wastes every day with excuses to not engage in the world around him. One day when he stretches his arms out the window to test the weather, a cardinal builds a nest in his hands. I won’t give the rest away, but Loopy could not get enough of this one. I’m not sure if he related to Albert because he also has sensory issues, but the story was charming and educational. Very uplifting!
- Feathers for Lunch by Lois Ehlert
was exactly what I was looking for in a book to educate an almost three year old about birds. Beautiful paintings portray a cat that has escaped and keeps trying to eat the common local birds to no avail. It really helped as learn to recognize different species and the story was engaging.
- Tanglebird by Bernard Lodge
was a sweet story about a bird who was ostracized for being a terrible nest builder. Helped facilitate a discussion on accepting difference. And about nests of course!
- About Birds: A Guide for Children by Cathryn Sill
was a perfect non-fiction book for little ones. There was a lot of information to glean but simple enough for my son. I’ll definitely get this one again for further study.
- George Flies South by Simon James
was a great find. A young bird has yet to leave the nest, but when a surge of wind launches him on an adventure, he finds himself ready. Lots of graceful falling in this book. Used it to explain how birds have to learn to fly, just like Loopy’s brother has to learn to walk.
- The Birdwatchers by Simon James
was such a fun read! A grandfather and his granddaughter go bird watching and come back with some pretty “unbelievable” stories.
- Feathers: Not Just for Flying by Charlesburg
was fascinating. Who knew there were so many things to learn about feathers! Truly eye opening and wonderfully illustrated.
- Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward
LOVED this book about nests. The pictures drew in even the youngest crowd and the rhyming paragraph was alluring. Each page had an additional paragraph so kids could learn even more about the unique nests these birds call home. Great for so many learning levels!
- A Nest Is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston
Ok, anything by Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrated by Sylvia Long is going to be an instant classic. Oh my goodness, my eyes just want to drink it all in! (Not everything in this book is about birds since they’re not the only ones to build nests.)
Tiffany says
Great list! I think she would also love Belle’s Journey!
It’s a wonderful story of an Osprey based on true life events. Super engaging and informative!