How to Heal a Broken Wing

How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham 2008

At times, the pace of life leaves no time to slow down, and yet the young boy in this urban story does just that. He sees an injured pigeon lying on the busy sidewalk and asks his Mom if they can take it home. We then see the compassionate process that his family takes as they care for and nourish the bird back to health. The text is wonderfully spare as we watch the bird heal, and long to be where he really belongs. Will learns a lesson about kindness that he, and you, will not soon forget.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Bob Graham on Amazon

Tillie Lays An Egg

Tillie Lays An Egg by Terry Golson 2009

Tillie the hen doesn’t want to be cooped up like all her friends to lay her eggs, and so she gallivants into the barnyard and leaves little surprises in her path. We are urged to find Tillie’s semi-hidden egg in each full-color photograph.

This book teaches about the egg laying process, and also reviews days of the week and counting. Enjoy the whimsy and fun of a day with feathered friends at Little Pond Farm.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Terry Golson on Amazon

Those Darn Squirrels!

Those Darn Squirrels! By Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri 2008

An old man lives alone and finds pleasure in attracting birds to his yard so he can paint their pictures. He takes great pains to provide seeds and berries for his feathered friends. The neighborhood gang of squirrels and all their shenanigans interrupts his plans. The squirrels calmly construct clever ways to fill their bellies, and it looks as though they may prevail until they give Old Man Fookwire the biggest surprise of all.

The old man’s demeanor changes from one of frustration to unexpected happiness at the guests in his yard. There is a sweet respect between the creatures in this story that speaks volumes.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Sparrows

Sparrows by Hans Post & Kees Heij 2006

This detailed excursion takes us through the life cycle of a sparrow. How they meet and greet, build a nest, and raise a family are accurately depicted. Learning how the sparrows find food, and avoid the drama of danger, will help kids look more closely at the wildlife around them.

The story like text gives great factual information, with artwork that is charming and realistic. The placement of the text and artwork varies from page to page, grabbing the readers interest, and helping them better enjoy this visual feast.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Birdsong

Birdsong by Audrey Wood, illustrations by Robert Florczak 1997

The songs of birds help us identify them in the wild, and help them communicate with each other. Each of the birds represented in this book provide background music for a child or children who are immersed in the landscape. Each double-page spread represents a different location in the United States. The common call for each bird is included in the text.

Florczak's artwork offers a panorama of the bird's habitat. The stylized borders are reminiscent of Victorian design, and depict the state flower of the area shown.

This is a gentle, yet beautiful reminder of the bird's in each region of America.

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song." -Chinese Proverb

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Audrey Wood on Amazon