Wednesday, March 24, 2021

HOW TO FIND A BIRD: A Picture Book Review and Giveaway

 Congratulations to Sandra Warren who won THE OTHER MADISONS audio book on last week's blog.

*****

I was introduced to How to Find a Bird  through NF FEST, a blog dedicated to nonfiction picture book writers. (Oh, I didn't tell you that I'm working on a picture book? Stay tuned.) Written by Jennifer Ward with engaging illustrations by Diana Sudyka  this new book (Beach Lane Books, 2020) will immediately draw young readers inside the pages.


REVIEW

The text starts with a simple fact,

which is "the wonderful thing about birds."

Of course,



You must move quietly and look all around. Not just in the sky, but also,



Some birds "sneak snacks," others splash, and some hide in trees.



Looking up into the sky works too!




Sometimes birds let you know if they see you or "announce your presence when they see you."




But the best way to find a bird is to LISTEN!


CURRICULUM RESOURCE 

This book will not only be a great read aloud at home, but K-2nd grade classroom teachers can use it to encourage the young birders in their classroom. They can discuss the five senses as well as the birds' habitats.  Jennifer has this great bibliography of bird-focused books. The back matter includes tools and tips on bird watching and ways to become a citizen scientist which would make a great school project. 


TWO GIVEAWAYS!

Jennifer is giving away an autographed copy of the book to one winner, and TWO Zoom or Skype visits (which can include multiple classrooms) to another winner. Please leave a comment (with your email address if you are new to my blog) by March 26. Please indicate if you are interested in winning the book or the Zoom/Skype visits. I will try to honor your request. 

TO ENTICE YOU FURTHER

Here's the book trailer:


Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go outside and find the birds who are nesting outside my window. 

33 comments:

Angela said...

I must get my hands on this book! I discovered bird watching during the pandemic and this looks absolutely wonderful.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks Angela. Your name starts the list!

Jolene GutiƩrrez said...

I love this beautiful book and would love to be entered for a virtual classroom visit! Thanks so much, Jennifer and Carol!

Theresa Milstein said...

Oh, this is just so lovely!

Kim Doele said...

I see so many possibilities of teaching with your beautiful book! Such a fun lense to learn about books. I can’t wait to add this to my collection of other related books! I teach student teachers and especially work to show them how to teach content through the use of picture books. I would live to win a copy of “How to Find a Bird.” Skyping with my student teachers is also a possibility but having a book for them to borrow would be wonderful!

Thank you!
Kim

Becky Scharnhorst said...

I recently checked this book out from my library and it's fantastic! I'd love to own a copy.

Sharon McCarthy said...

This book sounds wonderful! I am beginning to write about a Oak Tree that will help many species survive in neighborhoods. This would be a perfect mentor text for me and a great read for my girl scout troop. We are working on a pollinator garden for our Bronze award.

Carol Baldwin said...

Jolene and Kim you are entered into winning Skype visits. Kim, Becky, Sharon and T rhesa are entered for the book giveaway. Thanks for leaving comments!

Ginger Dennison said...

I am a lover of birds and want to bring them into the lives of my grandchildren also. I’m drawing them close to the house with bird feeders and the 2 year old is excited to see the Cardinal and Chickadee (dee-dee-dee) and other birds..
This book, besides having beautiful illustrations that put the child right there on the page, is an excellent tool for expanding their knowledge beyond the bird feeders into the wide world. I’m excited about showing them how they can use their senses to discover birds for themselves!

Manju Howard said...

I've checked out "HOW TO FIND A BIRD" twice from my library. Great mentor text! I would love an autographed copy.

Carol Baldwin said...

Ginger and Manju-- you're both in!

Danielle H. said...

I love how the author encourages readers to use their senses to locate birds! I always enjoy listening to the birds starting now as they "gear up" for starting families. I would love to read this for mentor text too and signed books are treasures.

bicycledreaming said...

Thank you for reviewing this lovely book. I would love a couple of zoom visits to look at a book I am working on about biking to school - I even think it needs some birds! Biking to school is great for seeing nature in the neighborhood.

The Wilsons said...

This looks wonderful! My kids and I have just started our journey as amateur birders :) My email address is Sierra.wilson1@gmail.com and I’d prefer the signed book but the zoom visit could be really cool for my daughter’s class too!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thank you Danielle and Sierra for your comments. "bicycle dreaming" i need your email address to enter your name.

Garden Girl said...

It’s springtime on the Illinois Prairie where birds are fluttering, nesting, and singing.

Jennifer Ward is always generous about sharing her love of birding and literacy with her readers.

Suzy Leopold
P. S. Just stopping by to support Jen, her books, and your blog, Carol. Since I own many autographed books written by Jen, I will pass on being considered for the giveaway.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Garden Girl, for your support!

Barbara Younger said...

I love birds! Would love to win a copy. The art is whimsical and fresh. Looks like a treasure to me!

Rosi said...

This looks like a lovely book. I am working on a non-fiction PB and this would be a wonderful mentor text. Thanks for the post and the chance.

Carol Baldwin said...

I thought you would like this book, Barbara!

Joyce said...

As a kid, I did not pay attention to birds with the exception of the Robin. As an adult, I have more time and bird watch. Thanks for this post to nudge me outside to enjoy the tweets.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks for your comment, Joyce. But I need your email address in order to enter you in the giveaway.

Janet Frenck Sheets said...

I just read this book a few weeks ago through ReFoReMo (Reading for Research Month) and thought it was great. It's nice to see that it's getting attention. I always feel happier when birds are around, and I'm sure children do too. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of How to Find a Bird. (My email is jesheets@alaska.edu).

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Janet. Your name is in!

Unknown said...

I just learned about Jennifer Ward a week ago! And now I’m noticing her books everywhere, including here. I would love one of her books to add to my collection. I enjoy illustrating and I’m currently working on a nonfiction nature children’s book, Thank you! -Heidi Acott-Monfre My email: Heididesignsaustin@gmail.com

Carol Baldwin said...

Glad you found my blog, Heidi. I'm happy to include your name. I hope you sign up to follow my blog. I give away a lot of picture books and several coming up are nonfiction.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks Rosi, you're in!

Unknown said...

Thank you Carol! I’m glad that I found your blog too- I just signed up.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Heidi. For some reason that I can't figure out, you're coming through as "unknown." Make sure to leave your name on future posts so I know it's you commenting.

Unknown said...

It's official, I guess that means that I am unknown. I'll try not to take it personally. LOL. I'll include my name in future posts. Thanks!

Unknown said...

LOL. I forgot to leave my name again. Unknown = Heidi Acott-Monfre

Carol Baldwin said...

There are lots of unknowns in this world, Heidi. You’re in good company!!!

Unknown said...

Thank you Carol! - Heidi Acott-Monfre

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