Sparrow Loves Birds (Sparrow Loves Animals)

An avian-loving child named Sparrow goes bird-watching in this observational picture book that emphasizes sensory methods of perception. Opening lines establish the sensate dimensions of nature observation: “Sparrow loves learning the names of birds. Learning about birds isn’t hard if she uses her eyes and ears,” Burgess writes. With a pencil and pad and a pair of binoculars, Sparrow heads solo into the yard and begins to notice the ways birds move (“Robins hop”), their colors (“Cardinals are the reddest”), and their songs (“A towhee reminds you to ‘drink your tea!’ ”). Anthony’s soft-edged digital artwork, which recalls watercolor and colored pencil techniques, brightly renders springtime scenes of the attentive protagonist, portrayed with brown skin, interacting with bird life. As Sparrow’s observations of individual species’ attributes educate, the protagonist’s day outside invitingly suggests that patience and perception are all it takes to connect to nature. An author’s note, bird-watching tips, and bird glossary conclude. Ages 3–7. (June)