How to Find a Bird

Two wide-eyed children, one Black and one white, encounter an assortment of birds across various habitats in this assertively whimsical introduction to birding. Beginning with suggestions for eyeing birds (“Quiet is good”), Ward’s text offers ping-ponging injunctions (“Don’t just look up to find a bird;” “Of course you can always look up to find a bird too!”) alongside questionable assertions, such as “Birds are the cleverest blenders of all.” (Chameleons and octopuses may take issue.) Employing identifying labels and vague characteristics (European starlings can be found “simply sitting”), Sudyka’s vibrant illustrations show avian life, including tundra swans, California quails, monk parakeets, and burrowing owls, sampled from various ecological niches. A closing spread titled “We Can All Be Birdwatchers!” provides a succinct and helpful guide to bird-watching, field marks, making a life list, and becoming a citizen scientist. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel, Full Circle Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Andrea Morrison and Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Aug.)