Birds of a Feather by Lauren Fairgrieve and Kate Read

Produced in collaboration with the National Trust, Birds of a Feather combines information and an interactive element in a book that would make a beautiful gift to treasure. Perfect for children interested in nature and a valuable addition to family bookshelves.

Covering everything from habitats and diets to myths and legends this is a beautifully presented and interesting introduction to a variety of European birds. The range of information included will pique children’s interest and encourage them to find out more. For example there is mention of pigeons being used to carry messages during the First and Second World Wars, and that there are records of starling murmurations during Ancient Roman times. Some of the birds may be familiar to readers from their back gardens or local parks such as blue tits, black birds and wood pigeons and others like barn owls and woodpeckers that they may not have seen themselves. A double page is devoted to each bird with key details about them given in paragraphs arranged around colourful, collage work illustrations.

It is the sturdy press out pieces at the front that give this book an added dimension. They are illustrated on both sides and once removed slot together to create 10 different birds that may be hung up, a hole is thoughtfully provided for string, as decorations or returned to the board pages to be re-assembled again and again. Kate Read’s illustrative style is quite distinctive and you can find out more about her work and her other books for children on her website.

A brilliant book to give as a present to any nature loving or curious child but I can see this book being useful in the school classroom too. This book was published in September and is aimed at the 6+ audience. Less confident readers will probably need a little help with the text.

2023 Nature Month-by-Month A Children’s Almanac by Anna Wilson illustrated by Elly Jahnz

This is a wonderful guide for children including facts about each month, things to look out for, activities to do, recipes to make, animals and birds to spot and festivals to celebrate. It is a lovely way to mark the passage of time in a way that connects the reader to both their surroundings and to other people.

This fifth edition of this annual guide published in collaboration with the National Trust is fully illustrated and packed full of information, ideas, suggestions and inspiration. Although aimed at a target audience aged 7+ this, I think, has appeal for those considerably older than that. The way in which the reader is encouraged to notice and appreciate all that is going on around them is equally valuable to a wide age range and as an adult I learned things I did not know before.

Important days each month, be they religious festivals or traditional events, are highlighted as are anniversaries and these are accompanied by anecdotes and popular sayings fitting the month or the season. This is a lovely way to travel through the year as the cycle of life and events are portrayed and discussed accompanied by cheerful, colourful illustrations. Children are encouraged to become involved in nature, conservation and practical activities both indoor and outdoor. In addition to nature readers learn about the weather, astronomy and astrology, different faiths and cultures all in an engaging and involving manner. The activities are many and varied ranging from cooking rhubarb crumble to making leaf confetti, from making a garden in an egg cup to building a bug hotel.

This is definitely a book to return to often and one that could act as a guide for the whole family and would be a great present. Highly recommended.

Birds of a Feather was published on 1st September and 2023 Nature Month by Month on 6th October. I should like thank the publishers, Nosy Crow, and Catherine Ward for my review copies.

If you are looking for books for slightly younger children I would recommend these perfect picture books for inspiring a love of nature.