Turn This Book Into a Bird Feeder!: And 19 Other Activities to Explore the Amazing World of Birds

My daughter absolutely loves birds and I knew we had to have this book as soon as I saw it. The best part is it didn't disappoint. Not only does the outside cover turn into a bird feeder, but this book is also packed with everything children need to know to bird watch properly. It teaches children what birds eat, how they fly, how there senses work, and so much more. There are 19 other screen free activities to get children motivated to do something more than just looking at a tablet. Some of the activities are how to draw a bird, how turn make a straw sound like a duck, how to make window clings, and more. I love how there are also other ideas on how to make different types of bird feeders with items around the house, such as a pinecone or a milk carton. There's even a list of some common birds children will likely see visiting their crafty bird feeders.


Final Verdict: Overall, this book is perfect for middle graders who love birds. This book is both an activity book and an educational book that encourages children to get outside and enjoy the nature around them. It's perfect for the summertime to get children engaged in something other than a screen.

Bird watching has become something of a trend in middle grade literature (McCullough's Across the Pond, King's The Drake Equation, Miller's Rare Birds, Lord's Home Away From Home), so it's not surprising to see a complete guide to start this hobby for young readers. Along with tips to get started, there is a lot of good factual information about birds as a species. From "what makes a bird a bird" to chapters on feathers, how birds fly, and what they eat, the life of birds, and why we need them, this covers all of the information one could want to know about our feathered friends. This book is a paperback, but has a cardstock weight dust jacket that has directions on how to turn it into a bird feeder, which is very clever.

In between the chapters, there are activities that relate to the information presented. There is a duck call to make from a straw, an experiment putting oil on paper to mimic feathers' waterproof qualities, instructions on how to draw a bird, and even an experiment to replicate bird beaks with household items.