Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

A chatty, appealing introduction to observing these easiest-to-see of all wild creatures. Amusing scenes of loquacious birds and occasional human observers fill these busy pages. The pen-and-ink–and-watercolor cartoons are reminiscent of Roz Chast, with speech bubbles carrying much of the information. Where it would be informative, birds are labeled. Their variety is astounding; the page on coloration alone shows 60 different species from across the country. Cate's enthusiasm is catching, but she starts simply. She talks about looking at birds in one's backyard and neighborhood, with no special tools except for a sketch book—not since drawing is easy but since the effort requires close attention to details. She addresses color, shape and activities before moving on to using field marks to distinguish similar-looking birds. A comical central spread shows a sparrow fashion show, with the different species sporting their distinctive decorations. She discusses plumage variations, sounds and the use of field guides. The fact that birds look different because they live in different places and behave in different ways leads to consideration of habitat, range and migration. Finally, an explanation of classification includes an introduction to scientific names. The bibliography has good suggestions for birders of any age. Small and accessible, this is jam-packed with accurate information likely to increase any potential birder's enthusiasm and knowledge. (index, drawing, tips) (Nonfiction. 8-15)

School Library Journal Starred Review

Gr 3-5 With its emphasis on looking at the birds near home-from suburbs to inner cities-this invitation to bird-watching is an engaging addition to any collection. By grouping birds by colors, shapes, behaviors, feathers, calls, habitat, migration, and more, the spreads highlight the multitude of avian features to be observed. Cate emphasizes the importance of observation and includes sketching instructions as a way to hone those skills on the individual aspects of a bird along with its species' characteristics. Each page is filled with full-color illustrations. At first glance they may appear crowded and busy, but the detailed drawings are charming, lively, and fun. Humorous dialogue bubbles feature bird "thoughts" in accessible language. Comic human observations are also included: "Are those pesky birds pooping on my windowsill again?" Lots of fun-and informative.— Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

ALA Booklist

In this amiable guidebook that encourages readers to observe and wonder about the birds around them, Cate presents plenty of relevant information while sharing her clear enthusiasm for the subject. Accompanied with bright illustrations on every page, the text introduces topics such as birds' distinctive colors, shapes, feathers, sounds, habitats, behavioral traits, migration, and classification. Cate is an artist who came to birding through sketching outdoors, and she creates a friendly, enthusiastic tone through her conversational writing style, accessible ink-and-watercolor artwork, and speech balloons that give individual birds and people an informative, fanciful, or amusing voice. While she recommends a number of field guides as additional resources, she suggests that readers consult them only after they have taken the time to become aware of the birds in their own neighborhoods. A relatively brief introduction to a broad field of study, this title will engage readers with its well-presented information spiced with visual and verbal humor.

Horn Book

The book starts by encouraging children to sharpen their awareness of their surroundings and to notice the presence of birds in pastoral and urban settings. Next are the basics of bird identification, then it's on to habitat, range, and migration. The discussion is lighthearted; Cate and the birds, portrayed in illustrations with speech balloons, poke fun at themselves as they teach bird observation. Bib., ind.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

A chatty, appealing introduction to observing these easiest-to-see of all wild creatures. Amusing scenes of loquacious birds and occasional human observers fill these busy pages. The pen-and-ink–and-watercolor cartoons are reminiscent of Roz Chast, with speech bubbles carrying much of the information. Where it would be informative, birds are labeled. Their variety is astounding; the page on coloration alone shows 60 different species from across the country. Cate's enthusiasm is catching, but she starts simply. She talks about looking at birds in one's backyard and neighborhood, with no special tools except for a sketch book—not since drawing is easy but since the effort requires close attention to details. She addresses color, shape and activities before moving on to using field marks to distinguish similar-looking birds. A comical central spread shows a sparrow fashion show, with the different species sporting their distinctive decorations. She discusses plumage variations, sounds and the use of field guides. The fact that birds look different because they live in different places and behave in different ways leads to consideration of habitat, range and migration. Finally, an explanation of classification includes an introduction to scientific names. The bibliography has good suggestions for birders of any age. Small and accessible, this is jam-packed with accurate information likely to increase any potential birder's enthusiasm and knowledge. (index, drawing, tips) (Nonfiction. 8-15)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

An array of talkative cartoon birds bring energy and humor to this small-format guide to bird-watching. With help from sidebars, charts, and some very opinionated birds, Cate explains how to identify various birds by color, shape, behavior, birdcall, and other characteristics. Meanwhile, bug-eyed birds banter with each other and boast about their traits in dialogue balloons (-Hee hee! You can-t eat me-we-re in a chart!- taunts a blue-gray gnatcatcher that-s being eyed by a predatory merlin). Despite their goofy behavior and appearances, Cate-s birds are realistic enough to give readers the tools to recognize them in the wild. Cate-s informal hobbyist tone and all-around enthusiasm is infectious, as she emphasizes that bird-watching is as much about being aware of one-s environment as it is about identifying specific birds. Ages 8-up. (Mar.)