WOW Dozen: Around the World in 12 Birds
Despite having a reputation for being a hobby for elderly folk, birdwatching is enjoyed by people of all ages. It became especially popular during and after the pandemic, introducing people to the wonders of observing birds wherever they go. My own foray into birdwatching began when I impulsively purchased a bird feeder, bird bath and hummingbird feeder. Seeing all of the different birds visit my backyard – and the drama caused by the sparrows – is a quick way to bring a smile to my face.
Learning to be still and observe the world around us teaches us about nature, the local environment and what is happening in our neighborhoods. Birdwatching is a way to interact with the natural world more deeply and consciously. With these twelve titles about birds from various corners of the world, I invite educators, families and children to learn about their local bird populations and foster an interest in science, nature and conservation.
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A child in Brazil receives a surprise from his grandmother – two parakeets, but the birds are quiet, unhappy and refuse to eat. | Image
A starling visits various birds to get advice on what to include in his song of all the wonderful things in the world. | Image
Based on a Japanese folktale, a young boy helps an injured crane and is rewarded by a mysterious guest who weaves beautiful silk for the family. |
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A child and dog watch kingfishers with their grandfather as seasons change, learning about the circle of life and the beauty of nature. | Image
Crows demonstrate their smarts and playfulness in this informational picturebook that shows they’re more than just common birds. | Image
Little Bird, a silver-crowned friarbird, flies around and sings the world alive with all sorts of forces of nature, like Cloud, Wind and Moon. |
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This informational picturebook shares all sorts of fun facts about hummingbirds. | Image
A young girl and her family embark on a rescue mission to save lost baby puffins and guide them back to the sea. | Image
Deep in the Amazon rainforest, a young boy finds a large gathering of various birds and brings back feathers to prove that they were really there. |
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Native to New Guinea, the cassowary, the world's largest flightless bird, helps grow a rainforest through its poop. | Image
Working with her community, a young girl brings back storks, that were hunted to extinction in the UK, to her village. | Image
Based on a true story an old man saves an oil-covered penguin in Brazil and they strike up an unlikely friendship where the penguin visits eight months each year. |
WOW Dozen features a list of 12 global books for children and adolescents around a theme, topic, issue or personal favorites. Each Dozen consists of ten newly-published titles with two older "must have" books. Please share or recommend additional books that fit the theme in the comments section or on social media using #WOWDozen.
