Today is the 14th Annual National Bird Day, and we’re celebrating on OOM with some great reads for all ages. From adorable penguins to wise owls, you’re likely to find your favorite feathered fowl below. Join other birdwatchers by using the hashtag #nationalbirdday, and click here for resources, posters, activities and more!
Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard (Ages 3–5): Bird wakes up feeling grumpy. Too grumpy to eat or play—too grumpy even to fly. “Looks like I'm walking today,” says Bird. He walks past Sheep, who offers to keep him company. He walks past Rabbit, who also could use a walk. Raccoon, Beaver and Fox join in, too. Before he knows it, a little exercise and companionship help Bird shake his bad mood. This winsome, refreshingly original picture book is sure to help kids (and grown-ups) giggle away theirs, too!
Every Day Birds by Amy Ludwig Vanderwater, illustrated by Dylan Metrano (Ages 3–5; out February 23!): A poem and beautiful paper-cut illustrations introduce little ones to 20 North American birds, with interesting facts about each bird featured in the back of the book. This book helps young readers identify and learn about common birds they are likely to find outside their windows or in their backyards.
Waddle! Waddle! by James Proimos (Ages 4–8): Waddle...waddle...belly slide! into a charming and funny story about friendship, featuring three adorable penguins in Waddle! Waddle! by acclaimed creator James Proimos, author and illustrator of Swim! Swim!, and illustrator of Year of the Jungle by Suzanne Collins. Proimos brings his zest and zany humor to this charming friendship story about appreciating our friends and ourselves.
Owl Diaries: Eva’s Treetop Festival by Rebecca Elliott (Ages 5–7): Eva lives in a Treehouse in Treetopolis and has lots of BIG ideas! In Eva’s Treetop Festival, Eva decides she would like to have a Bloomtastic Festival at school. Eva wants to set up a fashion show, a talent show, an art show, and a bake-off! But even Eva gets in over her head when she decides to create everything for the Bloomtastic Festival on her own. Even with her best friend Lucy’s help, there is no way she will get everything done in time. Will Eva have to ask Sue (a.k.a. Meanie McMeanerson) for help? Or will the festival have to be cancelled? This owl-dorable series will appeal to girls who love stories about animals and friendship!
Magic Animal Friends: Ellie Featherbill All Alone by Daisy Meadows (Ages 7–10): It’s Ellie Featherbill’s birthday, and she’s having a party at her houseboat home on Willowtree River. But Grizelda has a wicked plan to poison the river, and orders the Boggits to steal the Featherbills’ barge—with Ellie still on board! Can Lily and Jess save the little duckling and stop the Boggits?
Bird & Squirrel on the Run by James Burks (Ages 7–10): Bird is a happy-go-lucky bundle of energy. Squirrel is a cautious collector of acorns. But when Squirrel loses his winter stash saving Bird from Cat, the duo have to go where the weather is warm and food is plentiful! So it’s south or bust in this first book in the hilarious graphic novel series about two unlikely friends on a road trip adventure.
