book cover

I'm Building a Nest

by Saskia Gwinn, illustrated by Adam Ming

Interest age: 4 to 5
Reading age: 4+

Published by Happy Yak, 2025

  • Around the world
  • Non-fiction
  • Picture books

About this book

A ruby-throated hummingbird explains how she builds the perfect nest, using twigs, leaves, mud and a sprinkling of spider webs, which help to support the structure as it stretches when her chicks grow. 

She decides to find out how other creatures make their homes and see which one is the best, so travels across the world to explore the habitats of animals large and small.  

She discovers that worms, badgers, warthogs, and meerkats like to live in tunnels, while polar bears, ringed seals, and arctic wolves build dens in the snow to keep their young safe and warm. 

Underwater dwellings include a hot water spring for yeti crabs and a stack of shells for an octopus. Some habitats are multi-functional, such as a spider's web, which is also used to trap prey. 

This informative picture book examines the homes of more than 50 animals, from dung beetles to spectacled bears. A wealth of facts are presented in simple language with touches of humour, and accompanied by stylish, full-page artwork. 

A fascinating volume for any child with an interest in wildlife, this picture book would also be an ideal resource to support KS1 science projects on habitats. 

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