The Children’s Book of Birdwatching

With bird numbers in decline around the world, it’s more important than ever for us to understand what our feathered friends need and how we can help them, and encourage them back to our outdoor spaces.

Fortunately, this lovely and super useful book from Dan Rouse provides primary aged children with a perfect guide to how to find, watch and care for the birds local to them. Organised into chapters including information on bird food, nests, the plants birds like best, water sources you can provide (bird baths, mini ponds and a DIY dust bath are some fun suggestions) and tips on how you can care for baby birds, this a friendly and informative read with lots of inspiring ideas within.

The layout is nice and clear, with plenty of photographs, as you’d expect from a DK book. Plus, a glossary, profiles of common and less usual birds and an interview with the author of the book, ornithologist Dan Rouse, give kids plenty to think about. There’s a great DIY approach to the book, and an encouraging vibe that you don’t have to be an expert or have a lot of specialist gear to start birdwatching. The main thing is to enjoy it.