Picture books about birds

Silly Suzy Goose

We've put together a list of some of our favourite feathered-friend tales. 

From classics like Owl Babies, to a book full of birdsong and a wild goose adventure, these books are full of beautiful images, rhymes, wonder and fun and will have younger children flocking for a story.

Take a look at the books and our reviews below, or click here to print out a lovely illustrated version to take along to the library or bookshop. 

  • Owl Babies

    Owl Babies

    Author: Martin Waddell Illustrator: Patrick Benson
    Publisher: Walker Books
    Interest age: 3-7
    Reading age: 6+

    This reassuring and stunningly illustrated book tackles the subject of temporary separation - a situation which all children are likely to experience, be it Mum going to work or first day at Nursery.

  • Listen to the Birds

    Listen to the Birds

    Author: Marion Billet
    Publisher: Nosy Crow
    Interest age: 0-3

    Listen to the calls of six different garden birds in this beautiful little book. From blackbirds to pigeons, just press the button on each page to hear what they sound like - and then perhaps step into your garden or park to see if you can hear them in the wild.

  • Blackbird, Blackbird, What Do You Do

    Blackbird, Blackbird, What Do You Do?

    Author: Kate McLelland
    Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
    Interest age: 2-4

    Pip the blackbird is on a quest to find out what it is that blackbirds are really good at. This soft, beautiful picture book combines Pip's story with a non-fiction element that describes what different birds do in simple but useful terms.

  • Max and Bird

    Max and Bird

    Author: Ed Vere
    Publisher: Puffin
    Interest age: 3-6
    Reading age: 5+

    Ed Vere's delightful stories are always full of pitch-perfect language that is always silly in just the right places. There is also a comfortable sense of warm friendship between Max and Bird, which young readers will return to again and again.

  • Wild Goose

    Wild Goose

    Author: Laura Wall
    Publisher: Award Publications
    Interest age: 2-5
    Reading age: 5-7

    The eighth picture book in the Goose series, Wild Goose continues unusual friendship between Sophie and her goose. This particular story connects children to the wildness around them in a safe and imaginative way, encouraging them to go and play outside.

  • Silly Suzy Goose

    Silly Suzy Goose

    Author: Petr Horacek
    Publisher: Walker Books
    Interest age: 2-3

    A delightful collection of action-filled pages; the illustrations fit the text perfectly and will greatly entertain young readers, while introducing new vocabulary for actions and sounds.

  • I Am Actually a Penguin

    I am Actually a Penguin

    Author: Sean Taylor Illustrator: Kasia Matyjaszek
    Publisher: Templar Publishing
    Interest age: 0-5

    The little girl in this story LOVES dressing up and pretending to be something new – and, last week, she got a penguin costume. A funny and vibrant story that rings true for any child who loves to immerse themselves in play. 

  • Can You Say It Too? Cheep! Cheep!

    Can You Say It Too? Cheep! Cheep!

    Author: Sebastien Braun
    Publisher: Nosy Crow
    Interest age: 0-2

    Little ones will love this sturdy board book with big, simple and colourful flaps. An animal theme is always popular, but the flaps and 'can you say it too?' animal sounds make this board book extra interactive.

  • Yeti and the Bird

    Yeti and the Bird

    Author: Nadia Shireen
    Publisher: Jonathan Cape
    Interest age: 3-6
    Reading age: 6+

    Yeti is all alone in the forest: he is so big and scary that all the animals leave him alone. Then one day a funny little orange bird turns up