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The Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs Hardcover – Sound Book, August 2, 2016

4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 3,781 ratings

"It's the sort of book which children have to plead with the adults to let them have a look at. Everything about it is superb. Highly recommended."
-- The Bookbag.co.uk

Being able to identify a bird's song is a skill that brings joy and fosters an appreciation of nature. Learning how to differentiate between the songs of a house finch and a goldfinch, however, is not easy. That is where this enchanting book comes into its own. It features recordings of twelve bird songs from some of the best-known garden bird species seen and heard across North America.

This is an interactive board book designed for any age with features for young readers. The board pages are easy to turn. The twelve song buttons are easy to activate and each bears a portrait of the singing bird. The high-quality sound module is encased in durable plastic, and the one-inch (3 cm) speaker makes it easy to hear and differentiate the elements of a bird's song, like pitch, tempo, whistles, trills and buzzes.

All twelve birds have winter or summer ranges in the United States and Canada. This means that readers are sure to see most if not all the birds.

The song birds are:

  • House Wren
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • House Finch
  • Great Horned Owl
  • Blue Jay
  • Northern Cardinal
  • American Crow
  • Song Sparrow
  • American Goldfinch
  • Killdeer
  • American Robin
  • Mourning Dove.

This charming book is a fun (and potentially addictive) way for all ages to delight in nature's winged singers. It's a winning gift for any occasion, from a child's birthday to a hostess gift.

Discover teachers' picks. Discover%20teachers%27%20picks.


From the Publisher

The Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs

robin

Bring the Dawn Chorus to Life

Being able to identify just a handful of bird songs is a skill that will stay with you for the rest of your life. However, being able to tell a house finch from a song sparrow is not that easy. That is where this enchanting introduction to backyard birds comes into its own. Keep it on your windowsill for the whole family to enjoy and see who becomes the bird-song expert first.

Listen to the songs of these birds and more

blackbird

Red-winged Blackbird

Looking like a soldier wearing a smart uniform, the male red-winged blackbird is easy to spot, unlike the streaky, brown female. Not only do the male's shoulder blazes say "look at me," so too does his lusty singing, heard from early spring onward. He delivers his distinctive song for hours while perched on stalks in an around marshy breeding grounds.

blue jay

Blue Jay

The harsh squawk of the blue jay is one of many and varied sounds this striking bird can make. Like all members of the crow family, it is intelligent and can imitate sounds of other animals, especially hawks. As many raptors feed on blue jays, this may be a method of testing out whether there are any lurking nearby. Pairs of jays communicate using a series of soft clicks and whirrs.

cardinal

Northern Cardinal

What more could a bird do to make itself appealing than have showy red plumage and a fine, musical song? No wonder this is the state bird of seven eastern states. The northern cardinal starts singing even earlier than the American robin and can usually be heard from February onward. Listen as well for its "pink-pink" alarm call.

crow

American Crow

These large, sleek black birds are very sociable and gather in winter in huge numbers to sleep in roosts. Groups of crows also work together to ward off animals, such as birds of prey, that threaten their young. This is known as mobbing. The crow's song is a rasping "caw, caw, caw" although it can make a range of noises, including mimicking other animals and birds.

house finch

House Finch

The house finch delivers its bright, warbling song from a high open perch. The male and female will call to each other during the breeding season, though males can be heard at other times of the year as well. Apart from its complicated burbling song, listen out for its sharp call notes. These may be used to drive away other birds, especially at feeders where it is often aggressively dominant.

killdeer

Killdeer

You may hear male killdeer calling out during the breeding season as they circle overhead. This is one of the few birds that is named after its call and, though technically a shorebird, it is as likely to be found inland as by the sea. Their nests are shallow scrapes and are often located in the most unlikely places, such as parking lots. The adults use a shrill "dee" sound to ward off intruders.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Here's a book that will help the young bird lover to identify some of the most common North American birds by both sight and sound... The authors provide a short description of where each bird can be found, along with basic details about their food, nests, eggs, size and behaviour. By pushing buttons on the front cover, the birds' calls come through a built-in speaker, thus enabling listeners to recognize distinct calls... This book would be useful for young, beginning birders. -- Veronica Uzielli ― Green Teacher Magazine Published On: 2018-06-01

What sets The Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs apart from other introductory bird identification books is the last word in its title. The authors recognize that we frequently hear birds before we actually see them, and so the book links the auditory with the visual. Bound with this sturdy board book and encased in durable plastic is a sound module having 12 song buttons, one for each of the book's birds. Pressing the button bearing the portrait of the bird being read about activates the common sound that particular bird makes. The one-inch (3-cm) speaker actually provides excellent sound quality (and a battery is included). The Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs is an excellent home purchase, but it should certainly also be considered by those libraries and classrooms that are willing to accept some bird sounds. Highly Recommended. -- Dave Jenkinson ―
CM: Canadian Review of Materials Published On: 2019-03-08

I LOVE birds! Which is why I did a little happy dance when these books from Firefly Books arrived in the mail recently. I suppose that technically these are children's books (the suggested age range is 5-9), but these are truly perfect for adults like me. Gorgeous lifelike illustrations, sturdy pages, simple and interesting facts plus the buttons to push and hear actual birdsong -- I adore these field guides. -- Becky Porter ―
Becky's Bookshelf Published On: 2019-03-21

These sounds are peaceful and pleasant. They are interesting and beautiful. Each bird has it's own page with facts about it and a very detailed illustration of what it looks like. These are great for toting along in the car or for finding kids "reading" by themselves. -- Michelle ―
The Book Report Blog Published On: 2019-05-21

The Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs is one of the very few items with a battery that I like for young children. It's an inviting way for children to learn to identify a variety of bird songs. Not only is there a clear image and description of each bird but the book includes each bird's scientific name, where found, what it feeds on, its nest, its eggs, adult characteristics, and length. Of course, the best part is the set of buttons with a bird-head button that plays each bird's unique song... The book is very cool! My grandkids all loved The Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs so much. -- Deb Chitwood ―
Living Montessori Now Published On: 2019-03-23

A "trilling" way to bring natural history into the nursery. ―
Kirkus Published On: 2016-09-16

The colors and detailed designs in each illustration are just lovely... The sounds are exactly like the birds and what's best is these are ones you find right outside your door! -- Natosha Miller ―
Test Try Results Blog Published On: 2016-07-12

About the Author

Caz Buckingham and Andrea Pinnington are the founders of Fine Feather Press, which promotes a love of nature in children from an early age. With this book they hope to inspire a new generation of bird lovers and solve many family arguments at the same time. They live near Farnham, UK.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Firefly Books; Illustrated edition (August 2, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 26 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1770857443
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1770857445
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2+ years, from customers
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 4
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.75 x 0.69 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 3,781 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
3,781 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's sound quality good and easy to use. They find it a nice way to learn about birds and their sounds. The illustrations are beautiful, realistic, and vibrant. The educational value is appreciated, with thoughtful information on each bird that helps children understand more about nature. Overall, customers find the book fun and educational for all ages.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

167 customers mention "Sound quality"149 positive18 negative

Customers like the sound quality of the book. They mention it's easy to use and children can easily use the sound buttons.

"...The sound is very clear and accurate. The pages are thick, like a board book...." Read more

"...older elementary-age kids would like it too and of course, could read to themselves...." Read more

"...He's four now and still loves this book after several years. The sounds are perfect...." Read more

"...The sound quality is simply fantastic! This is a great selection of birds, many of which we have seen or heard in our neighborhood...." Read more

125 customers mention "Learning material"125 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy learning about birds with this book. It helps them recognize the sounds and identify many birds in their backyards. They find it easy to operate even for those with dementia. The pictures are large and vibrant, making it an excellent choice for young birders.

"...A wonderful book for both children and adult beginner ornithologists. There are 12 common backyard birds found in this volume...." Read more

"I bought this for my little grandson. He loves to watch the birds on his front porch come and eat from the feeder there...." Read more

"...She loves reading about each bird and solidifying that knowledge by listening to the bird’s sound. Couldn’t be happier with this purchase!" Read more

"...A good variety of birds found in the city or suburban areas. Two year old loves the book, the sounds, the button pressing...." Read more

113 customers mention "Book for kids"113 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this book for kids. They find it educational and fun for children of all ages. The book is a huge hit with toddlers and their parents. Some say their kids still read it almost everyday.

"...This is absolutely brilliant! A wonderful book for both children and adult beginner ornithologists...." Read more

"Love this to read to my granddaughter to teach her the birds and sounds." Read more

"...So I'm learning with my kids! And this book is so helpful and a huge hit with my kids (ages 4 and 8)!" Read more

"Grandson loved this book.,Easy to understand. Was very curious and fun to watch him figure it out on his on ." Read more

97 customers mention "Bird songs"97 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the natural and realistic bird songs in the book. They find the repetitive calls pleasant and not annoying. The birds' sounds are accurate, and they love to play the different bird songs over and over.

"...bird has a 2 page spread - one side has a full color, realistic picture of the entire bird, and a "Did you know?"..." Read more

"Birds songs are very natural and close to what you would hear. A good variety of birds found in the city or suburban areas...." Read more

"...many years to enjoy this beautiful book of birds with clear , interactive listening, and learning of their songs." Read more

"Purchased for my granddaughter and she loves it. Realistic bird sounds and nice illustrations. Well made. Great purchase for me." Read more

96 customers mention "Pictures"96 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's illustrations. They find the images realistic and vibrant. The sounds are clear and authentic, matching the birds accurately. The book provides detailed information about each bird, including its size, color, diet, and nesting habits.

"...It is a work of art as well as a good bird book. I hope they make another volume!" Read more

"...It is a board book with a large picture of the bird and on the opposite page information about where it is found, what it eats, what its nest and..." Read more

"...The sounds are perfect. The pictures are engaging and accurate and the text is just enough to get to know each bird a little better...." Read more

"...2 year old birthday and she’ll have many years to enjoy this beautiful book of birds with clear , interactive listening, and learning of their songs." Read more

83 customers mention "Educational value"83 positive0 negative

Customers find the book educational and fun. They say the information on each animal is thoughtful and fascinating. The book introduces a world of natural wonders that is wholesome and enriching for adults and children of all ages.

"...name of the bird, the Latin name, a short, well written paragraph of basic interesting information, then a list of information following this..." Read more

"...The pictures are engaging and accurate and the text is just enough to get to know each bird a little better...." Read more

"...Also, the info on each is thoughtful and fascinating- I’ve learned things I didn’t know...." Read more

"...Helps develop an awareness for their outdoor environment starting with birding!..." Read more

27 customers mention "Ease of use"24 positive3 negative

Customers find the book easy for young children to use and understand. They appreciate the clear recordings of birds' songs and the information not being overwhelming for small kids.

"Great book with clear and accurate bird sounds. My preschool granddaughter loves it!" Read more

"The bird song sounds are great, clear and distinct. It's nice to identify, by sound, some of the birds that we've heard for years...." Read more

"Grandson loved this book.,Easy to understand. Was very curious and fun to watch him figure it out on his on ." Read more

"Easy to use. The children loved learning more about the birds at our feeder" Read more

22 customers mention "Gift value"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a good gift idea. It's suitable for young children and nature lovers.

"...Great gift for your nature explorer/lover!" Read more

"Wonderful present." Read more

"...Beautiful pictures & real bird sounds. Perfect gift!" Read more

"This was a gift for a 2 year old and he liked it very much. The bird sounds are clear and identifiable...." Read more

Great for a preschooler!
5 out of 5 stars
Great for a preschooler!
I got this for my 4 (almost 5) year old daughter and it instantly became her favorite book. She carries it with her outside most mornings and we just sit and listen to the birds in our yard and then we'll try and match the songs to a bird in the book. It's only been a week but she's already learned to recognize two different bird songs!In addition to the buttons that play the bird songs, each page has a paragraph about the bird, then goes on to list details about its size and color, what it eats, it's nest, and it's eggs. The adjacent page has a beautiful illustration of the corresponding bird.Birds Included: House Wren, American Goldfinch, Red-Winged Blackbird, Kildeer, House Finch, Great Horned Owl, Blue Jay, American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, American Crow, Song Sparrow
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2016
    If I could give this book 6 stars, I would! This is absolutely brilliant! A wonderful book for both children and adult beginner ornithologists.

    There are 12 common backyard birds found in this volume. For each bird, there is circle with its head shot that you press to hear its song. The sound is very clear and accurate.

    The pages are thick, like a board book. Each bird has a 2 page spread - one side has a full color, realistic picture of the entire bird, and a "Did you know?"
    The opposite page has the common name of the bird, the Latin name, a short, well written paragraph of basic interesting information, then a list of information following this format:
    'Found In' - 'Feeds On' - 'Nest' - 'Eggs' - 'Adults' - 'Length'

    The background of each spread is gorgeously illustrated, yet subtle. The background reflects commonly related things to that specific bird, adding visual knowledge to help with later identification.

    It is a work of art as well as a good bird book.
    I hope they make another volume!
    34 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2024
    I bought this book to help my grandkids (3-8) help identify the birds we see and hear in our Midwest backyard. They have loved it. They can look at the pictures and push the corresponding button to hear the bird's song. I read the words to them. I think older elementary-age kids would like it too and of course, could read to themselves. I haven't had it too many months so I don't know how much use it will take before the battery wears out. It is a board book with a large picture of the bird and on the opposite page information about where it is found, what it eats, what its nest and eggs look like, etc. Here is a secret, I am loving using it too. The list price 19.95$ It fluctuates in price at Amazon and I paid $15.49.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2023
    I bought this for my little grandson. He loves to watch the birds on his front porch come and eat from the feeder there. He's four now and still loves this book after several years. The sounds are perfect. The pictures are engaging and accurate and the text is just enough to get to know each bird a little better. Great gift for your nature explorer/lover!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2024
    Got this for my 9yr old daughter who recently got into birds. The sound quality is simply fantastic! This is a great selection of birds, many of which we have seen or heard in our neighborhood. Also, the info on each is thoughtful and fascinating- I’ve learned things I didn’t know. She loves reading about each bird and solidifying that knowledge by listening to the bird’s sound. Couldn’t be happier with this purchase!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2024
    Birds songs are very natural and close to what you would hear. A good variety of birds found in the city or suburban areas. Two year old loves the book, the sounds, the button pressing. My new go to present for toddlers.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2024
    Both my grandchildren (7 and 4) both listen to this book frequently. It is a great book for the car and has the advantage of sounding good to adults also.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2024
    My granddaughter loved this gift and sat in the middle of all her many birthday gifts, listening to the birdsong and matching the pictures to the sound. This was her 2 year old birthday and she’ll have many years to enjoy this beautiful book of birds with clear , interactive listening, and learning of their songs.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2024
    My three-year-old son got the Little Book of Woodland Bird Sounds from his aunt for the holidays, and was instantly entranced. He memorized which bird name goes with which call so quickly, and also can recognize the pictures in the book. I got him the Backyard Bird Sounds one recently to help keep him entertained on the potty, and he adores it even more if possible. I'd already started teaching him to identify some very distinctive bird calls in our neighborhood: blue jay, mourning dove, crow, etc. Now he's learning even more, and has declared the great horned owl his favorite bird. The books seem to be holding up well so far to a fairly destructive toddler, and are SO much less obnoxious than a lot of other books-with-sounds for kids.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Mindy Williams
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
    Reviewed in Canada on April 13, 2024
    I bought this book because my class is showing interest in bird watching. This book is stunning! It gives a bit of a story and facts about the birds and the illustrations are beautiful and the bird sounds are perfect! The children now press the buttons and they recall where they heard thay bird call or saw that bird. I would highly recommend this book! It is perfect for children of any age as it is a board book, is interactive and informative for older children.
  • Anna Levai
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing idea
    Reviewed in Germany on April 2, 2024
    Beautiful book 😊
  • Dareena quinn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Little box of bird sounds
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 14, 2018
    I bought this book for my mum she loves it
  • DG
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
    Reviewed in Canada on July 10, 2024
    The media could not be loaded.
    Very well made song book. My kids enjoy listening to different bird sounds. It caters to my 3yr old & 7yr old (with all the information about different birds). It came in a good condition. Doesn’t have super loud audio but good enough for kids.
  • James
    3.0 out of 5 stars Quality product but disappointed.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2016
    We have the previous two books in this series and both are excellent, this one is of the same quality. However, the content is not for the uk market. The online review in the description is a bit misleading saying "what's best is these are ones you find right outside your door!"
    I shall be returning this book.