Sparrow Loves Birds

by Murry Burgess, Tamisha Anthony (Illustrator)

Meet Sparrow—a curious young birder eager to explore her neighborhood’s surroundings—in this STEM picture book written by a professional wildlife ornithologist.

Sparrow sets out for a day of birding, where she watches, listens, and identifies the many types of birds around her through their color (red—a cardinal), song (“Cheer up! Cheer up!”—a robin), and movement (flitting backward, forward, and even upside down—a hummingbird). Using her notebook and markers, Sparrow records all the birds she sees on her walk.

This interactive STEM offering is a welcome primer for young children interested in birding close to home. The back matter features an author’s note, birding tips for kids to get started, and a primer birding field guide.

Genres: Picture Books, Birds, Animals, Childrens, Nature, Stem, Bird Watching

40 pages, Hardcover

Published June 11, 2024

Reviews

[Emily Carlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparrow loves birds and in this story, we see all of the ways that Sparrow can tell birds apart. Birds move differently, have different colored feathers, and sound different!

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

It’s all in the title: Sparrow loves birds. This delightful book is a wonderful introduction to birds and bird watching. Burgess includes information on each of the birds at the back of the book, which is perfect for budding birders and classrooms. Birds really are an easy way for all kids to become interested in nature and wildlife and this book is all about that celebration. You can practically hear the birds singing through the text and illustrations, see them flying along with Sparrow’s adorable hair. There is such joy in being in nature throughout this book, by the ends it makes me want to go outside and see if I can spot or hear a few birds on my own. A wonderful book for classrooms and the home for an introduction to nature, birds, and the music of both.

[Bridgette A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for girls of the ages 3-8 years of age. A lot times, you finds little girls who like to be in their own space, by playing with a wide imagination, and love being alone discovering new things. The little character in the book, her name is Sparrow. A bird watcher, who loves to draw picture of the birds she watches. Another is, the book shows how is nothing wrong with having fun by yourself. Murry Burgess, who is the author of this book, experienced of moving from suburb to suburb, in the states of Minnesota, Mississippi, Florida, and Tennessee. Murry have a passion for animals and earned her Ph.D in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at North Carolina State University.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful little picture book-perfect for those kiddos who are interested in ornithology! The illustrations were beautiful, and there are even images in the background (like a dog chasing a squirrel) that my daughter enjoyed pointing out. It was fun to mimic the bird's call when reading, and I loved the glossary at the back describing each type of bird and their habitats. The glossary is just brief and detailed enough for younger readers to remain engaged and not bored.

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute book about Sparrow, a Black girl in a suburban neighborhood who loves to bird watch and she can’t wait to tell you how. Great for kids to help them get started.
The illustrations really add to the story and give it a child friendly feel. Mu favorite page was Sparrow listening to bird calls!

[Peaches & Sunshine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Basic introduction to backyard/community birding for young kids. Non-rhyming text shows examples of how to identify birds by their habitat, behaviors, and vocalizations. Solid illustrations, though the birds’ slightly human-like expressions feel odd in this context. Birding tips and sampling of common birds in the back are perfect for budding young birders.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charmingly illustrated

[SamSamSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the backmatter and all the ways that Sparrow observes birds!

[Deja Roden · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

[Charlotte Gunnufson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet story is informational--and inspiring! The main characters is such a kid-relatable kid, one readers will want to befriend and follow through the story.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read can be classified as a beginner's guide to ornithology, as it follows a young girl named Sparrow who has a love of bird watching. She uses her sense of sight and hearing as she draws the different types of birds, and listens for their distinct sounds.