Bring on the Birds by Susan Stockdale

Susan Stockdale’s simple rhymes introduce young children to a variety of birds and their special attributes. “Swooping birds/ whooping birds/birds with puffy chests/dancing birds/diving birds/birds with fluffy crests.” The rhythm of the text is perfect for chanting aloud. A guide at the end of the story identifies each bird and explains a little more about their special ability from the rhyme. Her colorful acrylic illustrations are simple enough to be easily seen by a large group of children, but detailed enough to identify the birds. Each picture is set within a simple red border and the colors are carefully harmonized to make the birds show up brilliantly against their surroundings.

In addition to the identification guide and information about the birds mentioned above, further resources/sources on birds are also included.

Like Stockdale's Fabulous Fishes, this is a perfect read-aloud for toddlers and ideally suited to virtual storytimes as well, due to the clear, simple art. Read it straight through, encourage your listeners to echo the lines, and read it as a conversation identifying the birds. It also lends itself well to a collage art project. 

Verdict: Highly recommended for all library collections.

ISBN: 978-1561455607; Published February 2011 by Peachtree; Purchased for the library

Revisited: This is still available in its original hardcover as well as in board book format. It's still as fresh and new as the day I first read it to enthralled children and although Stockdale has added more books to her repertoire, and has a new bird title coming out soon, it's well worth adding to your collection from the backlist or replacing if your copy is worn.