A garden to save the birds by Wendy McClure, illustrated by Beatriz Mayumi

 Callum and Emmy are startled and upset when a bird flies into their window. They do some research and discover that the birds are in trouble and start making changes in their yard to help them. They turn off the lights at night to reduce light pollution, leave their gardens over winter to provide food for insects that will feed the birds, and plant flowers. They are rewarded with a plethora of backyard birds, from finches to orioles, and inspired to keep making more changes.

As the year changes, they approach their neighbors and explain about the birds, how they are threatened and how they can help. Gradually, their neighbors become interested also. Some make changes as simple as keeping a pet cat inside, others put up nesting boxes and plant gardens. Eventually, the whole neighborhood becomes a certified wildlife habitat, all of them working together to help the birds.

Back matter talks about the reasons behind each step in the book, from keeping cats indoors to providing food and shelter. There are also suggestions to reduce light pollution, plastics use, and how to make your own yard or community a wildlife habitat.

This isn't a perfect book, but it hits a lot of the points I've been looking for in environmental books for young children. It does present a somewhat privileged and rosy view of environmental change; everyone in this small suburban area appears to own their own homes and there are no problems with landlords, homeowner's associations, or neighboring complaints about untidy yards. Their efforts are almost immediately successful and they don't attract any invasive species (I am currently battling flocks of starlings and an out-of-control chipmunk population) or any beneficial but unpopular ones, like snakes (I have a deep longing for a snake or two, which would solve several of my problems...)

Although a little didactic in some areas, overall the book has an upbeat, positive tone. Their neighbors may not immediately understand what they're doing, but they eventually are convinced. A wide range of suggestions are offered, from simple, inexpensive solutions, to more overarching changes. Most of these are things that kids can do, if not on their own, with relatively little help from some supportive adults. There's an emphasis on the simplest thing - not doing things like yard clean-up - and the inevitable call-out of plastic straws is mercifully brief. 

The book overall shows a wide diversity of families, from the main protagonists with brown skin and curly hair to their neighbors who show a rainbow of ages, races, and family structures. The art is colorful and cheerful, with lots of birds, foliage, and cheerful people getting outdoors and getting involved.

Verdict: This is my favorite of the environmental books I've found so far; it has diverse protagonists, simple, practical ideas of things families can do together, and an upbeat, positive message that empowers kids. Recommended.

ISBN: 9780807527535; Published April 2021 by Albert Whitman; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library