30 Best Books About Birds for Kids: Nature & Science Books

Best Books About Birds Booklist with bird books arranged in columns and a watercolor image of a gray bird settled in a nest.

Books About Birds for Kids. We start our formal homeschool year in August. Our approach is a mix of methods, but mostly Charlotte Mason-inspired. We are learning about birds to begin our nature study and science unit. That’s the purpose of this bird booklist. It’s a list of all my favorite bird picture books to accompany our living book read aloud. I expect this nature book list to evolve, and at the end of our unit, I’ll come back and update our list!

If you are looking for a nature podcast to share with your children that aligns with a biblical worldview, I recommend checking out Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible by Erin Lynum. Make sure to grab her free coloring pages.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you on qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.

Our Science Read Aloud for Nature Study

The Burgess Bird Book for Children by Thornton Burgess

A bird sings proudly on top of a fence post on the nature living chapter book "The Burgess Bird Book for Children" by Thornton W. Burgess, a children's book on the Best Books About Birds Booklist. — The Burgess Bird Book for Children by Thornton Burgess

This is our science read-aloud intended to kick off our nature study! I’ve only read through the first chapter, but I truly believe my daughters will enjoy it. While I don’t plan to use this study guide this year, I want to explore it when I’m teaching multiple children (possibly next year). Burgess Birds: A Simple Studies Guide {HERE}

Featured Books from Our Amazon Alternative Bookshop- Big Sky Life Books

Backpack Explorer Bird Watch from Storey Publishing

A fun nature activity book features images of birds, nests, feathers, and items for bird watching, featured on the Best Books About Birds for Kids Booklist. — Backpack Explorer Bird Watch from Storey Publishing

Browse Book

Breathtaking Birds (Marvels of Creation) by Buddy and Kay Davis

A tropical bird stands high in a tree on the nonfiction picture book "Marvels of Creation: Breathtaking Birds" by Buddy and Kay Davis, a science book for kids featured on the Best Books About Birds for Kids Booklist. — Breathtaking Birds (Marvels of Creation) by Buddy and Kay Davis

Browse Book

Published by Master Books featuring full-color real-life photos, bird facts, and created purpose.

Best Books About Birds for Kids

1. The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon by Jacqueline Davies

Browse: Amazon Alternative Bookshop

A young boy draws pictures of a blue bird on the picture book biography "The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon" by Jacqueline Davies, a children's book on the Best Books About Birds for Kids Booklist. — The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon by Jacqueline Davies

This picture book biography is recommended for ages 6+. This is one of my top picks on the Best Books About Birds for Kids Booklist.

I will bring my books to the cave, John James decided. And my pencils and paper. I will even bring my flute. I will study my cave birds every day. I will draw them just as they are. And because he was a boy who loved the out-of-doors more than the in, that is just what he did.

2. What’s Inside a Bird’s Nest And Other Questions About Nature and Life Cycles by Rachel Ignotofsky

A mama bird feeds her baby bird all snuggled in her nest high the the tree on the science book for kids "What's Inside a Bird's Nest?" by Rachel Ignotofsky, a children's book featured on the Best Books About Birds for Kids Booklist. — What’s Inside a Bird’s Nest And Other Questions About Nature and Life Cycles by Rachel Ignotofsky

Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! All around the world, baby birds want their breakfast!

This is a fascinating non-fiction picture book with color illustrations and informative text! There is a brief mention of mating.

3. How to Find a Bird by Jennifer Ward

A woodpecker, an owl, and two other birds find a home in a tall tree. — How to Find a Bird by Jennifer Ward

This book is an introduction to bird watching and fun facts about different birds. This book beautifully illustrates where to look for birds, how to observe birds, and how to listen for birds. The pages are filled with various types of birds and provide a great read for kids of all ages.

4. Robins! How They Grow Up by Eileen Christelow

A mama robin feeds worms to her baby robins in the nest on the picture book cover "Robins! How they grow up" by Eileen Christelow, a book featured on the best letter R books for preschool and kindergarten booklist. — Robins! How They Grow Up by Eileen Christelow

This is my favorite picture book about Robins. With beautiful illustrations and comic-book-style panels, it narrates the story of a family of robins. Another one of my favorites on the Best Books About Birds Booklist.

5. The Eagles Are Back by Jean Craighead George

A mother eagle stands over her eaglet in the large nest while the father eagles soars over the forest on the living picture book cover "The Eagles are Back" by Jean Craighead George, a children's book on the Best Books About Birds for Kids Booklist. — The Eagles Are Back by Jean Craighead George

This is a living picture book about the near extinction of the American Bald Eagle! I highly recommend grabbing this one.

6. How Do Birds Find Their Way? by Roma Gans

Barn Swallows migrate high in the clouds on the nonfiction picture book about birds "How Do Birds Find Their Way? by Roma Gans, a science book featured on the Best Books About Birds for Kids Booklist. — How Do Birds Find Their Way? by Roma Gans

This is a fascinating and informative picture book about various birds and migration. I discovered this one from Erin Lymn from the Nat Theo podcast. This is a great addition to the Best Books About Birds Booklist.

7. Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward

A weaver bird weaves his green grass nest on the children's picture book "Mama Built a Little Nest" by Jennifer Ward, a book featured on the best letter N books for preschool and kindergarten booklist. — Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward

This is a beautiful picture book about the variety of bird nests! The text has a playful rhyme, and the illustrations are bold.

8. A Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston

Watercolor illustration of a blue nest filled with baby birds and beauitful blooming flowers and leaves covers the book cover of "A Nest is Noisy," a book on the Best spring read aloud books for kindergarten booklist. — A Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston

This book is beautiful and not specifically about birds, it’s too good not to include on this booklist about birds. This educational read showcases an array of nests, from hummingbirds to orangutans. The writing is both poetic and informative, complemented by stunning illustrations. If you enjoy this one, check out An Egg is Quiet, but please note it does reference evolution.

9. Birds, Nest and Eggs by Mel Boring

Various birds, eggs and nests cover the nature picture book called "Birds, Nests and Eggs" by Mel Boring, a nature book on the children's Best Books About Birds Booklists. — Birds, Nest and Eggs by Mel Boring

This bird book is perfect for accompanying young readers on bird-watching adventures.

10. Albert by Donna Jo Napoli

Albert, a young man wearing glasses stares up at a cardinal with a twig in its mouth on the beloved picture book "Albert" by Donna Jo Napoli, a nature picture book on the best books about birds for kids booklist. — Albert by Donna Jo Napoli

From the Publisher: The morning begins like any other. Albert reaches out the window to check the weather. But from the moment a twig lands in the palm of his hand, life is never the same.

11. Bird Watch by Christie Matheson

Various type of birds gather in the branches of a willow tree near a lake on the children's book cover "Bird Watch" by Christie Matheson, a book on the Best Spring Read Aloud Books for Kindergarten Booklist. — Bird Watch by Christie Matheson

This charming book serves as a nature-themed counting book, where young readers count backward to find hidden birds within the beautifully illustrated images. Each page offers something fresh for young learners to explore, inspiring them to embark on treasure hunts during their next outdoor adventures.

12. What Will Hatch? by Jennifer Ward

A white egg hatches in a nest high in the tree with a yellow bird and butterfly near by on the children's picture book "What will Hatch? by Jennifer Ward, a children's book featured on the Best Books About Birds for Kids Booklist. — What Will Hatch? by Jennifer Ward

This simple nature book features seven animals that hatch from eggs.

13. Nesting by Henry Cole

Three blue robin eggs nestled in a black and white nest on the book cover of "Nesting," a book on the Best April Picture books for kids booklist. — Nesting by Henry Cole

This great book is illustrated beautifully in detailed pencil drawings with a focus on brightly-colored robin eggs. Follow the journey of a mother and father robin as they care for their nest and protect their babies.

14. Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor

A ladybug, squirrel, spider, and a few bees watch a blue and orange kingfisher baby bird fall straight down from his nest and into the river on the book cover "Mell Fell" by Corey R. Tabor, a book on the best May picture books for kids booklist. — Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor

In this fun and engaging book, Mel, a curious young Kingfisher tumbles out of his nest. Along the way, Mel encounters several friends who attempt to assist him, but to no avail. Will Mel learn to fly? This picture book is so much fun to share with younger kids and watch their anticipation build up.

15. This is the Nest That Robin Built by Denise Fleming

A robin settles down in her nest with collage-like style on the children's book cover "This is the nest that robin built" by Denise Fleming, a picture book featured on the best letter R books for preschool and kindergarten booklist. — This is the Nest That Robin Built by Denise Fleming

This picture book follows the structure of the English nursery rhyme, “The House that Jack Built.” It narrates the building of a robin building a nest.

16. The Emperor’s Egg by Martin Jenkins

A father emperor pequin keeps his baby chick cozy tucked under his tummy on the book cover "The Emperor's Egg" by Martin Jenkins, a book featured on the Best Letter E books for preschool and kindergarten booklist. — The Emperor’s Egg by Martin Jenkins

This is a fun nonfiction picture book about the Emperor penguin and how it cares for an egg in the freezing cold.

17. Puffin by Martin Jenkins

A puffin holds a mouth full of fish on the shore on the picture book cover "Puffin" by Martin Jenkins and Jenni Desmond, a children's science book on the Best Books About Birds for Kids booklist. — Puffin by Martin Jenkins

From the Publisher: Everyone recognizes the puffin, with its black and white feathers and brightly colored bill. But how does the puffin live? What happens down in its burrow? And how do the male and female share the task of feeding and caring for their young? Discover the intriguing world of this charming bird in a collaboration that pairs Martin Jenkins’s engaging, informative text with the warm energy of Jenni Desmond’s illustrations. Filled with interesting facts, this delightful introduction to the puffin offers young ornithologists more details in the back matter.

18. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

A little girl reaches for her dad's hands as she walks down a snowy hill on a full moon night. — Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

In this classic living picture book, a father takes his little girl owling. She trails behind her father quietly, for when you go owling, you only need hope.

19. Crow Not Crow by Jane Yolen

A father and daughter watch a large crow caws from the top of an autumn tree on the children's picture book "Crow not Crow" by Jane Yolen, a living book featured on the best books about birds for kids booklist. — Crow Not Crow by Jane Yolen

This is a beautiful book featuring a father teaching his daughter about bird watching. It looks to be out of print. It is a treasure. I recommend checking the local library or hunting for it at a secondhand book store.

20. About Birds: A Guide for Children by Cathryn Sill

A mama robin watches over her nest filled with blue robin eggs nested high in a tree on the nature book for kids "About Birds A Guide for Children" by Cathyrn Sill, a children's science book featured on the Best Books About Birds for Kids Booklist. — About Birds: A Guide for Children by Cathryn Sill

This sweet nature book features beautiful illustrations of various birds accompanied by simple text, such as “Baby birds hatch from eggs.” This bird book is part of a 12-book series.

21. Hello, World! Birds by Jill McDonald (Board Book)

Various birds decorative the board book cover "Hello, World! Birds" by Jill McDonald, part of a nonfiction board book series featured on the best books about birds for kids booklist. — Hello, World! Birds by Jill McDonald

We love this nonfiction board book series, “Hello, World!” This would be a great addition to your bird book stack for your tiniest bird watcher.

22. I Wish I Was a Flamingo (Ranger Rick) by Jennifer Bove

A bright pink flamingo arches its neck on the nature book cover of "Ranger Rick I Wish I was a Flamingo," a book on the best letter F books for preschool and kindergarten booklist. — I Wish I Was a Flamingo (Ranger Rick) by Jennifer Bove

This nonfiction book is an exciting way to explore the lives of flamingos. The pages are filled with real wildlife photos and fascinating facts.

Here are a Few Bird Books on our TBR

These three bird books are on my list to review, but I thought I would share them with you. Our local library doesn’t have them. I always try our local library first, thrift at secondhand stores, and then I’ll buy new.

23. The Big Book of Birds by Yuval Zommer

Brightly illustrated types of bird cover the children's nature book "The Big Book of Birds" by Yuval Zommer, a nonfiction book featured on the Best Books About Birds for Kids Booklist. — The Big Book of Birds by Yuval Zommer

24. Songs of the Birds by Isabelle Otter and Clover Robin

A beautifully illustrated nonfiction board book with push buttons to play various bird songs called "Songs of the Birds" by Isabel Otter and Clover Robin, a nature book featured on the Best Books About Birds Booklist. — Songs of the Birds by Isabelle Otter and Clover Robin

25. Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs by Andrea Pinnington

A musical push button board book "The Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs", a nature book featured on the Best Books About Birds for Kids Booklist. — Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs by Andrea Pinnington

More Bird Books for Fun

26. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

A mother looks at her baby ducklings on the green book cover of "Make Way for Ducklings," an old childrens book. — Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

In this heartwarming story, Mrs. Mallard brings her eight little ducklings safely home to the pond in the Boston Public Gardens with the help of the Boston Police. Robert McCloskey has many wonderful books, but this one is my favorite.

27. The Courage of the Little Hummingbird: A Tale Told Around the World by Leah Henderson

A little hummingbird drops a beak full of water onto the flames engulfing the forest while animals watch behind on the book cover of "The courage of the little hummingbird: a tale told around the world," a book on the Best March Picture Books for Kids. — The Courage of the Little Hummingbird: A Tale Told Around the World by Leah Henderson

This is a retelling of the animal fable about the courage of the Little Hummingbird. In the face of a devastating fire that engulfs the Great Forest, the Little Hummingbird motivates the animal community to unite and save their homes.

28. Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle

A little girl dressed in a pink swimsuit and a yellow swim cap mimics a pink flamingo standing on one foot on the book cover of the beloved wordless book "Flora and the Flamingo" by Molly Idle, a book on the best letter F books for preschool and kindergarten booklist. — Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle

This wordless picture book features a young girl named Flora and a flamingo as they dance together. Young children are in for surprises as they uncover the intricate and harmonious dance moves of Flora and her feathered friend.

More Flora and Friends Books that we Love:

29. The Best Nest by P. D. Eastman

Mr. Bird wearing a blue hat sings proudly on top of his birdhouse with Mrs. Bird peeping out on the classic children's picture book "The Best Nest" by P. D. Eastman, a book featured on the best letter N books for preschool and kindergarten booklist. — The Best Nest by P. D. Eastman

In this beloved picture book, Mr. and Mrs. Bird hunt for a new home after Mrs. Bird decides she no longer likes their current nest. They fly to several promising spots but none seem quite right. Just when it seems they have finally found the perfect nesting spot, there is trouble.

30. Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

A tiny owl knight dressed in armor and guarding the castle on the night shift stands tall on a pillar in front of the full moon with the shadow of a dragon approaching on the book cover of "Knight Owl," a book on the January picture books for kids booklist. — Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

Ever since Owl was born, he has dreamed of becoming a knight. He might get his chance as many of the knights go missing. This is such a clever book on words and one of our favorites! Your little ones will love this silly story!

If you enjoy this one, don’t miss the sequel Knight Owl and the Early Bird (2024) by Christopher Denise

Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!

Best Picture Books for the Letter B

Best Letter B Books for preschool and kindergarten to teach the Alphabet through stories arranged in rows with decorative fun chalkboard with abc letters, bee and bubble letter B.

View the complete Letter B Booklist {HERE}.

Best Hibernation Books for Kids

Get the Hibernation book list {HERE}.

Favorite Fall Picture Books

Fall books for kids book covers arranged in two rows with watercolor orange and rustic red pumpkins and leaf banners. Books included images of squirrels, signs of fall, big pumpkins, and fall colored leaves.

Get the complete list of Fall Picture Books {HERE}.

Thanks for Stopping By!

Lastly, thank you for stopping by! I hope you find a favorite bird book from the Best Bird Books for Kids Booklist. If I missed your favorite bird book or favorite bird resources, please let me know! I expect this nature book list to evolve, and at the end of our unit, I’ll come back and update our list! Please feel free to tag me on Instagram @mudpieswithsprinkles or reply to my newsletter. My comment section is temporarily closed.

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HAPPY READING!