Because birds can be spotted in every neighborhood, and in all seasons, they are an excellent choice for piquing children’s interest in wildlife. Here’s a comprehensive, child-friendly guide to birds that makes the perfect starting point. Colorful pages explore the characteristics of different bird species, along with many of their fascinating and unique features, from their feathers to their eggs and nests. A journey through a year in the lives of birds gives readers clues to what to look for, season by season. And a beginning bird-watcher section helps youngsters get started in the field, including a list of what tools they need to use, and guiding questions to help with bird identification (for example, by their song, size and unusual color patterns). This book is part of the Nature All Around series, which encourages children to hone their observation skills in order to appreciate the variety of wildlife that can be found right outside their front doors. Bestselling, award-winning author Pamela Hickman brings birds up close, with loads of fun facts about bird life cycles, homes, habitats and most common behaviors. The vivid illustrations by Carolyn Gavin offer clear depictions of the subjects and is a pleasure to peruse. This book has many curriculum applications in grades two to five, when children are learning about the characteristics of living things, and covers both life science and earth science topics. End matter includes information on how readers can help endangered birds, a bird feeder activity, a glossary and an index.