Although spring is unfolding quite slowly this year in the PNW, the birds have returned. My daughter has always been fascinated by birds. Back in Rexburg the only birds we saw on a regular basis were crows, but every time she saw one she’d have to stop to call, “Mommy! Look! A caw-caw!” Naturally, when I came across Crow Not Crow by Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple, I knew I’d have to read it to Millie.

Crow Not Crow tells the story of a young girl whose father and brothers love birding. The girl is frustrated by not being able to identify as many birds as her brothers, so her father takes her on a walk all by themselves. After pointing out a crow and asking the girl to describe the bird, the pair encounter many other birds and organize them into two groups: crow and not crow.

The illustrations are very faithful, and sparked interest in my daughter. At each page she asked me to stop and point out the different birds described– “That one has a v chest? That one has a crest on its head?” This led to a discussion about what birds live in our area and noticing what makes each bird different. Soon I found my daughter outside, hand cupped around her ear listening to bird calls and asking me what bird made that sound. She tells me the names of several different birds and greets each one like an old friend.

Crow Not Crow is a lyrical, colorful introduction to the world of birding. It makes for a pleasant read-aloud, although I split it into a few sessions for my two-year-old because it’s a bit longer than our usual picture books. I definitely recommend it as a supplement to time spent observing nature with your littles.

“…birding is hard work.

Seeing– really seeing– is even harder.

But this afternoon or maybe tomorrow, I might learn a new bird.

Maybe sparrow, not sparrow. Maybe owl, not owl. And the next day– another.“

Activity suggestions:

Fill and hang a bird feeder. When birds come, spend time watching and asking your child what he or she notices about each bird.

Listen to bird calls on Youtube. See if you can find birds local to your area and practice listening for them together.

Consider grabbing a couple pairs of binoculars and going on a special bird hike with your child.