Bird Count

The National Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count stars in this charming picture book, just right for young community scientists, bird watchers, and nature aficionados.

A young girl and her mother participate as community scientists in the Christmas Bird Count. The girl is excited when Big Al, the leader of their team, asks her to record the tally this year. Using her most important tools―her eyes and ears―she eagerly identifies and counts the birds they observe on their assigned route around town. She and her team follow the rules, noting the time of day, the habitat, the birding ID techniques used for each sighting.

Finally, they meet up with the other teams in the area to combine their totals for a Christmas Bird Count party and share stories about their observations. Sidebars tally up the birds they observe and record. This book introduces young readers to birdwatching with simple explanations of birdwatching techniques and clear descriptions of bird habitats.

Stephanie Fizer Coleman's charming illustrations add color and context to a joyful story that's sure to inspire the nature lover in everyone.

Back matter includes more information about all the birds featured in the book and about the Christmas Bird Count, the nation's longest-running community science bird project.

Capitol Choices Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens
Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award
Mathical Honor Award
International Literacy Association Primary Fiction Award


Author: Susan Edwards Richmond
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Published: 10/01/2019
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 10.60h x 9.40w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781561459544
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 508830 / Bird Count


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2019
Publishers Weekly 10/07/2019
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 11/01/2019
School Library Journal 11/01/2019 pg. 78
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2020 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Richmond, Susan Edwards: - Susan Edwards Richmond teaches preschool on a farm and wildlife sanctuary in eastern Massachusetts. She earned her M.A. in Creative Writing from the University of California, Davis, and is the author of five collections of nature-based poetry for adults. She is happiest exploring natural habitats with her husband and two daughters, and learns the native birds wherever she travels.Coleman, Stephanie Fizer: - Stephanie Fizer Coleman is an illustrator and freelance designer. She has created the art for many children's books and loves drawing animals. For her 100 Days project in 2018, she drew one hundred birds, one day at a time.