Omnibird

“A truly stellar work that will delight bird enthusiasts while converting the ambivalent into eager avian investigators.” – starred review, Kirkus Reviews, 1 October 2025

“A silly and fun-loving look at what makes our feathered friends one of the most interesting and distinct specimens in the animal kingdom. Full of information, colorful cartoonlike illustrations, and cheerfully irreverent asides, this reference book will appeal to young and old alike. The text is conventional typeface, but any messages to young investigators from illustrations and diagrams (as well as the occasional sarcastic avian remark) look handwritten, as if notes were taken throughout. The two beginning chapters focus on viewing birds in their natural habitats (always cautioning readers not to get too close), basic avian anatomy (feet shape, feathers), and other aspects of life as a bird (how an egg is formed, nest building). The latter half of the book focuses on individual bird types (ducks, owls, parrots) to build on the knowledge obtained in earlier chapters and show examples. Back matter includes an index and a quirky question—“If you could be any bird in the world?”—that will lead to a lively classroom discussion. VERDICT Great for fans of Annette LeBlanc Cate’s Looking Up! Birdwatching in Your Own Backyard, this is a delightful addition to any library as an introduction to ornithology.” – School Library Journal

“Chances are good that there’s a bird nearby right now, but they’re so ubiquitous that they can sometimes go unnoticed. Luckily, Omnibird sets out to prove that just because something is ordinary doesn’t mean it isn’t also extraordinary. Included here are detailed hints for investigative strategies for viewing birds, even if they’re far away (this sometimes involves hilarious instructions on bird imitations, for readers so inclined). There are in-depth depictions of bird anatomy, songs, behaviors, and, yes, even droppings and pellets, but these aren’t dry discussions; they’re all tinged with cheeky humor and outlandish captions, providing a brilliant balance between entertainment and education. What other birding books include a section called “how to pick up a chicken” and “under-represented bird’s-eye-views,” including what a chick would see while hatching out of an egg? Amusing artwork ranges from comical cartoon stylings to surprisingly effective lifelike renderings and gives a marvelous sense of scale and personality. An unconventional and irresistible avian introduction, sure to delight any fledgling birder.” – Booklist