  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 10/01/2019 December usually recalls holiday celebrations and gift giving, but it’s also host to a different kind of tradition that is more than 100 years old: the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. In her debut children’s book, Richmond follows a young girl and her mother as they partake in the important avian census that informs both scientists and conservationists. The pair sets out early to record all the birds they see and hear, and along the way, the book cleverly keeps a running list of their bird count in a notebook-style margin. There isn’t much in the way of drama besides the girl’s desire to see her favorite raven, but readers will enjoy locating and identifying various birds through Coleman’s simple but beautiful illustrations. It’s a wonderful introduction to bird-watching and the concept of observing nature, with back matter offering additional information and resources for those eager to learn more. Parents be warned: this book is so appealing that, come next December, you may find yourself out in the cold, counting birds. - Copyright 2019 Booklist. School Library Journal - 11/01/2019 Gr 3–5—Ava and her mother help with the annual Christmas Bird Count every year, where they join forces with other members of their community to note the birds they see in and around their neighborhood. This year is special: Ava gets to be in charge of keeping track of the birds they see and hear. The data they collect will help scientists understand patterns in the lives of the many birds in the world. Along with their team captain, Big Al, the three embark on a journey of identification and study that culminates in a celebration with other teams in their count circle. Soft, detailed illustrations bring the winter world to life, depict many bird species, and capture the sounds and feelings of a chilly winter day. Readers will love searching for birds along with Ava and her companions. A running tally at the far right side of the pages helps readers keep track of the birds they have seen. VERDICT This book introduces elementary school readers to the world of birds and citizen science in an accessible, welcoming way.—Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver Public Library - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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