Bird Nerd review

 

Thoughtful, nerdy fifth-grader Nyla sets out to win her school's bird watching competition, while balancing old friends with new in this heartfelt debut.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Fifth Grader Nyla Braun knows everything about birds and what better way to prove to her classmates that she is more than just a bird nerd than by winning the Spring Birding Tournament. It is a friendly competition arranged by her teacher between her school in Philadelphia (the City Birders) and another school in the suburbs (the Burb Birders).  She makes a bird feeding station, visits local parks and visits with her fellow bird watching grandfather for tips.  But Nyla finds it may not be as easy as she thinks to be the big winner. 

 

The first thing that captured my heart was Nyla's gaze of wonderment on the beautiful front cover.  But this heart-warming debut novel is more than just about bird watching.  It is about family and friendships, perseverance, belonging and self-discovery.   Middle grade readers will find Nyla and her classmates relatable as she tries to navigate friendships, the desire to be popular and being true to herself.  Her family is very supportive of her birding passion and it was wonderful how encouraging they were.  Her relationship with her best friend Tasha changes as the competition gets underway and there are many ups and downs of balancing new friends with old.  There are many bird facts included in the story that offers a wonderful learning opportunity for kids and maybe even spark a new hobby of bird watching.  There are detailed descriptions of various birds and behaviors that kids will recognize from their backyard and may just want to stop and watch for themselves after reading about Nyla's experience. I loved how she journaled and recorded her findings and sharing her passion with readers.   This is a quiet, gentle book that I found to be a fast-paced read.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 9-11.~

 

Title: Bird Nerd

Author: Jennifer Ann Richter

Pub. date: October 2024, Holiday House

Genre: middle grade fiction

Hardcover, 240 pgs.

 

 

 

 

Dear Bookstore review

 

 A picture-book love letter to bookstores, inspired by a song from award-winning children’s songwriter, ukulele player, and debut author Emily Arrow.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Finding the local bookstore is only the beginning for one little girl towards an exciting adventure.  She finds it has many things to offer through the numerous variety of books, learning opportunities and watching other inspired readers.  It is a place that is always welcoming and waiting for her where she feels comfortable and is a perfect fit.  As she grows to be an adult, she is so very thankful that it remains in a changing world.

 

This is a beautiful ode to the neighborhood bookstore and all they have to offer readers young and old.   The text is simple and the colored pencil illustrations are in beautiful pastel colors making this story dreamy.  I liked how the bright yellow color is used on the pages to emphasize imagination and the magic a book can give us throughout.  Overtime, the girl grows to be a woman who still has an appreciation for the bookstore where she can always count on for a sense of place.  This story is heartwarming and has a gentle message about the importance of supporting your local independent bookseller.  This is also based off of the author's song she wrote called "Dear Bookstore" as a thank-you to bookstores that she has grown to love. It is a wonderful short story to read to young children and afterwards, set out exploring a favorite bookstore in your neighborhood.  I guarantee everyone will fall in love too!   I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title: Dear Bookstore

Author: Emily Arrow, illustrated by Genevieve Godbout

Pub. date: March 2025, Candlewick Press

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.