Check Out These Fresh New Books for Young Birders—and the Young at Heart

Goldfinches, by Mary Oliver, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, 40 pages, $19. Available here from Penguin Random House (ages 4-8).

Few writers have captured birds—and what it feels like to love the natural world—like Mary Oliver. The legendary poet’s ode to sunny, thistle-eating goldfinches comes to life with this gorgeous new picture book, illustrated with mixed-media artwork. Don’t miss the extra details in the back, including a timeline of how goldfinches spend the year and a reproduction of an actual bird list Oliver made in 1991 (with a satisfying 40 species). Like Oliver herself, Sweet has a deep reverence for the plants and animals we share this planet with that shines through.

Hummingbird’s Big Trip, by G. Brian Karas, 40 pages, $19. Available here from Penguin Random House (ages 4-8).

Migration is no joke, especially if you weigh about as much as a grape. This charming picture book is a fun and thoughtful take on a giant journey for a tiny bird, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Informed by avian research and enlivened by Karas’s expressive illustrations, this picture book both expresses the exhilaration of migration and imaginatively explores how a young hummer might feel undertaking the journey, including lonely and daunted. Kids encountering their own obstacles and new experiences can take heart from this brave little bird.

World Without Birds, by Nick Lund, illustrated by Asia Orlando, 176 pages, $17. Available here from Hachette (ages 9-12).

This bird-driven look at climate change for tweens delivers hard truths alongside plenty of reasons to stay hopeful—and take action. Written by Audubon contributor Nick Lund, this book is a great choice for older kids who want to know what we’re up against and what they can do about it. It's packed full of facts and vibrant illustrations by Asia Orlando
 

I Am We, by Leslie Barnard Booth, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey, 44 pages, $19. Available here from Chronicle Books (ages 5-8).

Subtitled “how crows come together to survive,” this lyrical and beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates corvid craftiness and camaraderie in a world full of risks to wild birds, from outdoor cats to finding enough to eat in the leaner months. Despite the danger, you just might come away envious of the crows’ close community. Plus, enjoy extra corvid facts in the back.

Pests & Other Friends, by Halsey Berryman, 128 pages, $25. Available here from Penguin Random House (all ages).

From groundhogs to gulls, embrace the underdogs. Celebrated illustrator Berryman makes a compelling case, highlighting the quirks, capabilities, and resilience of some of the United States’ “most maligned animals.” Organized geographically (with a lengthy final section devoted to “ubiquitous pests” who know no bounds), this fun and fascinating book is a technicolor whirlwind you’ll want to return to again and again and gift to everyone you know. Although it’s not specifically aimed at young readers, Pests & Other Friends is a great pick to flip through with younger children or give to an older kid to dive in on their own.

You Are a Robin!, by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Jay Fleck, 28 pages, $9. Available here from Penguin Random House (ages 1-3).

Ever wondered what it would be like to hatch from an egg, eat worms, and dodge danger? Kids can find out in this bright and cheerful board book, which follows an American Robin’s first year of life and invites children to tap, hop, and flap along and find connections to their own experiences. This book is part of a series that includes forays into the worlds of raccoons, honey bees, and garter snakes.

This story originally ran in the Summer 2026 issue as “Just Hatched.” To receive our print magazine, become a member by making a donation today.