Reviewed by Tony Orman

This book should inspire youngsters to get into dunking themselves in the world of birds. It is an impressively illustrated introduction to the world of birds, ideally suitable for seven to 10 year olds but not restricted to that age bracket. The book by Nadeem Perera, illustrated by Montse Galbany is sub-titled An Illustrated Guide to the Bird World.

Youngsters can do with more Nature-related books like this, to sow a curiosity seed to the environment and the living world — and to get them into mentally healthy spheres of interest — instead of some of the utter nonsense on the internet and screening at family times on television.

For author Nadeem Pereraa — wildlife TV presenter, author, activist and co-founder of the birdwatching collective “Flock Together’ — an interest in birds has been a positive experience and at an early age it helped him to overcome mental roadblocks and trauma.  In 2020 he co-founded Flock Together together with Creative Director Ollie Olanipekun which encourages people of colour to get out and enjoy nature, support each other and look after their mental health. 

Birds across the World

But this book, of course, is not restricted by skin colour — any kid will benefit and should inspire youngsters to get into dunking themselves in the world of birds. 

It is not just restricted to New Zealand, but goes universal, revealing bird species around the world, often telling of the ingenious way of Nature in the daily and seasonal life of birds. Amazing facts emerge here and there such as the long distance migration some species annually take.

Varied habitats feature from rainforest canopies to between skyscrapers in cities, in the mountains, oceans, deserts, polar-regions and other environments. 

Becoming a Birder

“What makes a bird?” is educational and interesting. It concludes with a section “Becoming a Birder” 

  • in how to start as a bird watcher
  • identifying birds
  • keeping a bird log to help birds with food and wate, 
  • planting “bird friendly” plants 
  • starting a bird watching club.

This 75-page publication is ideal for any youngster.

What Makes a Bird?: An Illustrated Guide to the Bird World by Nadeem Perera, illustrated by Montse Galbany has an RRP of $32.99