A Mother’s Journey by Sandra Markle, illustrated by Alan Marks

Learn about the amazing life cycle of the Emperor Penguin as we follow one mother penguin on her incredible journey to bring food to her newborn chick. We’ll explore one of the ways Emperor Penguins stay warm.

Best Beak in Boonaroo Bay by Narelle Oliver

Have you ever noticed the many different shapes and sizes of bird beaks? In this book, the birds of Boonaroo Bay make a discovery during their contest for the “best bird beak.” We’ll see what we can learn about birds’ beaks: which ones are best, and for what? Come join us to find out.

On Meadowview Street by Henry Cole

Caroline lives on Meadowview Street. But where’s the meadow? Where’s the view? Henry Cole tells a wonderful story of a 'lawn' that becomes 'habitat' for all kinds of interesting creatures and beautiful birds. We’ll learn about the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Celebrate Urban Birds Project, and each person at the reading will go home with a free project kit.

Swallows in the Birdhouse by Stephen R. Swinburne, illustrated by Robin Brickman.

When Hayley and Martin build a birdhouse for their backyard, they don’t know just how much they will learn from the nesting swallows. Each stage is a surprise and an adventure! The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch project allows anyone to follow the life cycle of birds nesting in their neighborhood, and collect simple data to contribute to a national database. Get the insider’s view of nesting birds!

An Egg Is Quiet by Dianna Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long

From tiny hummingbird eggs to giant ostrich eggs, this book captures the incredible variety of eggs and celebrates their beauty and wonder. We’ll get to see some real birds’ eggs, then build our own model egg to learning about each of the different parts of this amazing life support system.

Bird Tales from Other Cultures:

 The Crane Wife retold by Odds Bodkin, illustrated by Gennady Spirin

Stunning paintings and lyrical prose weave this classic Japanese tale with its timeless lessons on the nature of kindness, love, and greed. We’ll use natural materials to make our own weavings to take home.

“The Palace of Beaks,” a tale from Yemen in Bird Tales from Near and Far retold by Susan Milord, illustrated by Linda S. Wingerter.

In this tale told throughout the Middle East, King Solomon’s judgement is challenged by a bird called a hoopoe. We’ll make our own “crowns,” inspired by that of the hoopoe. 

Rainbow Crow retold by Nancy Van Laan, illustrated by Beatriz Vida