Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Birds

This isn't the end-all-be-all books on bird identification. But it is not trying to be. My kids enjoy the Crinkleroot series and this one did do something that none of other books did... talked about how to use binoculars to bird watch. The gnome likeness of Crinkleroot will appeal to those with an attraction to Waldorf toys (we have many gnomes and fairies around here). The drawings are wonderful and have inspired my 5yr old son. He has used them as a reference in his nature journal. I would put the age range on this book around 3-7.

If you haven't encountered Arnosky's works about the world of nature, you're in for a treat. His books for young readers, the 'Crinkleroot' series, is simply delightful. Crinkleroot is everybody's wise, warm grandfather, who can show you a hundred secrets and mysteries in the outdoor world. There is a sense of wonder and gentleness that permeates these books.