A Garden to Save the Birds
illustrated by Beatriz Mayumi

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Picture book: Ages 4-8

When a bird flies into their window by accident, Callum and his sister, Emmy, learn that from the outside, the glass looks just like the sky. They also learn that the United States has lost a lot of birds in recent years—and that there are lots of things their family can do to help. First, they set out feeders and make the windows safe. Then, for the winter, they build a little shelter and put out a heated birdbath. By springtime, all kinds of birds are visiting their yard! But with such a big problem, is there more they can do to make a difference?

Reviews and praise:

“McClure’s informative, sequential model, which presents a problem the birds face and a solution the children reach, will resonate with young bird enthusiasts and burgeoning environmentalists, as will the compassionate community care message (‘We’re growing back the world too./ A little bit, at least./ Still, there’s more we can do’).” —Publishers Weekly

“Emmy and Callum’s gradual shift from individual actions to community organizing feels organic and doable: Readers can accomplish almost all of the activities they model…A welcome can-do story about environmental activism.” —Kirkus Reviews

“An inspiring portrait of children as what psychologist Zoe Weil calls ‘the solutionary generation.’ Out of Callum’s and Emmy’s concern for birds grows a community devoted to the environment and a world in which the future is something to be excited about.”—EcoLit Books