View on Biblioguides
Earlier this year, I had the great pleasure of being interviewed by a feature writer from the Epoch Times about our work with private lending libraries. That conversation, with Jeff Minick, was more like a chat between old friends than a formal interview. His beautifully written article has since led to an unexpected and delightful ripple effect: new-to-me authors have reached out asking if they can donate books to my library. Since Epoch Times readers tend to value the same things my patrons and I hold dear, these requests have been particularly meaningful. Thanks to Mr. Minick, I now have the privilege of discovering new books that celebrate truth, goodness, and beauty. My library—and my world—are richer for it.
One such delightful surprise came from Lisa Donovan, who offered to donate Birds in My Backyard and Birds at the Beach and Beyond. A quick visit to her website had me immediately smitten. It was clear that this author not only loves birds but knows them and understands them.
Some two-page spreads feature two separate scenes, while others highlight a single, expansive illustration. Donovan’s text—just four lines per bird—is absolutely inspired. With playful, well-crafted rhyme, she perfectly captures each bird’s personality.
The illustrations by Dee Paras are a treat! Rendered in a vibrant collage style, they bring the birds to life in a way that is both bold and elegant. The artwork is strikingly detailed, making it easy for readers to remember each bird and recognize them in the wild.
Living in the woods in North Eastern Wisconsin, my family has a backyard filled with bird feeders, and throughout the seasons, we have an incredible variety of feathered friends who stop by. We play Wingspan (with ALL of it’s expansions) almost weekly and this smart birdfeeder has been on my wishlist forever. Almost all of the birds in Birds in My Backyard have made appearances at my feeders, and my children and I laughed at her storytelling, acknowledging that yes, nuthatches are indeed adorable little clowns!
For bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who delights in lovely picture books, Birds in My Backyard and Birds at the Beach and Beyond are treasures worth collecting. They are a charming, educational, and visually stunning celebration of the birds that delight us. Whether read aloud with children or enjoyed as a quiet moment of appreciation for a birder, these books are winners!
