Just So Stories

Woodslane Publishing

So this parcel of absolutely stunning bird books arrived just as I’d finished this years Bird Count, but that certainly doesn’t mean that they are any less appreciated. These are all not only sensationally and vibrantly beautiful but packed with pithy facts and information about our most iconic birds. Your kiddos who are interested, and certainly in anticipation of the 2025 Bird Count, will relish these. Even those who are not twitchers will love the stunning illos.

What’s That? Australian Birds

Myke Mollard
Imprint: WOODSLANE PRESS
Release Date: October, 2024

RRP: $24.99

Taking flight with this first one which is a very easy-to-read title and a terrific look-it-up for quick reference. Each entry begins with a paragraph about the particular bird and then follows up with a list of quick-fire facts. Naturally, each bird is illustrated with authenticity and attention to detail and there is a map to show the distribution of the species.

I personally love the alliterative headings and the inclusion of more quirky snippets of information. Some of these are quite poignant such as the fact that due to the drastic decrease in numbers Regent Honeyeaters are forgetting their own ‘voices’ (as they mimic each other as well as other birds) and this, in turn, is leading to even greater loss of numbers as breeding decreases. Now critically endangered due to the habitat loss particularly caused by bushfires, these are just one species who need help from human intervention in re-planting native trees and plants.

Australian Outback Birds

Myke Mollard
Imprint: WOODSLANE PRESS
July 2024

RRP: $24.99

@mykemollard

Australian Outback Birds. Longer post, so I can fully show you through this amazing book for kids! The follow up sequel to my bestselling and “Notably” CBCA awarded “Australian Backyard Birds” this book is i think even better! But let me know in the comments. #newbook #kidsbooks #newrelease #showcase #firstlooks #sneakypeek

♬ Very Sad – Enchan

In this volume, Myke not only delves deeper into our bird species – over 150 in this book! – but redefines ‘outback’ from the broad description and imagery we’re all used to seeing ad nauseum, which makes this not only a wonderful twitching resource but a truly excellent adjunct to your HASS studies looking at the Australian environment and natural features.

Again the illustrations are just fabulous but instead of just focused on a single species or sub-species there are many spreads crowded joyously with many familiar and unfamiliar birds, with a numbered legend to identify these. My pathetic photo of the ‘parrot’ riot of colour page can’t even come close to giving you an idea of how stunning it is! At least you might get some idea of how utterly glorious this book is from Myke’s vid clip.

I also empathise with Myke’s failure to photograph a pheasant coucal because on the odd occasions when I’ve seen one, I also have been to slow to whip out my phone [just as I was yesterday seeing my first blue wren in ages, down by the shore at Scarborough]. But let’s face it for us amateur twitchers just the spotting is a joy in itself.

Australian Backyard Birds

Myke Mollard
Imprint: WOODSLANE PRESS
Release Date: August 1, 2023

RRP: $24.99

@mykemollard

Friendly reminder if you haven’t heard already! “Australian Backyard Birds” is OUT NOW as of August 1st so it shoukd have been delivered to your friendly neighbourhood bookstores and if you preordered you should have it early! Love to hear and see any reviews and reactions so tag me in … i was blown away and a know a few if you are too! Enjoy folks! #booktok #books #backyardbirds #australianbirds #bookswelove #australianwildlife #kidsbooks #booktalk #kids #birders #birdwatching #mums #fieldguides

♬ Au Revoir – Sweet After Tears

Myke brings kiddos another fantastic indepth look at birds and this time it is species that every child will be able to spot. Naturally, they won’t likely have 150 varieties land in their backyards but it would be inconceivable for any Australian Small not to spot the occasional magpie, torresian crow, bush turkey or cockatoo at some point.

Myke has travelled Australia’s outback, bush, national parks and coasts capturing the essence of our birdlife to bring to us in what is repeatedly described as ‘cinematic’ detail. In both these books readers will discover distributions, habitats, feeding, characteristics and lifestyles, along with any environmental concerns. There are also tips for becoming a birdwatcher and creating a bird-friendly backyard.

Why not also visit Birdlife Australia for more ideas and get yourself bird-ready for next year Count – or just start twitching now for the sheer joy of it?

All three of course, are coming to you with my highest recommendation. The information and format is both engaging and exciting for readers young and old, and the illustrations are simply amazing! It’s definitely a 5 🦢🦜🦆🦉🦅 rating.