Many of these books can be found on PrairieCat; many are available for as little as 1 cent or 99 cents from booksellers on Amazon (with $3.99 for postage and handling).

Hatchling:

Mrs. Peanuckles Bird Alphabet
by Mrs. Peanuckle

This book works for babies with its vivid drawings of birds and older children for the alphabet and bird facts. Each letter of the alphabet is represented by a bird from common birds like a crow, duck, robin, and owl to more exotic birds like the kookaburra, lyrebird, umbrella bird, and xenops. The bird facts are interesting for all ages!

Fledgling:

Tree
by Britta Teckentrup

This is a beautiful peek-through picture book with an owl in the center of the book. As each page is turned, the owl encounters a new season with new friends along the way. It is a great book about trees and seasons, just in time for Arbor Day.

Juvenile:

The Nature Club: Taking Flight
by Rachel Mazur

This book is relatable to young children and adolescents, especially those that had to move to a new location. It compares the challenges of Izzy to the migration of birds and how they both spread their wings. If your child likes this book, there are others in the series.

Silent Spring
by Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson was a pioneer in protecting the environment. She pushed for people to acknowledge that pesticide use has large impacts on the environment and wildlife. The title refers to the decline of bird populations and thus loss of their songs, leading to a silent spring. Her research was rejected by big companies, but ultimately, her work led to the ban of DDT and other legal impacts. Rachel's impact led to the development of environmentalism and ecofeminism.

April/May 2020

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Earth Day is April 22.

This year is the 50th Anniversary of Earth day. Celebrate Earth Day Every Day!

Earth Day, April 22

Arbor Day is April 24.

Arbor Day, April 24. Take a walk outside and learn about trees. Then hug one!

American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos

The American Crow belongs to the family Corvidae, which includes Ravens, Blue Jays, and Magpies. All of these birds are incredibly smart.

The American Crow is easily recognized for its all black plumage, bills, legs, and eyes. Crows are like children – they are curious, playful, mischievous, and are very good at problem-solving.

They are known to participate in a behavior called mobbing – this means they make a lot of noise and racket when they see a bird such as an eagle or hawk, to make them leave the area.

They are widely omnivorous, eating just about anything plant and animal based, including garbage left behind by people. Try not to litter though – it is not good for any wildlife.

Crows tend to stay with their family year-round, including the offspring for the past two years.

With an adult’s help, look up some videos of smart crows. They are impressive!

* Thanks to allaboutbirds.org.

Children, Nature and You Resources to help you give the children you influence the awe and wonder that only the natural world can inspire

Freeport Park District Information on all the Freeport parks

Freeport Public Library More than books on a shelf...visit the Freeport Public Library

Freeport Outdoor Experience Events located in Freeport and Stephenson County

Getting Kids Involved (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology) Includes bird information, tips, and more for kids and families

Jane Addams Recreation Trail Ride or Hike the beautiful Jane Addams Trail

Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots A program of the Jane Goodall Institute offering a variety of programs and resources

NASA Climate Kids to tell the story of our changing planet through the eyes of NASA missions studying Earth and provides games, activities, and articles that make climate science accessible and engaging for children

National Audubon for Kids provides resources for classroom curriculum, DIY activities, and bird activities for children at home

National Wildlife Federation Many family-friendly articles; Ranger Rick family magazine

Resource Guide Supplement to Last Child in the Woods Designed for parents, teachers, and community leaders to help them encourage children’s enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Severson Dells Nature Center Located near Rockford, IL.

Sierra Club Outdoors The program's goal is to give every child in America an outdoor experience.

World Migratory Bird Day Learn about the importance of migratory birds and how to celebrate birds any day of the year!

April/May

As the weather begins to warm up head out to your favorite trail to enjoy the spring weather and nature.

If the wind is strong, go outside and fly kites with your friends and family! If you do not own a kite already, then go to the store and purchase one before finding an open area outside to fly the kites in. Compete against your friends to see who can fly their kite the highest and longest!

An entertaining planting craft that you can do as a family is to make your own grass cups! All you need are cups, construction paper, scissors, tape, soil, and grass seed. First, start by cutting out silly faces from the construction paper, and tape them onto the cup. Put soil inside the cup, then plant the seeds inside. Water your grass daily, and watch it grow!

Grass in cup