Is this book non fiction? Possibly? Is this book fiction? Yes in part. Where does it fit? Does that matter? This is a book to enjoy and explore and share with a child.
The word ‘birdies’ in the title identifies this as a book for younger readers as do the rounded corners on the covers. So much care has gone into the design of this book – stitching effect on the spine, the end papers, the cat on the title page, the sticky tape on each feather and the folded corner of notebook paper on the glossary page. If you take a close look at the purple "sticker" on the cover it says "The somewhat factual field guide."
Each bird in Australian Backyard Birdies looks directly at the reader and this adds a surprising emotional layer to each page.
There is a lot of fun to be had here. This book is with tons of humour and heart – perfect for a very young child. There are real birds such as the seagull, pigeon, budgerigar, kookaburra, noisy miner bird, and the Willie wagtail but on page 20 we meet the ornamental flamingo (you can see him on the cover) and the giant inflatable swan.
The water colour art is so well done. I especially love the painting of the budgerigar. The maps, feathers, scientific name, size/scale when compared with a bucket and colour splotches give this book a scientific feel.
In contrast the glossary is a ‘spoof’ which is certain to be enjoyed by adult readers. There is also space to tick off each bird after it is spotted as you do in a real bird spotting book.
Read this interview with Paperbark Words where Joy Lawn talks to Andy Geppert.
Adults and children alike will enjoy the humour of this book, made even funnier by the juxtaposition with the usually serious format, which includes an index, glossary and scientific names. Reading Time
Andy Geppert won the CBCA Creighton Award (now called the New Illustrator award) in 2011 for his book Little Big Tree. Andy also illustrated a CBCA Notable book with the title Meep. I was excited to discover Andy has a new book coming this year:
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