Review: The Book of Birds

The Book of Birds

Author: Robert Macfarlane
Illustrator: Jackie Morris

House of Anansi Press Inc, 2026

ISBN: 9781487007515 (Hardcover)
9781649739931 (eBook)

$42.00 CAD (hardcover)     

384 pages

Ages: YA and Adult

The Book of Birds is much more than a field guide. It is an ode to life that introduces the reader to 49 species of endangered birds with Macfarlane’s lyric prose and Morris’ expressive watercolour-and-gold illustrations. The birds are not simply identified by physical characteristics, but rather by the temperaments and behaviours of each species—inviting us to develop a more personal understanding of their lives. Entries for the different species are written variously in first, second, or third person, as paeans, reminiscences, or even bird dating profiles. With historical anecdotes, alliteration, rhyme, rhythm, and delightful phrases such as “Nightjar at rest on the branch of a birch is part bark, part lichen, part snake,” the entries are equally suited to casual reading for enjoyment and English literature class.

Besides serving as a field guide, The Book of Birds is an entry point to multiple important issues: biodiversity, biodiversity loss, and the importance of the A in STEAM. The book, just like the phrase “we will not save what we do not love” featured on the back cover, is a haunting call to action.

Contains tables with data for each bird listed, a note on scientific naming, and bibliographic references.

Recommended for public libraries and high school libraries.