LOOK INSIDE: The Thing About Birds
A sneak peek into a charming new picture book by avid birder and Nature Conservancy of Canada illustrator coming September 30th 2025!
Author and illustrator Christy Obalek brings readers on a fun, rhyming romp through nature that seeks to define the one characteristic that makes birds unique.
“Curious, observant, and adventurous, Ellie and Ollie are the perfect companions for a neighbourhood nature quest that begins with a found feather and ends with the satisfaction of a mystery solved by their own deduction. Christy Obalek’s delightful illustrations and engaging prose make this a book to read again and again.”
—Frances Backhouse, award-winning environmental journalist and author of Owls: Who Gives a Hoot?
“This charming story comes to life through Obalek’s beautiful, whimsical watercolour illustrations. The text, delivered in crisp, clever, rhyming format is entertaining and informative. The Thing About Birds will appeal to children and adults alike.”
—Sheena Lott, award-winning illustrator of 15 children’s books including Jessie’s Island and Salmon Forest
"I love the quest within The Thing About Birds for all to pursue—What makes a bird quintessentially a bird? Christy Obalek's watercolours are absolutely stunning and her rhyming verses beg to be read out loud. Every page contains visual and verbal delights for even the littlest bird nerd!"
—Caroline Woodward, enthusiastic amateur twitcher and author of books for children and adults, including Have You Ever Heard A Whale Exhale?
“An adorable neighbourhood mystery that gently takes young readers by the hand to explore the ideas of difference and similarity in the natural world, cleverly revealing the thing all birds share. I loved it!”
—Ben Hoare, bestselling author of An Anthology of Exquisite Birds
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