Denzil Walton recently published “Encourage a Child to Watch Birds,” the first in a series of books to inspire children to step away from their phones and computer screens, and discover the joy of Nature.
Synopsis
“What’s that bird?” asks a child. “What’s it doing? Why are its feathers so colourful? Can we feed it? Where does it nest?” You would love to encourage the child in their interest … but you are not a birdwatcher, so how can you? Or an older child wants to learn birdsong, or study owls – but you are lost for ideas.
This is why “Encourage A Child To Watch Birds” is so valuable. It includes 10 Non-Screen Ideas to inspire a child to discover nature through watching birds. From studying the ducks in the park, through which books to read, how to choose a pair of binoculars, what food to put out for garden birds, why nest-boxes are necessary, how to listen to and learn birdsong, discovering what owls eat and other topics, you will now be able to inspire a child in the fascinating hobby of watching birds.
Why are the ideas “Non-Screen”? Children are active on screens for an increasingly large proportion of their lives. This book aims to activate children, sharpen their senses and show them the fun to be had AWAY from the screen.
Putting the ideas in this book into practice could help to develop a child’s powers of observation, improve their aural skills, introduce them to ecological concepts, teach them basic nature conservation practices – and increase their enjoyment of the natural world.
The book is backed up by Resources on the Encourage A Child website for each of the 10 Ideas, including photographs, hints & tips, links, reading lists etc.
My Review
“Encourage a Child to Watch Birds” is the first in a series of books that will encourage children to learn more about Nature and caring for our planet. Although the book can be read in a comparatively short period of time, it will provide many, many hours of interactive learning for both adults and children. I learned a lot as I read, and found the extra resources on the encourage a child website added to the experience. I particularly enjoyed the chapter “Listening to the Birds,” which included ways of learning bird songs or calls through mnemonics. This book that will surely motivate children (and adults) to remove themselves from “screen activities such as posting on social media, watching TV or searching the Internet by themselves.”
Highly Recommended.
You can buy Denzil’s book, and view additional resources at http://encourageachild.org
Watching the Daisies 
This looks great! My granddaughter of 15 months has a small book with pics of birds and you press a button and listen to their sound, it is her most worn book from when I would press the button for her. Found it at Wetlands centre.
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Lovely! I hope children can go back in time and enjoy Nature as much as we did.
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Thanks so much for reviewing and promoting my book Brigid, greatly appreciated!
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My pleasure Denzil. Best wishes for the series.
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My daughter takes my grandchildren on hikes all the time. She knows reality is much more compelling than “virtual reality” (an oxymoron if there ever was one!)
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That is terrific Elizabeth. We were outside so much as children and I am forever grateful there were no mobile phones back then…
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I still forget they exist.
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Brigid, I’m so happy Denzil’s book is being so widely read and reviewed … deservedly so. This is a terrific review and I too enjoyed the chapter on bird song and find myself listening more actively. Also you make an excellent point that ‘. Although the book can be read in a comparatively short period of time, it will provide many, many hours of interactive learning for both adults and children.’ So true! Today we have all been taking part in the annual bird count and having a lot of fun discussing the various birds! Happy Weekend, my friend! 😀🌺
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Thank you Annika. Denzil’s books are so badly needed! I am hoping to participate in Bird Watch Ireland’s bird count soon which goes on for a bit longer. Happy weekend. x
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My husband is such a bird lover. Not anything professional, but he just gets such a kick out of seeing them. Of course I have to reign him in when he’s driving…seriously!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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(Laughs) I share your husband’s enthusiasm Jodie but not on the road! xx
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This sounds like such a marvelous read. These types of books are so important. Wonderful review 💗💗
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Thank you Lisa. I agree. I am ever so thankful that we learned so much about Nature in school in the 60’s…
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I have seen a previous review of this lovely book, Brigid. It sounds delightful.
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It is a great resource and full of ideas for getting children interested in Nature.
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It sounds like such a lovely book, Brigid. You have provided a very enticing review. I wonder how it would translate to the Australian birds? I have a little grandchild now…
I’ll go to Denzil’s link and see if I can find out.
A lovely post 💐
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Many congratulations. That is wonderful. I am not sure about the birds Diane. Would be worth checking his website or asking Denzil direct.
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Thank you to both your kind comments, Brigid…I shall do 💐
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As an early childhood educator and mother of two grown sons I can say with confidence that this is an excellent idea. Thanks for sharing. I hope many parents will give this book a read.
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I hope so too Ali. It is time to step away from mobile phones…
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A marvelous read, Brigid and especially for children who needs to be encouraged to be more with nature and their vision too will be so clear to be with nature and its beauty. These types of books are so important. Awesome review.
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Thank you. So many children do not discover the joy of Nature, and spend so much time online these days. Denzil’s book is a great resource.
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Yes I so agree with you, Brigid and Denzil’s book will be a good resonance for the children. Welcome dear.
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