Anyone who has ever picked up a bird guide certainly knows who John James Audubon is….don't they? Well, they know he stuffed a lot of birds and made beautiful drawings of them, but there is so much more to this great naturalist.
He loved birds all his life and said,"When I had hardly yet learned to walk, and to articulate those first words always so endearing to parents, the productions of Nature that lay spread all around, were constantly pointed out to me. They soon became my playmates; and before my ideas were sufficiently formed to enable me to estimate the difference between the azure tints of the sky, and the emerald hue of the bright foliage, I felt that an intimacy with them, not consisting of friendship merely, but bordering on frenzy, must accompany my steps through life."
Jacqueline Davies captures that boy in her book, The Boy Who Drew Birds, beautifully illustrated by Melissa Sweet. It's the perfect read to pull out on Audubon's birthday and any other day you'd like to inspire a young person's creativity and love of the outdoors!
Here is another Audubon biography. This one, by Nancy Plain, is for older readers. The text is beautiful and captures both Audubon's life and his wildlife art.
Now that you are inspired by the life and art of John James Audubon, it's time to get outside and observe what he loved best -- birds!
More "birdy" titles to share with young readers:
Lastly, take a look at all of Audubon's artwork to get a real appreciation for his contribution to the study of wildlife in early America. As I researched BACK FROM THE BRINK, I went back to his writings and paintings for information and inspiration.
Happy birthday, John James Audubon --- and thank you!
Good timing for an inspiring display of books on birds. And how nice of JJAudubon to have a birthday in springtime.
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