Consider the Birds

In this first book of the Consider series—a series that celebrates God’s gift of nature and encourages gratitude—young children are invited to consider the birds.

Author Jennifer Grant introduces one raucous, hungry blue jay swooping down on a bird feeder, sating his hunger, then flying away; two mourning doves searching the ground for seeds beneath the feeder; three black-capped chickadees, swinging from the feeder, grabbing some seeds, then swooping off; four house wrens sitting on the tree limb by the feeder, feasting on spiders and bugs; and one bright-red cardinal joining the four wrens, adding up to five.

When a squirrel tries to reach the feeder from a nearby branch, he can’t. Startled, one cardinal flies off, but the four wrens stay. After the four wrens leave, three chickadees return, while the two mourning doves continue to feed on the seeds on the ground and wonder who provided them with food. When the one blue jay returns, he scares all the birds away. Soon, night falls and the birds rest safely and securely.

Grant concludes, “Consider the birds of the air—God gives them food to eat, friends to nest with, and their own songs to sing. You know what else is true? God loves you, just as you are, and takes care of you, too!”

Illustrator Julianna Swaney’s charming pictures, revealing the unique beauty and character of each type of bird, complement Grant’s worshipful consideration of one part of God’s marvelous creation—birds—and his deep love and care for his children. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)