World Without Birds: How to Save Our Planet, One Bird at a Time

Gr 4-8–As the title indicates, this book describes the ecological impacts that would be felt if birds disappeared. It is a worthy thought experiment and a great way to showcase the interconnectedness of habitats and the plants and animals that live there. The tone manages to be conversational while presenting large amounts of information and remains urgent without feeling panicked. Chapters highlight various biomes and the birds that live there. After a description of the threats from humans faced by the birds, the middle of the chapter presents the ways the biome, and indeed the world, would be different if there were no birds. Consequences range from apocalyptic, such as the overpopulation and swarming of insects, to the cultural and emotional. The chapters wrap up with a focus on individual species, highlighting one that has become extinct and one that has had a comeback due to conservation efforts. Lively and engaging illustrations depict many of the birds discussed, though illustrations are sparse. At times, readers must turn to other resources to see images of the birds described. Back matter includes bird conservation organizations and things individuals can do to help birds but did not include a bibliography for further reading.