Birds on the Brain

I would highly recommend this to any parent as a present for your kid. Not just because the central theme of the story is about a cause that I been working for, the Bird Count India, but it also covers several thoughts a child should connect with, which are sometimes sadly missing in the city life, all presented eloquently through the eyes of children.

'Birds on the Brain is such a treat!The characters, particularly the protagonist Reeni, are wonderfully relatable. Reeni is the perfect balance of self-centred and selfless. She has birds on her brain and it takes her a while to notice that not everyone is motivated by the same things. Yet, she makes an effort. She doesn’t want to lose her friend Anil, and she does want to help the istri lady. But how?This endearing story shows us just how she can catch two birds with one phone, to use her words, much kinder than killing two birds with one stone!Discovering overlapping themes in modern kidlit is delightful too! Similar to the proragonists of 'Petu Pumpkin: Freedom Fighter' and 'Dhara’s Revolution', Reeni bemoans the fact that children don’t have power!A quick warning: like I wrote when I read 'Pax, Journey Home', I would suggest you don’t read the blurb. Again, something in the blurb happens very late in the story!

As a birdwatcher focused on conservation, you might be shocked to find out that many people are unaware of Bird Count India. This is similar to the experience of Reeni Thomas and her best friend, Yasmin, who conducted a survey for their school project. They discover that their neighbors know very little about birds and the important bird count initiative.Reeni's mission is to educate her community about the significance of birds and how their efforts can contribute to global movements like Bird Count India. With determination, she engages friends, family, and local residents to raise awareness and encourage action. Her journey highlights the importance of working together to protect wildlife and inspire others to get involved in conservation.This delightful and thought-provoking book not only introduces children to various bird species but also weaves together themes of environmental awareness, friendship, adventure, and community spirit. It helps kids understand the threats facing urban wildlife and emphasizes that protecting nature is a shared responsibility that requires everyone's involvement.Written in a humorous and creative style, this story will resonate with all nature enthusiasts and kids to discover how they can make a positive impact in their communities.

Uma Krishnaswami's "Bird on the Brain" is an absolute delight, capturing the essence of childhood curiosity and adventure. Reeni is the wonderful quirky, bird-obsessed kid whose love for the feathery creatures takes her on an unforgettable journey. What’s truly heartwarming about the book is how it portrays the innocence of childhood—the character’s focus on birds is relatable to anyone who’s ever been obsessed with something as a child. There’s something both funny and touching about watching her navigate the world with her binoculars and unending questions.Author does a wonderful job creating a light-hearted, yet meaningful narrative that explores not only the protagonist’s passion for birds but also the importance of being curious and embracing the natural world.The eye catching illustrations are a perfect match for the lively, humorous tone of the story, adding a layer of fun and visual interest. This is a feel-good book that leaves you smiling, and it’s perfect for sparking an interest, care towards nature among young readers. It reminds us of the joy that comes from exploring the world with wide-open eyes and a heart full of wonder.

It is about a campaign to get a closed park to re-open. Use it if your teaching social justice. And as a present to your niece.