Awards

Coming

 

The Story

Have you ever heard a tune from the treetops and wondered, Who is singing?

​

Birds are singing and calling all around us, but every bird's sound is different. Some even sound like familiar words, like the cardinal's wheet, wheet, wheet, birdie, birdie, birdie! In this interactive read-aloud book, children (and adults) can learn to identify twelve common birds by sight as well as by sound. Next time you visit your local park, close your eyes and listen closely. Soon you'll be able to tell who is singing!

​

My Inspiration

I got the inspiration for this book by listening to the cardinals in our backyard and on walks. Now, everyone in my family knows that a walk with me means stopping to find and listen to every bird we hear!

​

Educational Connections

The book's back matter includes Fun Facts About Bird Sounds and an Activity.

​

​​Interviews 

Coming

 

 Praise for Who Is Singing?

"The author's winning pattern of question/'response page turns combines delightfully with readable bird calls and colorful images, inviting young nature lovers to listen, observe, and gain confidence in the outdoors. This appealing introduction to familiar bird song patterns and habits offers a sort of first book of birding."

—Sandy Brehl, former licensed wildlife rescuer/rehabilitator, retired reading specialist, and children's author

​

"Who Is Singing? brings a whimsical wonder to the world of birdsong. Readers will also learn about bird behaviors and habitats from both the engaging text and charming illustrations."

—Ken Keffer, nature writer/educator and owner of Wild Birds Unlimited of Bloomington, Indiana

​

"Along with the fun illustrations, Halfmann does a good job of introducing readers to the sounds and wonders of birdwatching. It is a great way to get children thinking about the world of birds!"

—Alicia Frances King, Interim Executive Director of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology and host of the Environment for the Americas Bird Book Club

​

"Janet Halfmann's book encourages children to listen carefully. With its brightly colored bird illustrations and read-aloud bird calls, young readers and listeners will be able to recognize their feathered friends in no time. What a gift!"

—Roberta Gibson, entomologist, children's author, and former children's nature and science blogger

​

"Who Is Singing? highlights the bird songs of several familiar birds that readers may find that are local to where they live. Bird call phrases are repeated within the book, offering a great way for kids and adults alike to remember the different bird calls that they may hear. Who Is Singing? is a great introductory bird book for budding young naturalists and a fantastic teaching tool to use while exploring nature."

—Brooke Gilley, park naturalist

​

"Who Is Singing? introduces readers to the gentle arts of birdwatching and bird-listening, from pigeons 'seaching for snacks along a city sidewalk' to a blue jays bullying screams and a cheery chickadee. Ms. Halfmann's tribute to the colorful, musical birds will delight readers and encourage them to look up the next time they hear chirping."

—Rosemary Kiladitis, children's librarian and blogger at Mom Read It

 

Reviews

"This new offering is a sort of "first field guide" for little ones with little hands, big ears, and enormous curiosity about the world."     

—Unpacking the Power of Picture Books blog

​

"What a fun and educational book. Children and adults alike will enjoy learning the call of common birds they hear every day. Halfmann chooses popular birds for a saunter into recognizing bird songs. The length is just right, and the pictures make recognizing birds easy.

Grab a copy and start becoming an expert on birds.

A win-win-winner."

—Barbara M. Britton, Award-winning author

   

"Who Is Singing? takes you on a leisurely stroll while you listen with your heart. The author describes the soft coong of the pigeon as well a the sharp caws of the crow, and many birds in between. Every page is an adventure that helps nature come alive as you learn to identify the various bird sounds and songs.

​

Added to the delight are the colorful illustrations which fill you with a sense of peace. Additional fun facts are included at the end of the book along with a suggested activity, making this educational as well as entertaining. This is a great book on so many levels. I highly recommend."

—Kathy Waldvogel, Former teacher and author

​

"Award-winning picture book author Janet Halfman has a new book flying into the world--and it's so beautiful--just look at this gorgeous cover! This book fairly sings with love for our feathered friends, sharing each one's individual call with children in a way that makes it easy for the child to repeat it and--more importantly--to recognize when they hear it outdoors. The book also has backmatter providing information about each bird's habitats and habits. It really should be on every child's bookshelf because there's really nothing else quite like it! It's an interactive First Guide to Birds. Aimed at children ages 3-8, Who Is Singing? is published by Belle Isle, and it's available at bookstores and online. Don't let this one pass you by!"

—Gayle Rosengren, Award-winning author

​

"If you and small children you know love birding, or just enjoy listening to or watching birds, this is a delightful read-aloud book introducing the activity. I loved how the choice of words mimicked the birdcalls so well. Author Janet Halfmann did an excellent job keeping this simple and fun, a book that can be re-read several times even in one sitting. (Parents and others know how that goes with a child!) The artwork provides sleek portraits and silhouettes of birds so the reader learns to identify different shapes, sizes, and feather coloring. I loved this book!"

— Christine DeSmet, Author and Writing Instructor/Coach

​

"This sweet book is a great way to share nature and a love of reading with kids. They will enjoy the colorful illustrations and mimicking the bird songs with each turn of the page. And asking the birds to take a bow is a fun way to connect bird calls to a lovely performance right out their windows."

—Erin Minchk, Educator

​

"What an enchanting book to encourage children to get outside and listen for birdsong! The beautiful illustrations and fun text — which mimics the calls of each featured bird — will delight readers of all ages. I'm getting copies for my grandchildren so we can enjoy it together in the yard and on nature walks as we try to spot each bird in the book. A perfect blend of fun and education that makes a wonderful case for spending time outdoors."

—Valerie B. Johnson, Award-winning author

"

​

​

​

​

​