Book Review

“What Makes a Bird?” Subtitled “An Illustrated Guide to the Bird World” by Nadeem Perera, illustrated by Montse Galbany. RRP $32.99. Reviewed by Tony Orman

This is an impressively  illustrated introduction to the world of birds ideally suitable for seven to 10 year olds but not restricted to that age bracket. Youngsters can do with more Nature-related books like this, to sow a curiosity seed to the environment and the living world and to get them into mentally healthy spheres of interest instead of some of the utter nonsense on the internet and screening at family times on television, e.g. “Married at First Sight.”( TV3 take note).

For author Nadeem Pereranow a wildlife TV presenter, author, activist and co-founder of the birdwatching collective “Flock Together,” an interest in birds was a positive interest and at an early age it helped him to overcome mental roadblocks and trauma.  In 2020, together with Creative Director Ollie Olanipekun, he co-founded “Flock Together”, which encourages people of colour to get out and enjoy nature, support each other and look after their mental health. But this book of course is not restricted by colour of the skin – any kid will benefit.