"Dávila's illustrations, done with the abundant green and brown of nature and splashes of colorful clothing against ample white space, depict caring relationships and communities. With a bird on each spread and a key in the back, it serves as a Where's Waldo-type introduction to birding guides, one readers can return to again and again. A good story, perfect for bird lovers and likely to entice the uninitiated."
——KIRKUS REVIEWS

"This enlightening introduction to birding captures the wonder and excitement of nature...this is a perfect resource for anyone hoping to spark curiosity about the avian world...Chock-full of information, this title is an excellent read-aloud or read-alone ­addition to any library.”
——SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

★Winner of the 2020 Northern Lights Book Award-Nature!
★Sometimes, an ordinary walk can become something...magical!Tag along with Ruby as she discovers that even big cities have a wild side.
★Information about where to find all of the birds in real life follows, plus Ruby’s tips for taking a nature walk, and how to connect with Celebrate Urban Birds, a citizen-science project at the Cornell Lab.

Meet Ruby, a plucky young girl who uncovers the wild side of her city neighborhood with the help of a grown-up friend. When Ruby realizes there are amazing birds right in her neighborhood, her imagination takes flight. Birders have a name for the moment they get hooked―they call it their spark moment. This is the story of Ruby’s spark moment, in her very own words.

This delightful story includes a seek and find element with birds hiding on nearly every page. Information about where to find all of the birds in real life follows, plus Ruby’s tips for taking a nature walk, and how to connect with Celebrate Urban Birds, a citizen-science project at the Cornell Lab.

About the author
Mya Thompson, Ph.D., is an author, educator, and biologist. She spends her days at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as the Co-Director of Engagement in Science and Nature helping people from all walks of life learn more about birds and natural systems.
Before getting hooked on feathered animals, she studied elephant behavior in the rainforests of central Africa. She is the author of the picture book Ruby’s Birds and the graphic novel Winged Heroes, as well as the producer of a variety of educational games including Flap to the Future and BeastBox. Mya lives with her family in upstate New York.

About the illustrator
Claudia Dávila writes, illustrates, and designs books for kids of all ages. She is the author-illustrator of the picture book Super Red Riding Hood and a graphic novel series, The Future According to Luz.
Born in Santiago, Chile, Claudia now makes her home in Toronto with her husband and their two kids. They spend many evenings together drawing, sketching, and making up funny characters and super silly stories.