BLUF: Lovely, sweet observation of enjoying the simple things in life.

Overall: 4 ⭐
Plot/Lesson:° 4📍
Illustrations: 5 🖌️

Suggested Ages:
Read To: 5 y/o & under
Read By: Early Readers & Parents

Re-read Requests: 3 (by C)

Mom's Review:
We absolutely love birds and bird-watching in this house so reading this book was a treat! "C" was just thrilled with the beautiful watercolor illustrations. "A" appreciated the sentiment/plot but it didn't really hold her interest.

“A's” Review:
It was nice and the drawings were pretty. I recognized the chickadee! But I thought it needed more.

“C's" Review:
The birds were so pretty and I know some of them from our backyard! We feed the squirrels and birds, too. It feels good to give them food because it makes them happy and they sing for us and come visit us more!

Thank you to authors Jane Yolen and Peter Tacy, Magination Press, & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
All opinions are our own.

NOTES:
° = Our Plot/Lesson rating is how well the kiddos picked up on the morals/lessons learned or well received the facts were.
^ = A, reads at a 2nd-3rd grade level, voracious reader
* = C, knows her letters, and memorizes stories well!

Gracie the kind-hearted girl leaves food out for the birds, even if they don't give thanks. Well, we're actually told that they do – for they sing joyously. And she also gives nuts to the squirrel, even if he definitely doesn't sound grateful afterwards. That's about the limit of this – and however well-intentioned it is, and whatever lengths it goes to to give the American birds seen here some distinctive character, it is light on story. So I suppose it's good that it's heavy on a sentiment all but the grinchiest of grumps could get on board with. It's a pretty and very visual way to suggest the giving is just as good as the receiving, and how everything seems better if we're just thankful for things, even the smallest, freest things. Those wanting to impart an example of that thinking will love this. Three and a half stars from me.

A book about being present in the moment and practicing gratitude, Gracie Feeds the Birds is about a little girl who takes the time to feed the animals she sees in her backyard. The day is special to her, if only because it is today; she takes the time to notice and thank each creature as she feeds it, grateful for their flights, their songs, their existence. Not every creature reciprocates, but Gracie is undeterred.

As a parent, I value books and stories that emphasize and teach traits I want to foster in my children, and this book is perfect for the skill of noticing, the practice of gratitude, and choosing a positive perspective. It's easy to read for a kindergartner, but its lessons are valuable even for teenagers. I am grateful I had the opportunity to read this book to my kids and talk to them about the things shown in the book. I love the watercolor illustrations, especially the leaves!

While I enjoyed the different types of birds being highlighted and the beautiful illustrations, the story felt like it jumped around some and ended abruptly. The message of being grateful seemed to get lost by the end.

Very sweet and I liked the illustration. My only problem was that I enjoyed it so much that I wanted more. The ending was too soon for me.

"Gracie Feeds the Birds" by Jane Yolen is about a girl named Gracie who has developed a special bond with the birds, visiting them daily and providing them with food. Her gentle nature and consistent care have earned her their trust, allowing her to observe them up close. This connection brings her immense joy and fulfillment, as she feels a part of their vibrant world. Being in nature gives Gracie a sense of peace and belonging that she doesn't find anywhere else. It reminds her of the beauty and interconnectedness of all living things, grounding her in moments of stillness and wonder. This connection to the natural world enriches her life, offering her both solace and inspiration.

A quiet, meditative look at how simple acts of gratitude and kindness can bring peace and joy to our day, even when the kindness isn't necessarily reciprocated.
Such enjoyable and heartwarming book.

Gracie Feeds the Birds is a fun way to learn about different birds and the importance of feeling joy and gratitude for the world around us.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. A beautiful picture book about gratitude and positivity by way of feeding the birds,

Gracie Feeds the Birds is a sweet story about a girl who connects with nature by filling the birdfeeder and communicating with the various birds and seed stealers who happen upon her offering. The illustration is charming with subdued colors. I loved the illustrated environment. The story offered names of birds so the reader can learn the species. Gracie teaches the reader to find joy and gratefulness in the ordinary chores of the day.
Thank you to NetGalley, the authors and illustrator, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love the part where the birds are named, and then there is the expected greedy/ungrateful squirrel! Gracie feeds the birds and is often thanked in birdsong.
The illustrations by Frances Ives are imaginative and add much to the story in simple figures and bright colors.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital Galley on Thorium PDF from Magination Press — American Psychological Association via NetGalley. Pub Date Sep 09, 2025
#GracieFeedstheBirds by Jane Yolen @jyolen and Peter Tacy with @francesives @maginationpress @childrensbookcouncil @goodreads #kidsbook #picturebookart #kidlit #picturebook #illustration #childrensbooks #feedsbirds #giving #happiness #littlefreelibrary #NetGalley #goodreads

This one feels like it is going to take a depressing turn to me. I would honestly not read this to students in my library.
I was waiting for the plot to happen and there just wasn't one.
It is cute about a little girl going out to feed the birds but it felt like it had a dark undertone to it.

This is a beautifully illustrated book about Gracie's special day filling the bird feeders. It features many different types of birds, her dog, and a squirrel. This is a good book for showing children how we can positively contribute to the environment and the animals who share our home.

This book tells a story of different ways of showing gratitude. The illustrations are really very beautiful.

As a mother of two, I found Gracie Feeds the Birds to be a gentle story about slowing down, appreciating the little things in life, and showing kindness and gratitude to others. The authors, Jane Yolk and Peter Tracy, take us through Gracie’s time spent outdoors, enjoying the birds and their songs. She even meets a squirrel and shows him patience and kindness as he climbs up to eat the birdseed. I read this book with my 8-year-old and 5-year-old, and while they were engaged at first, they did get a little bored toward the end. However, the illustrations by Frances Ives were absolutely beautiful, and my kids loved looking at the different types of birds. This book was perfect for this time of year, as spring approaches and the birds return to Michigan. I would recommend it to other families with young elementary-aged children.

Thank you to NetGalley and Magination Press — American Psychological Association for this eARC!

Synopsis: Gracie feeds the birds (and a squirrel)

Favourite Scene: I almost laughed out loud at the illustration of the squirrel with the tail ‘like an exclamation point.’

Enjoyment Rating: (5 stars) I loved all the illustrations of birds and having a name to put to the picture.

Ponder Rating: (4 stars) I’m on the wary side when it comes to books about gratitude, but this one left me with some things to muse on instead of just an overplayed message.

Conclusion: I usually prefer picture books with more story than message, but if you put beautiful illustrations of birds in a picture book, I make exceptions. I prefer some of Yolen’s other books (Owl Moon is a family favourite), but I did appreciate that the author avoids being too heavy handed with the message, making for a lovely, immersive read without any cringe. If I were specifically looking for a book about gratitude to read to my kids, this one would be at the top of my list.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gracie Feeds the Birds is a delightful story! This book explores how simple acts of gratitude can bring joy. The illustrations are lovely and bring you into nature to look for beauty an kindness. Your young scholar will want to read this book again and again. It is the perfect book to use for discussions on peace and looking for the good. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I can't wait to buy multiple copies of this book.

Gracie Feeds the Birds by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Frances Ives has a wonderful message that it is better to give than receive and it is ok to be thankful even if the giving is not reciprocated. It is a simple story, the calming, pastel colored illustrations were what drew me to the book. Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read it in exchange for my honest thoughts!

I enjoyed the meaning behind this book of gratitude and how everyone shows their gratitude differently. Great story, beautiful animals and beautiful water color illustrations! A perfect book to read during the fall and thanksgiving season!

Thanks for letting me read this book!

Netgalley ARC- As a general enjoyer of birds, I liked seeing them individually showcased and given attention. I thought this was good, but not amazing.