Such a wonderful little book! Well written, sweet and thoughtful concepts, beautiful illustrations. My kids aren’t little anymore, but I know this would have a book on heavy rotation when they were younger. This would be the perfect gift book for a baby shower or for any little human that loves watching birds!

Consider the Birds by Jennifer Grant is the first book in the Consider series. Inspired by Matthew 6:26, this delightful picture book asks readers to count the colorful birds at the feeder and to think about how God cares for us all. The illustrations by Juliana Swaley have a gentle light and soft colors. Both text and illustrations are elegantly simple. The pace is leisurely, giving readers time to examine the pictures and think about the words. It reminds me of time spent with my grandparents, watching the birds at their feeder and learning all their names. Consider the Birds would make a great gift. It will work well as either a one on one read with a little one or a story time read aloud for a group. Thank you to Net Galley and Eerdman's Books for providing a review copy.

I liked the illustrations, but that's it. Knowing my students, they would find this story boring. I don't like religious stuff in children's books either, it's not appropriate.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Although I may not use the book in public schools, it's a perfect fit for some of the catholic schools and students I work with. The pictures are SO pretty and the poetry so easy to follow. I intend to adopt and adapt it for some of my public schools' students, because the rhymes are very tasteful and the language not too difficult. My nieve and nephew loved it.

This book is adorable! I was happy to find out this is the first in a series of books. Delivering the corresponding scripture in the beginning is really helpful. As someone who works in the children’s ministry at my church, this book will be perfect for sharing with the children in the ministry. The illustrations are colorful and beautiful, and the prose is easy to follow along. I appreciate the counting being emphasized, this will help children with their counting in a fun way. I will be looking out for the other books in this series to add to the children’s ministry library.

This book is perfectly balanced and I look forward to seeing the other titles that will be available.

Consider the birds is a Christian picture book that brings out joy of bird observation, even for the youngest of audiences. Count up to 5 and back again as, Jennifer Grant brought the words to life with not only a rhyming storyline, but also identifying the birds and the calls they make.The real life like illustrations by Julianna Swaney also make for a calming read.

Thank you to Net Galley and WM B Eerdmans Publishing for the E Arc in exchange for an honest review.

The full jacket cover of this picture book is so gorgeous! I can't wait to see it in print! Jennifer Grant text is simple, engaging and informative, without being overwhelming. We get to learn about the different species of birds while they look for food! Julianna Swaney's illustrations are beautiful and the layout of the book and the spreads is amazing! The endpapers are also so cute! I believe, in print, this book will look gorgeous! And I look forward to the next books in the Consider series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a lovely picture book counting birds as they search for food. The illustrations are soft and sweet and the message about how God cares for us just like he cares for and takes care of the birds. My bird loving toddler adored this read.

A religious message of affirmation and love, dressed up as a book that takes us through a day in the life of a garden bird feeder, as first one blue jay, then two doves, then three of something else etc, all turn up and have their fill. It's a bit of a counting book, it's a bit of a 'my first bird observing' kind of narrative, it's a lot of prettiness and fine craft to the pictures of the birds, against the plain pastel background. The fact it gets to five and then counts back down is unusual, as perhaps is the religious side if you forget this is not a secular publisher. For me, I can see how the text would appeal to many, but it was a style that didn't know how much permission it had to rhyme – it's not fully in verse, but it definitely is not plain prose. So I'd give it a (not-belittling) three and a half stars, and therefore apologise to the artist for short-changing her.

sweet and simple illustrations and words that display the uniqueness of certain birds that will come to a feeder and serve a reminder to consider them and their Creator

Nicely illustrated book, The book is a good introduction to counting and for sharing common observations we see when watching our little feather friends. As a simple book with nice illustrations, this book is for younger ages and would be helpful to review with children as they discover birds in their yards or at parks.

Thank you Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company and NetGalley for providing an early copy to read.

Book one of Consider The series.
This book is a great book for young elementary children to connect with nature and be amazed by the wonderful pictures. Perfect for getting them outside while reading..

While I enjoyed the book (along with my children), I do think that this book may be lacking an engaging portion for children over 5 or 6. My children (7 and 9) liked the book, making references to the birds they see in our garden, but once the book was over, they didn't feel the need to read it again on another date.

A beautiful Christian picture book. I enjoyed the art in every page and I am sure kids would have a lot of fun learning the names of the birds as well as to count the numbers.

This book had me until about halfway through. So, thtat means that I have two critiques to make.
1. There was no need for the ending to be religious. It was unwarranted and added absolutely nothing to the overall book. 'Nuff said.
2. The transition from counting up to counting down was a little bit clunky, and could have been edited to be a bit smoother. The author did a good job of changing the wording a little bit for most of it to make sense, but the issue was going from 5 to 4. The main problem for me was it was confusing why it switched. What I mean by this is there was no transition sentence/page to indicate to the reader that something in the book was changing.
Other than those two things, though, I thought that the counting idea with birds was unique and special. Lastly, the illustrations were absolutely stunning. The illustrator accurately and flawlessly captured the natural beauty of each bird mentioned, so bravo for that!

This book did not win me over. As an elementary school librarian and mom of two I know the kids I read to as well as my own this would be a one and done, or read another because they didn't love this one. It is a cute story but going off what I see on a daily basis I would not be able to read this to a group of students and have them love this book.

What a sweet read! I love to celebrate nature whenever I can. I loved the photos and art in this book.

Oh what a sweet story! I loved it so much! The illustrations were so beautiful! This book is perfect for little ones who are learning to count as well as older ones who enjoy beautiful pictures and engaging moments! The message about God’s love is so beautiful. Loved this one!
Thank you Netgalley for my copy!

a beautiful connection with nature and birds. The book shows counting, and different species of birds. it also shows the nature of bird habits and behaviors.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Review: Consider the Birds by Jennifer Grant
Age Range: 3–7

Consider the Birds is the first Christian picture book I’ve read, and I was genuinely touched by its beauty—both in message and design. Part of the Consider series, this gentle and thoughtful read invites young readers to explore the wonders of nature through the lens of faith.

From the very first page, the Spring-like aesthetic drew me in. The illustrations are crisp, clean, and vibrant, yet carry a calm and soothing vibe that makes the book feel like a warm embrace. I loved how the birds are not only beautifully depicted but also given subtle personalities—like the boldness of the blue jay or the peaceful nature of the doves.

Jennifer Grant does a wonderful job weaving in Matthew 6:26, offering the reminder that if God cares for the birds—creatures who neither sow nor reap—how much more will He care for us? It’s a message of God’s provision, care, and love, gently told in a way young readers can understand and adults can appreciate. I also appreciated the underlying theme of sharing and generosity, reflected in how the birds partake in the bounty of seeds.

Whether you’re introducing faith concepts to little ones or simply looking for a beautiful, nature-inspired picture book, Consider the Birds is a heartwarming choice.

🌿 Thank you to NetGalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Consider the Birds is a beautiful Christian picture book. Although I couldn't put this in my public school classroom library, it would be perfect for a private school preschool or early elementary classroom. My daughter loved the pictures and counting the birds. I loved the use of language and the beautiful coloring. The font is easy to read.

Thank you to Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for an advanced reader's copy. These opinions are my own.