Can a book ever be too beautiful? I don’t think so, but this one comes close.

A stunning collection of hand painted illustrations that celebrate the beauty and diversity of birds, and how they are shaped by their geographical homes. I loved the author’s attention to detail, including her depictions of the surrounding flora.

Each bird is paired with both an illustration and an anecdote, making this as rich to read as it is to look at. It’s fascinating to see the similarities and striking differences between species found in far-flung locations, and to remember that birds exist on every continent, in every kind of habitat, having adapted and thrived in them all.

This is a book to be savored. The author took her time creating these illustrations and invites the reader to do the same, lingering over the intricate details. You could spend hours turning these pages and still discover something new.

Perhaps the most moving section was the one on extinct birds. There’s something both haunting and beautiful about seeing renderings of creatures we can no longer encounter in the wild. What a privilege to glimpse them here.

Perfect for the Audubon lovers in your life, or anyone similarly enraptured by the wonders of nature.

Thank you to NetGalley, Timber Press, and Robin Crofut-Brittingham for the absolute privilege of receiving this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
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This review has been posted to Goodreads in addition to being posted to NetGalley. Additional reviews will be posted on other major platforms (Barnes and Noble and Amazon) upon publication.

Thank you NetGalley and Robin Crofut-Brittingham for the ARC of this beautiful book!

I would LOVE to have this on my coffee table- it is gorgeous and would be a great conversation starter! The birds of Hawaii section was so well done. Each bird pictured also has a small fun fact and I recognized many birds in the North America section. This would be a perfect book for anyone who loves bird-watching and learning new things.

Thank you for granting my wish and allowing me to check out your work.
Valkyrie

Gorgeous Illustrations and good information about the pictured birds. I liked the organization of the book with birds from the same regions being pictured together and later explaining about categorization of birds.

"The Illuminated Book of Birds" by Robin Crofut-Brittingham is a cozy and enchanting read, perfect for anyone who loves birds and appreciates the beauty of the natural world. This book showcases beautiful and whimsical artwork, with a charming aesthetic in every illustration, from the intricate collages to the individual birds. The delicate, detailed illustrations are visually stunning, with soft watercolors and smooth shading that bring the birds to life on each page.

The larger collage illustrations at the beginning of each chapter are particularly eye-catching, featuring the vast diversity of birds from around the globe. The artwork is so beautiful it could easily be displayed on a wall, but for those who can't choose just one, the book itself is a must-have.

In her author's note, Robin Crofut-Brittingham explains her philosophy of working by hand with great attention to detail. She sees it as a "quiet rebellion" to create images slowly and deliberately in an automated, digital world. This dedication to her craft makes each illustration feel even more special.

This is a wonderful book for families and children of all ages, and fans of Amy Tan's "The Backyard Bird Chronicles" will find it to be a perfect companion. It’s an ideal gift and a beautiful addition to any library or coffee table, sure to inspire your imagination with every turn of the page. Besides, can you ever really have too many art books?

Thank you to Timber Press, Workman Publishing, Hachette Book Group, NetGalley, and the author, Robin Crofut-Brittingham, for an advanced reader copy of this beautiful book.

#TheIlluminatedBookofBirds #RobinCrofutBrittingham #TimberPress #WorkmanPublishing #HachetteBookGroup #NetGalley

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This is an amazing book that any bird lover of any age will absolutely adore. 🐦 🐦‍⬛ chickens is a wonderful organization system and index, which is so helpful. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous; almost as beautiful as the actual birds, although that would be impossible, even a photograph can't do that). Each section gets a short paragraph about those types of birds (like the different pigeons, corvids, raptors, or chickens), and every individual bird has one one sentence about it.

I definitely would recommend this book to any bird lover.

This is such a beautiful book! I can see it appealing to both bird and art lovers alike.

The illustrations are gentle, dreamy, and beautiful capture the character of the different birds. I loved reading about birds from all over the world, and it’s great to see Oceania represented. I liked that a sample of birds were chosen from each region, meaning you could really appreciate each bird. The images and facts feel carefully curated, and really hold your attention as you flick between pages. The colourful collages between chapters are a work of art, and it’s quite meditative to explore the different birds represented. The in memoriam section brought a tear to my eye, and is a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose.

Looking forward to purchasing this as a hard copy. It will make a beautiful gift.

Thank you to the publisher for this advanced reader copy. Opinions expressed are my own.

As the introduction makes clear, this is an art book, not a field guide. And, if you approach it in that guise it is a wonderful book! Robin Crofut-Brittongham uses a broad palate of color and simple lines to stunningly capture the essence of the world's most stunning birds. Each is portrayed in both a regionally-themed, beautiful group picture (set against a colorful and stunning background) and an individual picture with some descriptive text.

A delightful book for the home of anyone who loves birds or stunning naturalist art. Timber Press should be congratulated for this lovely edition.

This is a beautiful book of birds, highlighting select species from across the globe.

The book is broken down into regions, and features a collage of the birds selected from the region before spotlighting each one in beautifully painted detail, accompanied by a small snipped of information. There are birds in here I didn't know existed, and I enjoyed flicking through and seeing birds from the other side of the globe so similar to native birds at home.

This is not a comprehensive guide - although I would have liked it to be. As an Australian, I would have liked to have seen more birds from across our continent, rather than be limited to one small selection from the Top End. But a book that featured everyone's home lands would end up being a massive undertaking, Perhaps a second volume for the areas that have been missed?

Each bird is gorgeously rendered in watercolour, reminiscent of Gould's bird paintings. This was a delight to read.

~This is a NetGalley ARC. All opinions are my own~

A very colorful and artistic “Wikipedia of birds,” filled with beautiful illustrations, coloring, and paintings. I really enjoyed the creativity and style, but I do wish there had been more real photographs and deeper descriptions of the birds—their habits, lives, and natural behavior—to balance the art with information. Still, a lovely and inspiring book for bird lovers.

Thank you to Timber Press via NetGalley for the digital review copy; this is my honest opinion.

The Illuminated Book of Birds is a breathtaking collection of nearly 400 hand-painted birds from around the world, celebrating their beauty, diversity, and cultural significance. With detailed artwork and fascinating facts, it offers readers a global birding adventure from the comfort of home.

This is an absolutely stunning work of creative art. It left me wanting more, but in the best way. I want to see more of Robin Crofut-Brittingham’s work, and I would gladly display any one of these pieces in my home. The paintings are lively, colorful, and full of joy, making the book as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the spirit.

I especially loved how the book was divided by geographical regions, with careful attention to each bird’s distinctive features. The descriptions bring the illustrations to life, like the way she captures the description of the iridescent sheen of a Southern Bald Ibis from Southwestern Africa. Many of the birds were completely new to me, which made the experience educational as well as beautiful. I even found myself looking up some of the unique species just to keep learning.

Another detail I deeply appreciated was how the artist wove native plants into the backgrounds, adding a rich sense of place. Cherry blossoms and maples with the birds of Japan, agave plants with the desert dwellers of the Southwest, and passionflower vines alongside Florida birds. It was a brilliant touch that made each painting feel alive within its natural world.

The depth of knowledge and care in this book is remarkable, and it will delight both bird enthusiasts and lovers of art alike. It would also make a gorgeous gift for anyone who appreciates beauty, nature, or simply the wonder of the world around us.

Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for the gift of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

What a gorgeous book. Is have always enjoyed reading scientific texts on bird varieties, but mostly was in it for the illustrations! What author Robin Crofut-Brittingham has illustrated in this book is beautifully done. I enjoyed that while there were facts about the birds, they were neat consumable bites of information. I didn’t feel like I had to skip over the scientific lingo to enjoy. I am most impressed by the artistic illustrations. The full color chapter pages not only include a variety of birds in the particular region; the plants, flowers, and trees the birds inhabit are included. It’s all so beautiful and informative in an inspiring way.

This is a very colorful and beautiful illustration of many birds of the world. There are interesting facts. This would be great for a coffee table book or to frame as art.

While it's not clear why it was included in the art and photography category (I thought it was about how to paint birds), I admired the book's beautiful illustrations. Actually it's a comprehensive catalogue of birds divided in various categories.

Absolutely gorgeous! An art book or coffee table book rather than a field guide. The highlight of this book are the impeccable, detailed, full-colour illustrations of birds from around the world. Paired with accessible informational tidbits about birds in each geographical area, this book is a delight to dip into and enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Robin Crofut-Brittingham, and Timber Press for the ARC of this beautiful book!

As a bird lover, this book was amazing! The illustrations are gorgeous. What I really loved was how the author added interesting facts about each of the birds and also folktale stories that included these birds. It was incredibly interesting learning about all of these birds, from birds in my backyard to birds on the other side of the world! I learned so much about birds, which was perfect as a beginner bird watcher/lover!

Publishing date: 21.10.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

Rich, beautiful, and a snack of a book. This was another single sitting book for me, and I devoured it. I was sad when it ended.

What you get:
- A group illustration of the birds in the chapter they are in
- Separate illustrations with a little anecdote for each bird. Bite sized
- A little info on the area and how it shaped the birds
- A dedicated section to some extinct species (tears were shed)

I loved this little book and would absolutely consider buying one for my dedicated non-fic shelf. Also called the "ooh what's this shelf" where my guests are allowed a peek-and-read.

I would recommend this to bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike. And people like me who love looking at animals and beautiful illustrations. A book for many a people.

Giving this 4 stars. If it had a little more info per bird it would hit the 5 star mark. Still a good book. One which I recommend.

Oh my goodness, this is the most magnificent book of all time. I absolutely adore birds and I genuinely had the time of my life reading this. The art work! oh my god the art work is absolutely gorgeous. I need this book in my hands and to cherish it forever!!

Thanks to Timber Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book is a sort of world tour of birds. Each location has a brief description, a full page artwork featuring multiple birds, and then those same images as solo portraits with the species name and a fact. At the end, the same format is used to discuss a few types of birds (owls, ducks, etc.) and some extinct birds.

My overall impression is of really lovely artwork and inconsistently interesting facts. I kept thinking oh this would be so lovely as a jigsaw puzzle! Or a calendar! Or playing cards! Not to mention the desire it sparks to travel around the world and see these birds. So I could definitely recommend this as a coffee table style book, especially if you want your friends to see why you are passionate about birds. I would not necessarily recommend reading it cover to cover, at least not in one sitting, as the art and facts start to feel same-y. It's also not ideal for reading on a screen: too small and it's hard to read the information, too large and the images become pixelated.

This is definitely not a field guide, so some artistic license is understandable, but may be frustrating, perhaps because it is a generally realistic style. When I got to the birds I have seen in life, I found that some of the depictions were spot on, some didn't quite capture the birds, and a few just looked wrong. Though it's possible that say the green of the Great-crested Flycatcher (which is not a green bird) was exaggerated by viewing it on a screen. I looked up a smattering of facts to verify them, and while most were true there were occasional inaccuracies (it's the Hood Mockingbird of the Galapagos Islands that has vampiric tendencies, not the Galapagos Mockingbird). And because the solo portraits of birds were taken directly from the larger image, they were sometimes missing feet (which would have been covered up by foliage or something in the group illustration).

The Illuminated Book of Birds by Robin Crofut-Brittingham is nothing short of extraordinary. This isn't just a field guide—it's a work of art that transforms bird watching into a transcendent experience.

From the moment you open this stunning volume, you're greeted with illustrations so vivid and detailed they seem to flutter off the page. Crofut-Brittingham's artistic mastery shines through every brushstroke, capturing not just the physical beauty of each species but their essence and spirit. The illuminated manuscript style gives each bird portrait an almost sacred quality that elevates this book beyond mere reference material.
What sets this book apart is how seamlessly it weaves together scientific accuracy with artistic brilliance. The author's deep knowledge of avian behavior and anatomy is evident in every illustration, while the accompanying text provides fascinating insights that will captivate both novice bird enthusiasts and seasoned ornithologists. Each page turn reveals new wonders—from the iridescent throat of a hummingbird to the majestic wingspan of a soaring hawk.

The attention to detail is remarkable. You can practically feel the texture of feathers and hear the rustle of wings. The way natural light is captured and reflected in each illustration creates an almost three-dimensional quality that makes you want to reach out and touch these magnificent creatures.

This book deserves a place of honor on any nature lover's shelf. It's the kind of treasure you'll return to again and again, discovering new details each time. Whether you're planning your next birding adventure or simply want to lose yourself in the beauty of the natural world, The Illuminated Book of Birds is an absolute masterpiece that will inspire wonder and deepen your appreciation for our feathered friends.

Highly recommended for: Nature enthusiasts, art lovers, bird watchers, anyone seeking beauty and knowledge combined in perfect harmony.

A beautiful book. The art style is vibrant and colourful, and I learned some fun facts about birds. I think it could have used more content; as is, it falls more in the coffee-table book category, but a very good one at that.

The color and artistry used to capture so many beautiful birds are astounding. Each world region is covered. Birds are illustrated, demonstrating not just an artist’s talent but also attention to detail, and described by key characteristics or distinctives. This is a perfect companion for someone who knows nothing and enjoys just tidbits or even for someone who knows a lot and likes a refresher close at hand. It is truly stunning to comprehend how many varieties of birds there are and how many regions and climates they thrive in. I enjoyed taking my time and enjoying all the details.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Bird lovers, rejoice! This is simply a lovely book and well worth a look.

This title is divided into two broad sections. They are Birds of the World and Bird Relationships. Dip in anywhere and enjoy the absolutely gorgeous (!) illustrations and the interesting text.

This is a book to savor and would make a wonderful gift for a bird lover.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press. All thoughts are my own.

The Illuminated Book of Birds is a treasure trove of beauty from the glorious cover to the breathtaking illustrations of birds of the world to the section of bird relationships to those which have become extinct. More than ten thousand bird species call our earth home. Every continent has them, even the darkest and coldest and the driest and hottest areas. I am grateful to be living on two continents, thereby experiencing a great range of animal life, including birds. I observe them for hours and hours and am always delighted to learn more.

I love the organization of this book with subtle numbers denoting each bird, region by region. Though I travel a lot, there are vast areas I know little about, such as coastal Cuba and the Caribbean with the Anhinga bird, Surucua Trogon of the Atlantic Forest, African Paradise Flycatcher of Southwestern Africa, and the Alpine Accentor of the Pyrenees.
Interestingly, some of my favourite birds in Southern Europe are also found in South Africa such as the European bee-eater (one of my most beloved birds!). The African Hoopoe looks very much like the European Hoopoe, another favourite which frequents my garden. The Egyptian Goose of the Nile River Valley, New Zealand Fantail, Tiwi of the Hawaiian Islands, Flame Bowerbird of Papua New Guinea, Golden Pheasant of China (which I have seen at a bird conservatory), Rhinoceros Hornbill of Borneo, and the Pyrrhuloxia of the Southwestern Desert are just a few which intrigue me. Cooper's Hawk of the latter region is also common in Saskatchewan, Canada, where I am originally from which is fascinating as the two climates differ but obviously meet habitat requirements for part of the year. Every single one of the birds shown from British Gardens appears in my Croatia garden. The overlaps are incredible.

Flightless birds, raptors, and penguins are highlighted as well. As this book sings of art and is brief on text, I found myself researching several bird species to learn more. What fun it would be to have the ability to render art from nature in this way! I really enjoyed my avian immersion through this medium. Wonderfully done!

A beautiful coffee table book with little bits of information and wonderful illustrations. Perfect for the birdwatchers!

Book Review: The Illuminated Book of Birds by Robin Crofut-Brittingham

Rating: 5 Stars

I just finished The Illuminated Book of Birds by Robin Crofut-Brittingham and I’m officially smitten. This is one of those books that makes you want to sit down with a cup of tea and slowly flip every page, because each spread is a tiny, joyous discovery. As someone who loves both art and nature, I found it to be a perfect blend of the two.

At its heart, this book is a celebration—nearly 400 hand-painted birds rendered with fantastic color and personality. Robin Crofut-Brittingham is clearly an artist who knows her birds and loves them. The book groups species by region and family, taking you on a globe-trotting tour through Latin America, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North America and Europe, and also stopping to admire flightless, unusual, and even extinct birds. Every section opens with a short, informative paragraph that sets the scene, and each bird gets one or two concise, fun facts that are just the right balance of entertaining and educational. It’s approachable for newcomers and still a delight for experienced birders.

Visually, this book is a knockout. The cover alone made me pick it up in the first place—gorgeous and inviting—and the interior lives up to that promise. The illustrations are bright, bold, and whimsical in the best way; they’re beautifully rendered but never stuffy. There’s a charming, slightly playful aesthetic to the whole book that makes it feel like a personal tour through an artist’s sketchbook rather than a dry field guide. Every page feels curated to spark curiosity and imagination.

I also love how it feels like a thoughtful gift. It would make a stunning addition to anyone’s coffee table or bookshelf and is exactly the kind of book you’ll find yourself returning to just to savor the artwork or to learn a small, delightful tidbit about some obscure bird. It’s informative without being overwhelming, artistic without being inaccessible, and consistently fun throughout.

If you appreciate fine art, nature, or just want a beautiful book that invites you to linger, pick this one up. Five stars from me—charming, visually dazzling, and endlessly enjoyable.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Full of stunning bright artwork, I enjoyed reading this bird guide which highlights birds ( including herons, my favorite bird family! ) by regions around the world. It’s always amazing to learn where various birds are native to, or how our chickens today come from a single species that is found in the pacific islands and Asia known as the Jungle Fowl.
There’s also a great memoriam to extinct bird species, such as the passenger pigeon, and sections of unique bird families such as raptors and penguins. I’ve included some of the pages of the birds I find in my own backyard, and two pics of birds I recently watched at our feeders: White Breasted Nuthatch and Chipping Sparrow. 🦜 I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys nature and beautiful illustrations of birds!

I don't think I've seen a more beautiful and educational book. The Illuminated Book of Birds is not just a coffee table read...I devoured the information and added so many new lifers to my birdwatching list because of the fun facts shared behind new species I had never known existed.

Robin is a brilliant artist, but this books proves that she is also a brilliant writer who knows what excites a reader about a new species or animal they're curious about. There were several little tidbits I shared with loved ones and bird lovers I know over the course of reading this book that Robin taught me with her easy to read and awe-inspiring art.

If you have a bird lover in your family, I highly recommend this book. Truly it is a magnificent centerpiece to add to your birding bookshelf or to your coffee table if you love to share your knowledge with those who stop by your door.

Thank you to Robin and the NetGalley team for an early access read even though I grabbed it at the last second. If you love birds or know someone who loves birds, this book is a must have!

What a fascinating, informative and beautiful book centered around birds from the various continents and countries around the world- the facts about each species of bird I found to be very educational and well put together along with the gorgeous illustrations to match the birds. Secondly, the sections on the various relationships of each different bird species was a clever addition to this book- it would be ideal for every bird lover even as a Christmas gift.
This book was a pleasure to read.
A huge thankyou to Net galley and Timber Press for this wonderful book!.

I knew this was a book of illustrations related to books, that was just something I knew, something that was factual and known. Why then was I surprised when mid-read I realized that this was, in fact, not a guidebook? I couldn't tell you how my mind decided to work in that regard. A selection of birds from around the world were divided regionally and highlight by the subregions they might be found.

I do enjoy a good birding guidebook, I can't lie. And I think it comes down to how informative a book might be. This being a collection of illustrations with a respective sentence or two, it was not as informative as maybe I'd expected. However, a better word to use might be illuminating. I did find myself looking up information on birds as I read. The blurb sentences were apparently more than enough. My interest was piqued and that was key here.

This was a quick, in a day, read, so that's a positive. And I learned new factoids about birds, another big plus. I can't say I would readily recommend this book, but I would like to have it around. 4 stars.

As I am approaching my forties, I find myself finding joy in birdwatching. While this is not a guidebook, it is stunningly illustrated and full of new (to me) information. You'll find photos and facts of birds from Latin America, Europe, Oceania, and more. I'll for sure be purchasing a hardcover to browse through at my leisure.

Beautiful artwork depicting a wide variety of birds, categorized by different criteria and accompanied by small tidbits/facts. Any ornithophile or art-lover will treasure this book! My only complaint is that I wanted more birds represented in here!