Sylvia and the Birds

Inspiring young readers to help and protect our native birds

Part graphic biography, part practical guide to protecting our bird wildlife, this remarkable book for young readers and their families is fully committed to detailing the wonders of our native birds, the threats they face and how we can help them. Based on the life of ‘The Bird Lady’, Sylvia Durrant, who helped over 140,000 sick, injured and lost birds during her lifetime, it inspires a reverence for the natural world and is a call to action for all young ecologists and environmentalists.

With charming illustrations by Sarah Laing, an engrossing text, mātauranga Māori insights, activities and how-tos, it offers hours of enchantment and engagement. Whimsical, loving and layered, Sylvia and the Birds makes a unique contribution to children’s knowledge of the natural world.

Now out in a new paperback edition.

To look inside, click here.

‘This is a  special book for anyone who cares about the birdlife of Aotearoa’ — Jenny Nicholls, Waiheke Weekender

‘Sylvia and the Birds is a fortifying book – a book that makes you want to be “a hero in your own backyard”. It is a book that is informative, entertaining, moving. A complete package.’ — Paula Green, Poetry Box

‘Sylvia and the Birds would make a great Christmas present for the whole family to explore’ — Alex Eagles, Kete Books

‘Part-graphic biography, part-practical guide to protecting our wildlife, it's a handsome, generous, book ... A book that should be in every household and school.’ — Maria Gill, KidsBooksNZ