Omnibird
The Avian Investigator’s Handbook
Age 8+
Animal Stories
This highly illustrated, playful field guide to common international birds brings the art of observology to the science of ornithology, showing the many ways these familiar creatures are remarkable if you take time to look.
Have you seen a bird today? Probably, unless you’re reading this in bed. Did you truly look at the bird? To open your ornithological eyes and ears, meet the Omnibird.
An Omnibird contains the essential birdiness of every bird—it was born from an egg, has feathers, two legs, a beak and gizzard, perhaps some premium features like spurs or a curuncle. Once you recognize the Omnibird, you’ll see the remarkable in any bird. You’ll be expert at finding extraordinary things around you, just by looking.
Omnibird describes 12 common birds from habitats around the world—eagles, owls and seabirds, starlings, ducks and swans. You will explore the incredible internal structure of bird bones, learn what a gizzard stone is for, meet the tiny creatures that live on birds, and find the fascinating in eggs, bird poop, feathers, and flight patterns.
Now you’re an Omnibird expert, you’ll look at every bird in new ways every day.
Creators
Giselle Clarkson is an illustrator and comic artist based in Greytown, New Zealand, known for her comics on conservation and environmental topics. She has illustrated award-winning picture books and nonfiction and is a 2023 Arts Foundation Laureate, receiving the prestigious Mallinson Rendel Illustrators Award.
Reviews
Omnibird is a stroke of genius, and will not doubt be well received, not just in New Zealand, but also on the international stage. I own many books about New Zealand birds, but this book has given me so much more knowledge. Highly recommended
Magpie Magazine
It has super awesome descriptions and illustrations to match! With fact books, you get all sorts of fun facts like anatomy of different birds, plumology (study of feathers), different types of nests depending on the bird and even random things like how to pick up a chicken! Although we already have plenty of experience with the last one! 😉
thebookreviewkid via instagram
This is all round fabulous and I think one of my favourite non-fiction books this year, and it makes it to the Picture Book Month showcase because of it’s wonderful, highly illustrated pages. Don’t get in a flap – put it on your list now – it’s a fully fledged 5 ?????????? rating for this gem.
Just So Stories
This illustrated field guide is full of the birdiness of every bird, with common birds to show you how remarkable these creatures can be! Seen a bird today? Probably, if you went outside or looked out a window! Did you really look at it? This book helps you recognize the Omnibird, so you recognise the extraordinary in every bird!
K-Zone's 'Choose Your Own Universe' issue
The book’s lively, light-hearted writing is matched with wonderfully playful illustrations that keep the whole journey buoyant. A terrific way to spark curiosity in any young reader and transform them into an omnibirder. I suspect I’m signing up too!
Good Reading Magazine
