This is a book that, at each turn of a page, I was more excited to see the next illustration than the next description. The illustrations are almost exactly like the vintage bird illustrations in style and detail. The descriptions mostly focused on behavior and somewhat on appearance. Writing style is very fun and cute. The text varied whether the description had any details about where the bird was or how to see it. I’m not sure if this book gives enough knowledge for someone to go out and find the birds in their city. I feel like this would be a good gift for a slightly experienced birder, a person who loves birds, or maybe someone who’s been into illustrating birds.

For those looking for a free bird guide, the Merlin bird id app is free and full of details.

I received an advanced copy and return for a honest review.

City Bird is an intro to the wonderful world of birding and a good guide to starting the hobby and just looking at the world a different way.

The book is short and lighthearted, and it's a perfect snack-sized read during work breaks--which is coincidentally a good time to be birding! I think I'm the perfect target audience for this book. The illustrations are also so cute, and they keep me engrossed in this book.

It's also very re-rereadable (?) book, like something you keep in your pocket and whip out any time you encounter a new bird. I learned a lot while reading, and I think I'll learn a lot more if I keep this with me while I explore the avian wildlife in my urban jungle.

Cute but not at all what I was expecting. I am definitely the wrong target market for this book. It’s a lovely introduction to birds you'd find in cities in America, such as New York, not my wee back garden in the Scottish Borders. Nevertheless, I had fun learning about the birds you see over there and it’s a great book for the avid bird watcher or even a child wanting to learn more about nature

Get an informed yet cheeky perspective on the fascinating language of birds in urban areas with this witty twist on a traditional field guide.

Thank you Netgalley & Epic Ink for sending me this digital ARC! I live in the suburbs and I’m a birdwatcher.
I have 2 bird feeders and a bird bath. I enjoyed reading this book and learning about city birds. I liked the way this book was written.

I've not read the description and fall into enthusiasm while requesting it.
This was not what I hoped (a non fiction on ethology of city birds), but it's a good book for what it is: brief introduction on birds that you can birdwatch in the city realm.
Not enough for my biologist self, but reading the premise it does what it tell it will.

I thought this would be a fully drawn comic, but it was instead a lightly illustrated guide to birding in the city—specifically for cities in North America. Fun for people in US cities who are interested in learning more about the birds they share space with.

This book gives you a set of rules to do for bird watching at the very beginning of the book. Then it gives you really pretty drawn pictures of each of the birds you can see in the city. At the end of the book, it gives you some dos and don'ts. If you like bird watching and really pretty drawn pictures of birds with some great descriptions of each bird, this is a great book for you.

I think this book covering common North American city birds would be a great coffee table book for bird enthusiasts. It seems like more of an intro book to me, with tips on how to start birding and only a paragraph or so of information on each bird. I think I would have liked to see more information presented in easy lists rather than having to search the paragraph for it. And basic things like scientific names and common ranges would have been helpful.

The synopsis implied that it covers North American birds but it felt a little more focused on American birds than Canadian. The one map they did show was only of the United States.

That said, I did learn some cool tidbits and there were some funny and clever lines. I also liked that there was a little “tagline” of sorts for each bird, which made it a bit easier to remember key facts about it! The art was lovely, too, and I liked the pages at the end where you can record bird sightings.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

Great introduction to Bird. For some reason, after I turned 38, looking at birds became part of my routine. The robins in my yard bring me joy, and I watch the sparrows cool themselves in the soil. This is the perfect book to introduce one to other non-common species in central Canada

this is a gorgeous illustrated guide to birds found in the us

pros: absolutely stunning and I love the writing style and how it was all layered out! the lil facts were super interesting too and I learnt a lot

cons: sadly i’m not from the us & thus we have far less cool birds here

I have recently gotten more into bird watching and this book is a perfect little companion! The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, detailed, and accurate. The bird facts are informative and interesting without being overly scientific or lengthy. I definitely learned things I didn't know before, even about common birds like mallards! I will for sure need the hardcover once it's released and I already ordered the first book in the series, Country Birds.
The little author's note at the end about Angela and Janis being a mother/daughter duo was so bittersweet. I wish them all the best <3

I love birds! I don't know much about them, however. This is such a good place to start learning about books and I will for sure be taking it out when I go to the park next! The art was lovely and I definitely bookmarked some of my favorite birds. I learned a lot from this book. Its short, gives you a brief overview of the bird, and gives tips for observing birds.

**reviewed from eARC via netgalley**

nonfiction/birds - as with the first volume, Country Birds by mother/daughter team Angela and Janis (currently battling bone cancer), City Bird presents a beautiful collection of bird portraits organized alphabetically and accompanied by brief descriptions. While not intended as an actual birding guide (one of the beginner birder tips included at the front suggests finding an app or guidebook), this is a welcome diversion and a lovely book.

‘City Bird’ by Angela Harrison Vinet is a charming book that introduces readers to the various birds they might encounter in urban environments. It's a great resource for both novice bird watchers and those curious about the feathered residents of cities.

Accuracy: ★★★★☆

While I am not an expert on birds, the information provided in ‘City Bird’ seems well-researched and reliable. Vinet offers detailed descriptions of different bird species, their habits, and their preferred urban habitats. The accuracy of the facts presented would likely satisfy bird enthusiasts and educators.

Perspective: ★★★★☆

The perspective of ‘City Bird’ is well-rounded, providing insight into how birds adapt to urban settings. Vinet highlights the resilience and adaptability of these creatures, offering a fresh appreciation for the wildlife that coexists with us in cities. The book encourages readers to look more closely at their urban surroundings and notice the beauty of city-dwelling birds.

Relevance: ★★★☆☆

While bird watching in urban areas may not be a universally popular hobby, ‘City Bird’ offers a relevant perspective for those interested in urban wildlife and nature. As cities expand and natural habitats shrink, understanding and appreciating urban wildlife becomes increasingly important. The book is particularly relevant for city dwellers who want to connect with nature without leaving their urban environment.

Engagement: ★★★☆☆

The engagement level of ‘City Bird’ is moderate. The book is informative and interesting, but it may not captivate all readers equally. Bird enthusiasts and nature lovers will likely find it engaging, while others might find it less so. Including anecdotes or more interactive elements might have enhanced its engagement factor.

Readability: ★★★★☆

‘City Bird’ is well-written and easy to read. Vinet's prose is clear and concise, making it accessible to readers of all ages. The book is structured in a way that allows readers to easily find information about different bird species, enhancing its usability as a reference guide.

Enjoyment: ★★★☆☆

Enjoyment of ‘City Bird’ will vary depending on the reader's interest in birds and nature. Those with a curiosity about urban wildlife will likely enjoy the book, while others might find it less compelling. However, the book's informative nature and charming illustrations make it a pleasant read overall.


Angela Harrison Vinet's ‘City Bird’ is a delightful introduction to the birds one might find in urban areas. With accurate information, a thoughtful perspective, and clear writing, it serves as a valuable resource for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. While it may not be universally engaging or relevant to all readers, those interested in urban wildlife will find it both informative and enjoyable. The book encourages readers to notice and appreciate the natural world in their own cities, fostering a deeper connection with the environment around them.

I'm no birder (and I really don't see that changing anytime soon), so this whole world is pretty new to me, but I LOVE this little book (and will probably be nabbing a physical copy when it comes out). It's gorgeous, illustrated with photos and art of various birds, and concise and interesting information on all the birds presented here. Big fan. I loved learning more about the birds that live in the world we've built.

Thank you to NetGalley, Angela Harrison Vinet and Janis Hatten Harrison for this ARC. The topic is intriguing; however, it would be more appropriately classified under a reference category rather than "Comics, Graphic Novels, Manga." While it features appealing illustrations, its content aligns more with reference material.

Did I know anything about birds before I picked this book up?

Absolutely not, but now? I'm excited to take this knowledge to the next level and become the most insufferable birder my friends have ever seen.

This book opened a door for me to get more involved in birding - what was once a casually expressed interest is now something I think is an attainable hobby. I've always been a very shy person, nervous to delve into new things.

Not only was this book fun and informative, the art is absolutely lovely! Really enjoyable and adorable. I had no idea Cerulean Warblers did that with spider webs! Creepy, but so very cool...

I wasn't a huge fan of how the layout of the pdf pages was showing up on my phone, but that's entirely on me for reading it on my cellphone. I think any other device would've shown up totally fine.

I'll end up getting a hard copy of this one when it comes out. Thank you to the author and illustrator for putting this together. Best wishes to you both.

If you enjoy reading about birds or bird watching you will enjoy this charming exploration of urban birds. City Bird: Explore the Charming Metropolitan Melodies of Our Feathered Friends by Angela Harrison Vinet and Janis Hatten Harrison beautifully blends scientific insights with lyrical prose. It captures the essence of how many birds adapt to and thrive in urban environments. This graphic novel or dare I say picture book is enriched with vivid descriptions and stunning illustrations, making it both an informative and aesthetically pleasing read. I think if the authors added a little bit of scientific background information such as scientific name, genus, range etc., it would have enhanced the experience and added to the reference guide aspect of the book. Through their engaging narrative, Vinet and Harrison inspire a deeper appreciation for these avian inhabitants of many bustling cities. This book is a must-read for urban bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Thank you to #NetGalley, the authors Angela Harrison Vinet and Janis Hatten Harrison – Quarto Publishing Group – becker & mayer for a digital copy of #CityBird in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is definitely one of those books that belongs in your ornithology collection! Vivid artwork that details the little colors on birds and information about each bird represented.

At the end of the book, there are quite a few spots to write in the birds you find, in journal style.

I love this little book of birds, I'll be grabbing my own personal copy!

#CityBird #NetGalley

This was a cute introductory book to bird watching for the city dweller. The nicknames and illustrations for the different birds were fun, but I wish that the book had been a little more comprehensive and been split into locations (aka which birds are in which parts of the world).