Hopewell Public Library hosted a book presentation and book signing last week with Kim Kurki, author and illustrator of “World of Birds: a Beginner’s Guide,” a National Wildlife Federation publication.
As a former writer and illustrator of a monthly column for National Wildlife Federation’s Your Big Backyard magazine featuring birds, animals and plants, Kurki, a Bucks County native, created a gorgeous collection of illustrations that she was able to incorporate and embellish upon for “World of Birds.”
[quote_left]”I am so pleased and proud that my work for National Wildlife Federation’s Your Big Backyard magazine
has led to this, my first book. I have been fascinated by nature since childhood and I hope that my work will compel kids…and adults…to get outside and connect with our environment…..and enjoy all the fascinating life around us,” shared Kurki.[/quote_left]
Kurki presented some of her illustrations and spoke generally about how to identify birds by shape, size, color, etc. But she also shared a more personal side, offering that “everyone has a bird story,” one that is significant in a person’s life and asked children in attendance to share their own experiences with birds.
The book is actually the first in the series, to be followed by Mammals, Insects, Reptiles & Amphibians, Plants — all evolving from her original pages of Your Big Backyard, plus will include new work to complete each book. The topic for the next has not been decided, but Kurki gueses it will happen soon. In the meantime, Kurki shared that she is really looking forward to starting the research on the next topic. “I can’t wait to dig up the most fascinating facts I can find to share with my readers,” Kurki said.
For future bird-sightings… errr… I mean “signings”:
- Saturday September 20 at 1PM at Doylestown Bookshop
- Saturday November 8 from 2PM-4PM at the D&R Greenway’s in Princeton, NJ
- Saturday December 6 at Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow Nature Center in Solebury PA
- Plus, we’ve gotten a tip there will be a spring event at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve too!
If you’re local, The Bear and the Books in Hopewell Borough carries “World of Birds.”
And, to whet your appetite before you head out to get the book, here’s a link to a free backyard birds print-out to get you (and maybe some little ones) spotting what’s going on in your own backyard.
