Whether you’re 5 years old or 65, it’s never too late to get to know the feathered friends in your backyard, and learning their songs will open your eyes to a whole new world.

Therefore this beautifully illustrated sound guide is the perfect way to introduce both children and adults to the wonders of bird song. Each of the 12 species covered – Tawny Frogmouth, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Rainbow Lorikeet, Laughing Kookaburra, Superb Fairywren, Noisy Miner, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Willie Wagtail, Silvereye and Welcome Swallow – has a short description explaining some fascinating facts about that bird.

Then the reader can press the relevant button on the panel on the side of the book and a 30-second burst of the bird’s song will be played via the accompanying speaker. The book is aimed in particular at children, but is great fun for all the family and perfect for helping to foster an interest in the amazing wildlife that lives right alongside us in our homes. It’s ideal for keeping on the windowsill overlooking the backyard. The species covered have been specially selected as ones that will occur in and around most backyards in the country, however big or small. If you need a reminder of fluty song of the Australian Magpie, or the delicate twittering of the Superb Fairywren, it is simply a case of pushing the button.

All in all this is a perfect title for anyone, young or old, who enjoys the natural world and listening to the songs and calls of our familiar backyard birds.