Raising Nature Lovers: Why Every Child Needs a Bird Book

Christopher Robbins hosts a conversation with Zev Labinger, a visual artist, musician, and ecologist, about the newly published book "Hear Them Sing: Songs and Calls from North American Birds." Labinger, who immigrated to Israel in 1986 driven by his passion for ornithology, shares how his lifelong fascination with birds—beginning in fifth grade—shaped his career as both a wildlife biologist and accomplished nature artist. The episode explores the intersection of art and science, examining how drawing and observation deepen understanding of the natural world, and discusses the transformative power of bird books in inspiring children to appreciate and explore nature.

Episode Highlights

00:02:15: Zev's origin story—how a fifth-grade teacher's bird group inspired him to draw birds on index cards, launching a lifelong passion that ultimately led him to Israel.

00:05:30: The revelation that birds are modern-day dinosaurs, connecting childhood fascination with dinosaurs to contemporary ornithological understanding of avian evolution.

00:08:45: Zev's discovery of painting bird eggs for the book—a new artistic challenge that revealed unexpected diversity in egg shapes, colors, and sizes across North American species.

00:12:20: Scientific explanation of egg coloration: cavity-nesting birds have white eggs (no camouflage needed), while ground-nesting birds have speckled eggs for protection, though robin's egg blue remains somewhat mysterious.

00:18:30: The distinction between illustration and art—illustrators plan precisely before execution, while artists search and evolve throughout the creative process, discovering meaning as they work.

00:22:45: Zev's childhood relationship with bird books as a "lifeline" before digital media, particularly the illustrated works of Roger Tory Peterson and Arthur Singer.

00:28:15: The emotional impact of seeing children worldwide enjoying the book through social media, described as "one of the greatest feelings you can have."

Key Takeaways

• Drawing and careful observation force deeper understanding—to accurately depict something, you must understand its three-dimensional form, function, and details in ways that passive viewing cannot achieve.
• Bird books serve as gateways to nature appreciation; they create bidirectional connections where children recognize birds from books in nature and later identify real birds through illustrated references.
• The creative process differs fundamentally between illustration (predetermined execution) and fine art (exploratory discovery), though both require mastery and can coexist in an artist's practice.
• Nature study through art reveals ongoing mysteries—even experts cannot fully explain phenomena like robin's egg coloration, preserving wonder and inviting continued investigation.
• Sharing creative work with the world, particularly when it inspires children to engage with nature, provides profound fulfillment that extends beyond personal artistic satisfaction.

Quotable Moments

"It's all about the birds. It's all about the birds, yeah. It's been a major part of my life."

"To draw it, you have to really understand. You have to understand it in three dimensions. You have to understand everything, what all the pieces are in there."

"An illustrator figures out exactly what they're going to do before they do it and they execute it exactly like they want it. And an artist is searching all the time."

"Books were a lifeline, you know, especially as a kid... when I had my bar mitzvah at 13, almost everybody gave me bird books." "I think birds can be like a stepping off place to just appreciating nature and wanting to go out and see nature."

"The thought that there's all these children around the world now that are looking through and getting excited or enjoying the book... is probably one of the greatest feelings you can have, I think."

Phyllis Harris, author-illustrator of the wordless picture book Claude, joins host Christopher Robbins to discuss how inspiration strikes during life's mundane moments—bike rides, driving, mowing—when the mind is free from digital distractions.

Harris reveals that her debut picture book was inspired by Claude Monet's paintings and her own dog, Brinkley's, interruptions while she works, ultimately teaching readers that perfectionism stifles creativity and "glorious accidents" often produce the best art. The conversation celebrates wordless picture books as confidence-builders for reluctant readers and emphasizes that creative play trumps perfectionist precision.

Episode Highlights 00:02:15: Phyllis introduces Claude, a wordless picture book inspired by Claude Monet paintings and her dog Brinkley's interference with her creative work.

00:04:30: Harris explains the organic decision to make Claude wordless after realizing words weren't necessary and discovering wordless books build confidence in early readers.

00:06:45: Phyllis shares her 25-year journey from illustration (starting 1999) to becoming an author-illustrator with multiple traditionally published works.

00:09:20: Harris reveals her creative inspiration comes during low-tech moments—biking, driving, and mowing—when her mind is free to wander without phone interruptions.

00:11:40: The core message of Claude: perfectionism is creativity's enemy; the masterpiece emerges through play and releasing the need to be perfect before starting.

Key Takeaways

• Wordless picture books are powerful tools for building reading confidence and encouraging imagination in reluctant readers, allowing them to interpret emotion and action independently.
• Creativity flourishes during unstructured, screen-free moments; protect time away from digital distractions to let your mind wander and generate ideas naturally.
• Perfectionism is the enemy of creative work; embrace "glorious accidents" and prioritize playful exploration over flawless execution to discover your best ideas.

Quotable Moments

• "I really feel like that's not a friend to creativity. So I'm hoping they realize you don't have to be perfect before you start that you can just play and have fun."
• "And that's usually when the masterpiece comes about when you're not trying so hard to be perfect."
• "I think that's because I realized I'm not being constantly on my phone on the screen or constantly interrupted and having my mind elsewhere. I have a lot more time to just really focus and think that's when my imagination, I guess it goes crazy."

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Christopher Robbins welcomes author Tracy C. Gold to discuss her picture books "Call Your Mother" and "Call Your Father." Tracy shares insights from writing these books, which celebrate the importance of staying connected with parents across generations. The conversation explores how to avoid stereotypes about parental roles, emphasizing that fathers are equally capable of nurturing, comforting, and caring for children. Christopher and Tracy discuss the reality of modern parenting, including how different children have different communication styles—some call frequently, others prefer texting or memes—and how grandparents play vital roles in family support systems. The episode highlights the privilege of maintaining parent-child connections throughout life and the bittersweet reality of watching children grow and leave home.

Episode Highlights

00:00:45: Introduction of Tracy C. Gold, author of children's books including "Call Your Father" and "Call Your Mother," which inspire connections between families and nature.

00:03:15: Tracy explains the origin of "Call Your Mother" from a family joke where her grandfather would tell her father to call his mother, sparking the book series idea.

00:05:30: Discussion of intentionally avoiding stereotypes in the books—showing fathers performing all childcare duties including newborn care, potty training, and emotional support.

00:08:45: Christopher shares his personal experience with nine children, noting that communication styles vary greatly—some call daily, others text memes or never contact him.

00:12:00: Tracy emphasizes that the books celebrate fathers comforting children through failure, handling bathroom emergencies, and addressing bullying—roles traditionally attributed to mothers.

00:14:30: Discussion of intentionally not showing a partner in the books to avoid depicting one parent as idle and to represent diverse family structures (single parents, military families, same-sex couples).

00:17:45: Tracy reveals her favorite humorous moments are the "potty pages" that get big laughs from children during readings.

00:19:30: Christopher reflects on the 36-year parenting journey with his wife Michelle, emphasizing equal partnership in all household and childcare responsibilities.

Key Takeaways

• Fathers are equally capable of all aspects of childcare and emotional support—challenge stereotypes by expecting and allowing dads to nurture, comfort, and guide children through life's challenges.
• Connection with parents takes many forms; not all children call frequently, but texting, memes, and group chats are equally valid ways to maintain relationships and stay connected.
• Parental partnership requires intentional effort and shared responsibility across all tasks—cooking, cleaning, diaper changing, and emotional support should not fall disproportionately on one parent.
• Grandparents are valuable family assets who can provide essential childcare support and intergenerational connection when parents allow their involvement.
• Representation in children's literature matters; books should reflect diverse family structures and show parents of all types succeeding in their roles.

Quotable Moments

"I really wanted to show that dads can do everything that moms can do, except for some biological things, perhaps, and that we should support them to do that."

"Change the diaper. Yeah. Do the vacuuming. I don't know if a woman can find anything more sexy than a man vacuuming the floor."

"You've succeeded as a parent when they're able to" [leave home].

"I have succeeded if you put down these books and you call your mom, your dad, or anybody who's served that role for you in your life."

"One step at a time, calling your parents. Every day you can make the world a happier place."

Central Park: Adventures Through the Seasons

Join host Christopher Robbins as he explores the magic of Central Park with librarian and author Christina Ergenay in this delightful episode about urban green spaces and seasonal adventures.

Through discussion of Ergenay's beautifully illustrated children's book "Central Park: Adventures Through the Seasons," listeners will discover why urban parks are essential sanctuaries in bustling cities, how they combat anxiety and stress, and what families can gain from exploring nature together. This episode celebrates the importance of shared reading experiences, outdoor exploration, and the transformative power of green spaces in creating happier, healthier families.

Key Takeaways

• Urban parks like Central Park serve as crucial reset spaces that lower blood pressure, boost mood, and provide relief from the stress and overstimulation of city life.
• Reading aloud together as a family - especially rhyming picture books - strengthens language development and creates meaningful bonding time while exploring nature through imagination.
• Cities that invest in maintaining green spaces contribute directly to the health and well-being of residents and visitors by providing accessible nature experiences regardless of age.
• Limiting screen time and encouraging park exploration can help address anxiety and stress challenges, particularly in young people struggling with the pressures of modern life.
• Central Park offers diverse experiences for all ages and interests, from frisbee in Sheep Meadow to birdwatching in the Ramble, making it a destination for every family member.

Quotable Moments

• "Urban parks really have that effect. And I think it's nice, especially to draw attention to Central Park, which is really such a favorite of mine."
• "Connecting with nature can really boost our mood and just by going for a walk, just by kind of quieting the sounds."
• "I really hope that families want to explore this park. It's just this amazing park."
• "I love the way he creates motion from illustrations. So whether it's a soft snow flurry or the flapping of butterfly wings, he really does such a beautiful job of capturing that kind of dynamic motion."

A Walk in the Forest with Cathy Goldberg Fishman

Host Christopher Robbins welcomes children's book author Cathy Goldberg Fishman to discuss her new book, A Walk in the Forest, which celebrates trees from around the world and their cultural significance. Fishman, a former teacher and bookstore owner, shares her thoughtful selection of representative trees for ten countries—including the sequoia for the United States, the banyan tree for India, the olive tree for Israel, the ginkgo for China, and the beech tree for the United Kingdom. Each tree was chosen to highlight both ecological importance and cultural meaning, while the book also teaches children to count from one to ten through beautiful illustrations by Melanie Hall. The conversation emphasizes that tree celebrations exist worldwide, demonstrating our shared global commitment to preserving forests and recognizing their vital role as planetary lungs and sources of cultural identity.

Episode Highlights 00:02:15: Introduction of Cathy Goldberg Fishman and her background as a children's book author, former teacher, and owner of Eeyore's Tale bookstore.

00:04:30: Fishman explains her choice of the sequoia for the United States, influenced by her son's work on environmental issues at the Bipartisan Policy Center.

00:06:45: Discussion of the banyan tree for India, which uniquely grows roots down from branches to form new trunks, creating an upside-down appearance.

00:09:20: Exploration of the olive tree's significance for Israel, its role in Hanukkah traditions, and its symbolism of peace.

00:12:50: Detailed discussion of the ginkgo tree from China, called the "living fossil," with fan-shaped leaves that turn gold in fall.

00:15:30: Fishman's selection of the rubber tree for Brazil and its connection to rainforest preservation and the planet's ecological health.

00:18:45: Favorite illustration featuring the beech tree from the United Kingdom with children at a picnic, symbolizing friendship and inclusion.

00:21:00: Revelation that every country featured has its own tree celebration day, demonstrating universal recognition of trees' importance across cultures.

Key Takeaways

• Trees serve as powerful cultural symbols and are celebrated worldwide through designated tree celebration days, showing shared global values across diverse nations.
• Children's literature can simultaneously educate on multiple levels—teaching about environmental conservation, cultural diversity, counting skills, and the importance of friendship and inclusion.
• Preserving forests, particularly rainforests like those in Brazil, is critical because they function as the planet's lungs and support biodiversity and human survival.
• Individual trees possess unique characteristics worth celebrating: the sequoia's size, the ginkgo's ancient lineage, the banyan's architectural uniqueness, and the beech's sheltering capacity.
• One person's awareness and action—whether planting a tree on Arbor Day or choosing to feature endangered species in literature—can inspire global consciousness about environmental stewardship.

Quotable Moments

• "I chose the sequoia. I was going to go with another one, but then I talked with my son, who is very involved in environmental issues through the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C. And he said, Mom, we just talked about the sequoia and how endangered it is."
• "The ginkgo tree is sometimes called the living fossil, and it's one of the oldest tree species in the whole world."
• "Every country I've chosen has their own tree celebration, whether it's in July or January or October or November, the countries have tree celebrations. And the reason I think this is important is because it shows us that we all have things in common, that all over the world, trees are important and all over the world, they should be celebrated."