We're sorry. An error has occurred
Please cancel or retry.
Bird, Bee and Bug Houses
Some error occured while loading the Quick View. Please close the Quick View and try reloading the page.
Couldn't load pickup availability
-
13 August 2024

This beautifully illustrated book shows children how to support garden wildlife by making sustainable bird, bee and bug houses and how to create habitats through small, achievable projects.
Perfect for young naturalists, this beautifully illustrated, accessible book is packed with practical activities and information about the wildlife found in our gardens and beyond.
Activities include building:
- Nest boxes
- Beetle banks
- Bee homes
- Bird and butterfly feeders
- Mini wildlife garden
- Bug hotel
- Bat house
and loads more.
Children will also learn why supporting our backyard creatures is vital to the success of local ecosystems and the world's biodiversity. Each project includes easy-to-follow illustrated step-by-step instructions and detailed material and tool lists.
"A beautifully illustrated book...The book contains lots of information about different species, presented in a child-friendly format so that the activities can be used as a great lesson or learning opportunity...Each activity is clearly laid out with easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams, making it suitable for any age of child with suitable adaptations for age."—The English Association
"The book shows the different nests for birds, we also learn about bug hotels and the different types of bees, from bumble bees to solitary bees. However, it also covers bats and frogs, so that the wider ecosystem is looked at..."—The School Librarian
"...a beautifully crafted nature book, packed full of information, ideas and instructions on activities to help young readers learn about and create their own bird, bee and bug houses and contribute to supporting and conserving the natural habitats and environments of many species around us. Stunning, brightly coloured illustrations, drawings and diagrams are enchanting and engage the reader visually...Button books constantly produce modern looking non-fiction that creates curiosity and sparks the imagination of young readers. This book has a gentle charm to it that complements the subject matter entirely."—Reading Zone
"suits children of school age from 6-12 years is this hardback about building habitats for any wildlife in the garden...full of educational information about garden wildlife and contains easy to follow step-by-step guides."—My Thrifty Life by Cassie Fairy
"This fantastic new book walks readers through what a habitat is and how to support wildlife...It is packed with information to educate while also offering activities to help young activists and keep them engaged."—@picturebookrecommendations
"Butterflies, bats, bees, bugs, beetles, frogs...There is so much information included here about wildlife and so many practical activities to interest and engage children...Sure to inspire, the clear, attractive illustrations which accompany each activity make the book an appealing treat."—Through the Bookshelf
"...bursting with fun activities that will turn you into a champion of local wildlife. This fun nature book highlights fascinating facts about animals...a fun & educational book that inspires little ones to play outside, explore nature, and be creative, all while learning about wildlife."—@stylishmodernmotherhood
"An amazing read about supporting garden wildlife whilst also providing examples on how to make homes for a range of mini beasts and animals."—@father_teacher_reader
"Recommended for: all ages with adult supervision for builds. A superb practical guide to bird and insect homes with clear instructions for constructing your own safe spaces for these fascinating creatures."—@mrsbrownsbookbox
"Perfect for any budding gardeners, creative kids and anyone that wants a hands on approach to wildlife gardening."—@mini.midnight.reads
"...amazing guide to creating habitats for garden wildlife. The artwork is simply enchanting, capturing the beauty of nature and the intricacies of each project...The clear instructions and captivating illustrations make it easy for children to follow along and understand the importance of protecting wildlife...A fantastic addition to any school's environmental education programme."—@inclusive_childrens_books
"Perfect for families who like to play outdoors, or schools and nurseries with natural settings."—@kidsbookstolife
"...a treasure trove of fun and educational projects that encourage readers to engage with nature and support local wildlife...accessible and enjoyable for nature enthusiasts of all ages."—In the Playroom
"jam packed with information about animal homes and habitats...a great Science resource for school and home."—@dreamreaderkids
"...an incredible nature and eco focused guide to creating homes for many creatures found in the wild...It's a great book to read for children who might be learning how to write instructional texts, too! The instructions are clearly laid out and numbered as well as illustrated with super helpful diagrams"—@literate.littles
Esther Coombs is the illustrator of the award-winning Kids Can series including Kids Can Cook Vegetarian, Kids Can Cook and Kids Can Bake, and four children's activity books, The New York Activity Book, The London Activity Book, Birds, Bees and Bug Houses and Plant, Sow, Make & Grow (all published by Button Books). She is a professional illustrator probably best known for drawing buildings; however, she also works with domestic objects and more organic 'natural' subjects such as animals, plants and people. Recent clients include Hampshire Cultural Trust, Kyle Books UK, The Watts Gallery and commercial developers. Coombs lives in Canterbury, England.
Susie Behar is a book editor and writer, with more than 25 years experience of editing children’s non-fiction and fiction. She lives in rural West Sussex, UK, surrounded by farmland, open countryside and lots of birds, bees and bugs. She has written books on a number of subjects, including mental health, well-being, the countryside and the natural world.
Introduction 6
Homes and habitats 8
Bird architects 10
Make a bird box 12
Awesome owls 16
Owl homes 18
Build a birdbath 20
No-bake bird cake 22
Beautiful butterflies 24
Make a butterfly garden 26
Fantastic bats 28
Build a bat house 30
Make a bee home 32
Inside a hive 34
Build a bug hotel 36
Build a beetle tank 38
Termite towers 40
Fabulous frogs 42
Make a mini pond 44
Pond dipping 46
Make a mini meadow 48
Become a wildlife detective 50
Glossary 52
Useful conversion websites 54
Acknowledgements 56