One of the hottest books hitting shelves this year is The Young Birder’s Guide for eastern North America by Bill Thompson III,  editor of Bird Watcher’s Digest.

Thompson used his kids and his daughter’s fourth grade class for input on what kind of bird guide they would like. The result is a book of 200 common species with information on habitat, “wow” facts on bird species, photos and range maps. Julie Zickefoose, nationally known wildlife expert and Thompson’s wife, contributed illustrations.

The book is geared for kids but adults like it, too. It’s especially useful for someone who is looking for something more than a Stan Tekiela guide but not ready for a Sibley guide. Customers can also download a companion to the guide from birdJam: songs, calls notes and photographs for 160 species to your iPod to ratchet up your birding knowledge and fun.