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The Backyard Bird Chronicles

Description:

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of The Joy Luck Club comes a gorgeous and witty exploration of birding and nature. This inspiring work cultivates hope and connection, revealing the rhythms of our world and uncovering its beauty hidden in plain sight. • With a foreword by David Allen Sibley

“Unexpected and spectacular” —Ann Patchett, best-selling author of These Precious Days

"The drawings and essays in this book do a lot more than just describe the birds. They carry a sense of discovery through observation and drawing, suggest the layers of patterns in the natural world, and emphasize a deep personal connection between the watcher and the watched. The birds that inhabit Amy Tan’s backyard seem a lot like the characters in her novels.” —David Allen Sibley, from the foreword

Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us,
The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world.

In 2016, Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.


Editorial Reviews

Review

“Tan is a tremendously charming emissary from the world of birding . . . [Her] curiosity, along with a sharp eye and a novelist’s penchant for narrative, has been channeled into an absorbing, quirky book of days focused on the avian ecosystem Tan has established in her Sausalito backyard . . . The intensity of Tan’s love for her visitors makes The Backyard Bird Chronicles an unexpectedly moving account regardless of your level of interest in bird-watching. Because while the book is about goldencrowned sparrows and Cooper’s hawks and hummingbirds, it’s also a book about survival, adaptation, and chance.”
—Francie Lin,
The Boston Globe

“Tan’s observations of her avian guests, recorded in journal form, are both entertaining and informative. And the drawings that illustrate her musings are remarkable . . . Like the early naturalists, Tan learns by watching, bringing no preconceptions, and it’s a pleasure to sit with her as she observes and accumulates knowledge. She takes careful notes, she sketches what she sees and she tries to draw conclusions . . . Fun, messy spontaneity, it turns out, can make for an awfully good book.”

—Sue Horton,
Los Angeles Times

“Moving . . . Through diary entries, original sketches and questions to spark readers’ own introspection, this is a heartfelt look at the impact of the natural world—for those who take the time to look outside.”

People Magazine

“Charming . . . Tan delivers a journal of birdwatching that’s filled with sketches, casual observations, and the delight of having a hummingbird feed out of your hand. Writers
observe and Tan does that beautifully, encouraging you to pause, look around and observe as well. Not just for birders.”
Parade Magazine

“Delightful . . . Tan’s lovely graphite and colored pencil drawings reveal yet another side of the multitalented author . . . Her depictions of their habits and foibles are laced with considerable wit . . . Her bird chronicles are fun, too — and informative.”

—Heller McAlpin,
Los Angeles Times

“Much of great writing comes from great interest, and in
The Backyard Bird Chronicles, Amy Tan shows us how the world fascinates her, especially the birds. The result is both unexpected and spectacular.”
—Ann Patchett, author of These Precious Days
 
“What an enchanting and illuminating book! How lucky for us that Amy Tan has turned her genius, her deep empathy and insight, her keen eye for what is telling, to birds. Every page of these chronicles radiates warm curiosity, wonder, and delight.”
—Jennifer Ackerman, The Genius of Birds

“This is one of the most infectious and convincing books about nature I’ve read. For the bird-watcher, the would-be bird-watcher, or for the bird-watching skeptic, this offers great delight and unexpected intrigue. Through Tan’s ecstatic eyes, what could be a dry treatise on ornithological happenings becomes something far more fun and much more profound. It’s really a book about seeing.” 
—Dave Eggers, author of Ungrateful Mammals

“Anybody even mildly interested in birds, or thinking about getting interested in birds (which are, after all, the indicator genus for the health of the planet), will want this book perched on their shelf, if only for the gift of Amy Tan’s eye and the example she gives us of how to pay attention. What a treasure.”
—Robert Hass, Pulitzer Prize-Winning author of Summer Snow: New Poems

Backyard Bird Chronicles is fun reading. It shows how we can become engaged emotionally, literally and artistically with the natural world—to joyfully learn about the most accessible and yet wild animals, the often rare and beautiful birds that choose to come and live near and sometimes with us.”
—Bernd Heinrich, author of Mind of the Raven

“With this book as your guide, embark into the bird world Amy Tan. This is an intimate view, a sort-of love affair with the birds and their behavior, that Amy has come to know over several years. Within the leafy universe of her own backyard, she has quietly beheld, patiently observed, and taken in-depth notations of an extensive array of bird species. In colorful detail, she describes various bird’s behavior, while capturing their beauty in exquisitely rendered illustrations. Species include fearsome predators and watchful prey, long distance migrants and hometown residents. Through her unique insight and gift as an author and artist, Amy exposes a world of intrigue, beauty, even humor about the birds we all share this world with.”
—Keith Hansen, author of Hansen’s Field Guide to Birds of the Sierra Nevada

“Amy Tan’s bird journals can change the way you see the world. They show that stories, mysteries, humor, and beauty are all around us if we take the time to pay attention. They remind us that we never stop learning and growing, and if we put in the work, we can learn and master new skills. These journals invite us to look out of our own windows with fresh eyes and wonder.”
—John Muir Laws, author of The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds

“If you really want to understand something, draw it. That’s the conclusion I’ve reached in witnessing how much Amy Tan has learned about the bird community in her back yard. No matter how much you think you know about birds, you are guaranteed to learn something surprising and inspiring from this charmingly illustrated and creatively-conceived book.”
—Michael J. Parr, President of American Bird Conservancy

“If you promise me a witty birder book—birds as windows on life!!!—then great, and if the great Amy Tan is writing it, even better. The perfect antidote (with illustrations!) to whatever these past few years have been.”
—Lit Hub, “Most Anticipated Books of 2024”

The Backyard Bird Chronicles is custom-made for [people who love birds], with evocative illustrations and lively narratives . . . Tan's skill in accurately representing her subjects is undeniable . . . Tan's curiosity extends endlessly, so questions abound; some are answerable, others unknowable, but all point readers to a type of attention many long to capture for themselves. Put this book in their hands. It will be loved.”
—Sara Beth West, Shelf Awareness


“At turns engaging, sad, and philosophical, this highly recommended title demonstrates that anyone can be a bird watcher by simply venturing into their own backyard and it encourages readers to be aware of the natural world around them. Fans of Tan’s fiction will love this, but so will most other general readers.”

Library Journal, starred

“A charming bird journey . . . [Tan] fashions her findings into delightful and approachable journal excerpts, accompanied by her gorgeous color sketches . . . An ebullient nature lover’s paean to birds.”

Kirkus

About the Author

AMY TAN is the author of several novels, including The Joy Luck Club and The Bonesetter's Daughter. She is a co-producer and co-screenwriter of the film version of The Joy Luck Club and is on the board of American Bird Conservancy. She lives in Sausalito, California.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, light hearted, beautifully illustrated

". · September 28, 2025

Delightful anecdotes about the beauty and wisdom to be appreciated when being more mindful of wild feathered friends. Impressive illustrations. Light but very enjoyable read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Just a beautiful book of sheer pleasantness.

C. · August 26, 2025

A charming book. Takes a little longer to read, for the handwriting, which adds to the charm. Lovely illustrations which are hand drawn & watercolored. Bolo gives a good price.

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!

L.M.B.L. · August 7, 2025

I always enjoy Amy Tan's writing and I really love birds, bird watching, birding...So this book was a natural choice! I love the illustrations, so whimsical, beautiful, and in some cases more helpful than actual bird books. I mostly enjoyed the text, her interactions, interesting observations, investments-emotional, financial, time, etc.A wonderful book for any birder, backyard or otherwise.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent work

E.H. · October 21, 2025

Beautiful book for bird lovers. Excellent drawings.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book- entertaining & educational

J. · September 27, 2025

Love this book- very entertaining! I was concerned that I would not like it since I didn’t consider myself a bird person- boy was I wrong. Amy Tan is a gifted writer and talented artist ( sketches of birds throughout book) Don’t hesitate to purchase!

5.0 out of 5 stars Have fun and understand your birds better

7.F. · September 19, 2025

Like birds? Want to have some fun? Read this book while enjoying the birds outdoors. Wonderful illustrations. You won’t be disappointed.

3.0 out of 5 stars New spin from Tan

L. · June 30, 2025

Very sweet book by this author. It lacks a lot of substance, but the illustrations make it a pleasure to look at. It’s very nice to see the diversity of her art forms.

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly enjoyable!

K.C.i.V. · August 16, 2025

This was terrific! The author kept journals, during Covid lockdown in California, of all of the birds in her yard. As a feeder and lover of backyard birds, I really enjoyed this. She is funny, compassionate and insightful. Sprinkled throughout are her sketches of the little visitors.My sweet daughter gave this to me as a gift or I probably wouldn't have come across it. It was right up my alley and a very pleasant read!

This gift was never received

J. · June 22, 2024

This beautiful book never reached my friend. Bolo said it was delivered but she did not get it and I have not been able to get a refund and resend the gift to her.

Amy Tan's best book yet!

B. · September 6, 2025

We all know what a great writer Amy Tan is but I didn't know that she is an excellent artist who has been drawing sketches and paintings of birds since she was a child. This is my favorite book of hers to date. She encourages us all to look closer, move slower, just observe and then sketch! I love her.

A book for bird lovers

T.Y. · May 12, 2025

Beautiful book, and a perfect gift for the bird nerd in your life.

Beautiful Book by Amy Tan

C.D. · October 31, 2024

This is a beautiful book to read or sit on your coffee table for you to share with fellow birders.

Birders review

G.B. · March 30, 2025

The illustrations are spectacular.

The Backyard Bird Chronicles

Product ID: U0593536134
Condition: New

4.6

AED18906

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Flexibound
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Similar suggestions by Bolo

More from this brand

Similar items from “Birdwatching”

The Backyard Bird Chronicles

Product ID: U0593536134
Condition: New

4.6

The Backyard Bird Chronicles-0
Type: Flexibound

AED18906

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of The Joy Luck Club comes a gorgeous and witty exploration of birding and nature. This inspiring work cultivates hope and connection, revealing the rhythms of our world and uncovering its beauty hidden in plain sight. • With a foreword by David Allen Sibley

“Unexpected and spectacular” —Ann Patchett, best-selling author of These Precious Days

"The drawings and essays in this book do a lot more than just describe the birds. They carry a sense of discovery through observation and drawing, suggest the layers of patterns in the natural world, and emphasize a deep personal connection between the watcher and the watched. The birds that inhabit Amy Tan’s backyard seem a lot like the characters in her novels.” —David Allen Sibley, from the foreword

Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us,
The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world.

In 2016, Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.


Editorial Reviews

Review

“Tan is a tremendously charming emissary from the world of birding . . . [Her] curiosity, along with a sharp eye and a novelist’s penchant for narrative, has been channeled into an absorbing, quirky book of days focused on the avian ecosystem Tan has established in her Sausalito backyard . . . The intensity of Tan’s love for her visitors makes The Backyard Bird Chronicles an unexpectedly moving account regardless of your level of interest in bird-watching. Because while the book is about goldencrowned sparrows and Cooper’s hawks and hummingbirds, it’s also a book about survival, adaptation, and chance.”
—Francie Lin,
The Boston Globe

“Tan’s observations of her avian guests, recorded in journal form, are both entertaining and informative. And the drawings that illustrate her musings are remarkable . . . Like the early naturalists, Tan learns by watching, bringing no preconceptions, and it’s a pleasure to sit with her as she observes and accumulates knowledge. She takes careful notes, she sketches what she sees and she tries to draw conclusions . . . Fun, messy spontaneity, it turns out, can make for an awfully good book.”

—Sue Horton,
Los Angeles Times

“Moving . . . Through diary entries, original sketches and questions to spark readers’ own introspection, this is a heartfelt look at the impact of the natural world—for those who take the time to look outside.”

People Magazine

“Charming . . . Tan delivers a journal of birdwatching that’s filled with sketches, casual observations, and the delight of having a hummingbird feed out of your hand. Writers
observe and Tan does that beautifully, encouraging you to pause, look around and observe as well. Not just for birders.”
Parade Magazine

“Delightful . . . Tan’s lovely graphite and colored pencil drawings reveal yet another side of the multitalented author . . . Her depictions of their habits and foibles are laced with considerable wit . . . Her bird chronicles are fun, too — and informative.”

—Heller McAlpin,
Los Angeles Times

“Much of great writing comes from great interest, and in
The Backyard Bird Chronicles, Amy Tan shows us how the world fascinates her, especially the birds. The result is both unexpected and spectacular.”
—Ann Patchett, author of These Precious Days
 
“What an enchanting and illuminating book! How lucky for us that Amy Tan has turned her genius, her deep empathy and insight, her keen eye for what is telling, to birds. Every page of these chronicles radiates warm curiosity, wonder, and delight.”
—Jennifer Ackerman, The Genius of Birds

“This is one of the most infectious and convincing books about nature I’ve read. For the bird-watcher, the would-be bird-watcher, or for the bird-watching skeptic, this offers great delight and unexpected intrigue. Through Tan’s ecstatic eyes, what could be a dry treatise on ornithological happenings becomes something far more fun and much more profound. It’s really a book about seeing.” 
—Dave Eggers, author of Ungrateful Mammals

“Anybody even mildly interested in birds, or thinking about getting interested in birds (which are, after all, the indicator genus for the health of the planet), will want this book perched on their shelf, if only for the gift of Amy Tan’s eye and the example she gives us of how to pay attention. What a treasure.”
—Robert Hass, Pulitzer Prize-Winning author of Summer Snow: New Poems

Backyard Bird Chronicles is fun reading. It shows how we can become engaged emotionally, literally and artistically with the natural world—to joyfully learn about the most accessible and yet wild animals, the often rare and beautiful birds that choose to come and live near and sometimes with us.”
—Bernd Heinrich, author of Mind of the Raven

“With this book as your guide, embark into the bird world Amy Tan. This is an intimate view, a sort-of love affair with the birds and their behavior, that Amy has come to know over several years. Within the leafy universe of her own backyard, she has quietly beheld, patiently observed, and taken in-depth notations of an extensive array of bird species. In colorful detail, she describes various bird’s behavior, while capturing their beauty in exquisitely rendered illustrations. Species include fearsome predators and watchful prey, long distance migrants and hometown residents. Through her unique insight and gift as an author and artist, Amy exposes a world of intrigue, beauty, even humor about the birds we all share this world with.”
—Keith Hansen, author of Hansen’s Field Guide to Birds of the Sierra Nevada

“Amy Tan’s bird journals can change the way you see the world. They show that stories, mysteries, humor, and beauty are all around us if we take the time to pay attention. They remind us that we never stop learning and growing, and if we put in the work, we can learn and master new skills. These journals invite us to look out of our own windows with fresh eyes and wonder.”
—John Muir Laws, author of The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds

“If you really want to understand something, draw it. That’s the conclusion I’ve reached in witnessing how much Amy Tan has learned about the bird community in her back yard. No matter how much you think you know about birds, you are guaranteed to learn something surprising and inspiring from this charmingly illustrated and creatively-conceived book.”
—Michael J. Parr, President of American Bird Conservancy

“If you promise me a witty birder book—birds as windows on life!!!—then great, and if the great Amy Tan is writing it, even better. The perfect antidote (with illustrations!) to whatever these past few years have been.”
—Lit Hub, “Most Anticipated Books of 2024”

The Backyard Bird Chronicles is custom-made for [people who love birds], with evocative illustrations and lively narratives . . . Tan's skill in accurately representing her subjects is undeniable . . . Tan's curiosity extends endlessly, so questions abound; some are answerable, others unknowable, but all point readers to a type of attention many long to capture for themselves. Put this book in their hands. It will be loved.”
—Sara Beth West, Shelf Awareness


“At turns engaging, sad, and philosophical, this highly recommended title demonstrates that anyone can be a bird watcher by simply venturing into their own backyard and it encourages readers to be aware of the natural world around them. Fans of Tan’s fiction will love this, but so will most other general readers.”

Library Journal, starred

“A charming bird journey . . . [Tan] fashions her findings into delightful and approachable journal excerpts, accompanied by her gorgeous color sketches . . . An ebullient nature lover’s paean to birds.”

Kirkus

About the Author

AMY TAN is the author of several novels, including The Joy Luck Club and The Bonesetter's Daughter. She is a co-producer and co-screenwriter of the film version of The Joy Luck Club and is on the board of American Bird Conservancy. She lives in Sausalito, California.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, light hearted, beautifully illustrated

". · September 28, 2025

Delightful anecdotes about the beauty and wisdom to be appreciated when being more mindful of wild feathered friends. Impressive illustrations. Light but very enjoyable read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Just a beautiful book of sheer pleasantness.

C. · August 26, 2025

A charming book. Takes a little longer to read, for the handwriting, which adds to the charm. Lovely illustrations which are hand drawn & watercolored. Bolo gives a good price.

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!

L.M.B.L. · August 7, 2025

I always enjoy Amy Tan's writing and I really love birds, bird watching, birding...So this book was a natural choice! I love the illustrations, so whimsical, beautiful, and in some cases more helpful than actual bird books. I mostly enjoyed the text, her interactions, interesting observations, investments-emotional, financial, time, etc.A wonderful book for any birder, backyard or otherwise.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent work

E.H. · October 21, 2025

Beautiful book for bird lovers. Excellent drawings.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book- entertaining & educational

J. · September 27, 2025

Love this book- very entertaining! I was concerned that I would not like it since I didn’t consider myself a bird person- boy was I wrong. Amy Tan is a gifted writer and talented artist ( sketches of birds throughout book) Don’t hesitate to purchase!

5.0 out of 5 stars Have fun and understand your birds better

7.F. · September 19, 2025

Like birds? Want to have some fun? Read this book while enjoying the birds outdoors. Wonderful illustrations. You won’t be disappointed.

3.0 out of 5 stars New spin from Tan

L. · June 30, 2025

Very sweet book by this author. It lacks a lot of substance, but the illustrations make it a pleasure to look at. It’s very nice to see the diversity of her art forms.

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly enjoyable!

K.C.i.V. · August 16, 2025

This was terrific! The author kept journals, during Covid lockdown in California, of all of the birds in her yard. As a feeder and lover of backyard birds, I really enjoyed this. She is funny, compassionate and insightful. Sprinkled throughout are her sketches of the little visitors.My sweet daughter gave this to me as a gift or I probably wouldn't have come across it. It was right up my alley and a very pleasant read!

This gift was never received

J. · June 22, 2024

This beautiful book never reached my friend. Bolo said it was delivered but she did not get it and I have not been able to get a refund and resend the gift to her.

Amy Tan's best book yet!

B. · September 6, 2025

We all know what a great writer Amy Tan is but I didn't know that she is an excellent artist who has been drawing sketches and paintings of birds since she was a child. This is my favorite book of hers to date. She encourages us all to look closer, move slower, just observe and then sketch! I love her.

A book for bird lovers

T.Y. · May 12, 2025

Beautiful book, and a perfect gift for the bird nerd in your life.

Beautiful Book by Amy Tan

C.D. · October 31, 2024

This is a beautiful book to read or sit on your coffee table for you to share with fellow birders.

Birders review

G.B. · March 30, 2025

The illustrations are spectacular.

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