She Heard the Birds tells the story of pioneering birder and activist Florence Merriam Bailey, whose compassionate approach to nature influenced modern bird-watching and inspired a lasting sense of curiosity and respect for the world's feathered creatures.


Spending much of her life outdoors, Bailey studied birds in their natural habitats by quietly waiting, watching, and listening. Bailey was a passionate advocate for kindness toward birds and all wildlife, and her efforts encouraged many others to raise their voices in support of animal welfare. Following A Life Made by Hand, the beautifully illustrated biography of artist Ruth Asawa, Andrea D'Aquino's colorful illustrations and lyrical text animate the birds Bailey sought to celebrate and remind us to look up into the sky and listen.