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If You Meet a Barfing Bird

How NOT to Help Animals

Young readers will learn about the habits of unusual animals and what they really need to exist.

Animals have some unusual ways to survive in the wild. That’s why a sleeping bear might not appreciate an alarm clock. In fact, a wake-up call could be dangerous. In If You Meet a Barfing Bird, kids discover why they should definitely NOT help the animals they meet. A red-lipped batfish doesn’t want water wings and a hairy seaweed crab isn’t looking for a haircut. Hilarious situations and outraged reactions from animals make for a laugh-out-loud read.

Written by: Etta Kaner
Illustrated by: Heather Wilson
Nonfiction Picture Book
Format: Hardcover
Ages: 3-5
Pages: 29
Dimensions: Height 10.75 in, Width 8.75 in
Originally published in North America: Fall 2025
All rights available excluding North American English

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Author: Etta Kaner

Etta Kaner is an award-winning, internationally known author whose nonfiction books for children have been translated into many languages. A former teacher, she is passionate about science books for young readers. When she’s not writing, Etta loves helping animals by growing a large variety of flowers and keeping a birdbath in her garden. She lives in Toronto.

Illustrator: Heather Wilson

Heather Wilson is a Canadian illustrator and animation designer. She is a graduate of Sheridan College’s Bachelor of Illustration program and recipient of the Brenda Clark Visual Narrative Award. Raised on a farm in rural Ontario, she now lives in Oakville, Ontario.