Anna Marie and the Bluebird Inn

Real bluebirds. A real backyard.

Featured in the North American Bluebird Society Fall 2026 magazine. In Crossroads Public Library’s permanent collection. Co-written by a 20-year early childhood educator.

A picture book for curious kids ages 4 to 10, written by a mother and daughter in Georgia.

Signed · 8 real bluebird photos inside · 4 custom worksheets

“Anna Marie and the Bluebird Inn is a delightful children’s book with colorful illustrations and a gentle message about curiosity, kindness, and caring for nature. It encourages young readers to slow down, observe the world around them, and discover that even small acts can make a difference. A charming read for families and classrooms alike.”
- David, Dallas, GA

What is Anna Marie and the Bluebird Inn about?

Anna Marie is a curious 4th grader who loves science. When her parents give her a bluebird house and a camera, she begins documenting the nesting journey of bluebirds as they go from eggs to hatchlings to spreading their wings. Through her journal, she records observations and discovers the beauty of nature through science.

A story perfect for curious kids ages 4 to 10 (Pre-K–5th) — great for read-alongs with younger children and independent reading as they grow. With its lifecycle focus and journal-style storytelling, it pairs naturally with homeschool nature units and elementary science lessons.

Learn More About the Book

A simple blue line drawing of a light bulb with rays emanating from it.

Curiosity

“Asking questions about the world around us”

Family

“Shared learning and discovery together”

Line drawing of a laboratory flask with bubbles inside.

STEM

“Science through real-world experience”

Blue magnifying glass icon on a black background

Observation

“Noticing details in nature and life cycles”

Illustration of a nest with four blue eggs, and birds flying around a hen hatching from an egg.

The Lifecycle of an Eastern Bluebird

A cartoon girl with curly red hair, blue eyes, and freckles, smiling and holding a decorated notebook or tablet with stickers of a sun, a leaf, and flowers, wearing a blue t-shirt and shorts.

Cartoon baby bird with gray feathers, large eyes, open beak, and blue wings.

Open notebook with handwritten text describing colorful birds and their features.

In her journal, Anna Marie records her observations each day, documenting the bluebirds’ journey from eggs to hatchlings and watching as they grow and change over time.

Meet the Authors

Two smiling women standing outdoors in a garden with green trees and plants; one woman holds a colorful children's book titled 'Anna Marie and the Bluebird Inn.'

Anna Marie and the Bluebird Inn was created by a mother-daughter co-author team, Denise (mom) and Allison (daughter). They enjoy spending time together in the backyard having an afternoon iced coffee and watching the birds. The name “Anna Marie” comes from their family and combines Anna, the older sister, and Marie, Allison’s middle name.

For more than 20 years, Denise worked as a childhood educator, supporting young students and helping them learn, grow, and gain confidence both in and out of the classroom. Many of the ideas in this book were inspired by the time Denise and Allison spent watching bluebirds build nests and raise their young in their own backyard.

Get to Know Us