Book Review of Birds, Monarch Butterflies, and Short Hikes in the Santa Barbara Area
The Children’s Book Review
What to Expect: Nature, wildlife, educational, and family-friendly content
Birds, Monarch Butterflies, and Short Hikes in the Santa Barbara Area is a family-friendly nature guide that introduces readers to the diverse wildlife and hiking opportunities in California’s Santa Barbara region. Serving as both a field guide and educational resource, the book features information about 23 local bird species, the annual migration of 25,000 monarch butterflies, and a curated selection of accessible hiking trails. Wildlife identification, migration patterns, and trail information are combined into an engaging format that serves both as a reference guide and an invitation to explore.
Author Leslie Bains has created a well-organized guide that balances educational content with practicality—its user-friendly nature makes it especially valuable for those new to bird watching or hiking. Her writing style is clear and approachable—avoiding technical jargon while still providing accurate and useful information—and providing a straightforward and comfortable resource to get started. The layout facilitates easy reference with thoughtfully structured sections that allow readers to find relevant information quickly, making it an excellent choice for readers who take the book out in the field. The noteworthy illustrations offer detailed and accurate depictions of various species that help with identification while maintaining artistic appeal.
Birds, Monarch Butterflies, and Short Hikes in the Santa Barbara Area is a perfect fit for families with young children eager to explore Santa Barbara’s natural environment, as well as educators and nature enthusiasts seeking an accessible introduction to the region’s wildlife and hiking opportunities.
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About the Author
Leslie E. Bains is a resident of Montecito, California. An award-winning children’s book author, Leslie had a distinguished fifty-year career in private banking and investments. She was the highest-ranking woman as senior executive vice president of HSBC. Leslie was also president of AFS International, the largest student exchange program in the world, which has offices in over fifty countries. Throughout her career, Leslie has been involved as a corporate director and trustee of many companies and nonprofits. She is currently on the boards of The Granada Theatre and the Santa Barbara Cancer Foundation. She is also on the board of Duke University Global Health and Duke University Health System.
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