The next book in Disney's Wonderful World of Knowledge series lets us explore the world of our flying friends.

Birds is the 21st book in the series of children's encyclopaedias which have covered a whole host of fascinating topics from Dinosaurs to Explorers.

Now Mickey and his pals are winging their way through the world of birds, starting with flightless birds such as the ostrich, kiwi and blue-necked cassowary.

Youth Manager for the RSPB Mark Boyd said: "The principle of having something that appeals to children is a good thing.

"From our point of view, the more connections we can make between children and wildlife the better and the more hope we've got for the future of the planet.

"The earlier we introduce children to the idea of nature conservation and that without human intervention a lot of species are going to be in real trouble the better the chances they have of adopting that through to their adult lives."

If you would like to be pictured picking up Birds with your child, phone the Echo picture editor Stuart Wilde on (01522) 804340.

For more on Disney's Wonderful World of Knowledge series, see Monday's Echo.