Book excerpt: Squire Case is furious. Year after year, the birds of Killingworth feasthappily on his crops, while he loses money. Resolved to rid the community of these "thieves," the squire calls a town meeting and proclaims that all adult birds should be killed and their young left to die of starvation. The farmers and townsfolk agree wholeheartedly. Only the squire's daughter, Almira, and the schoolmaster, Noah, realize that the birds play an important part in nature's plan. But can they rescue the birds before it's too late? Based on a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Birds of Killingworth is a hopeful, high-spirited tale reminding us that the compassion of just a few can help ensure the prosperity of all living creatures.