About This Book:
Spirited text and whimsical, sea-bright illustrations encourage wary fledglings to achieve the impossible, all in their own good time.
“Breathe . . . try . . . jump . . . FLY!”
With trademark energy and warmth, acclaimed creator Timothy Basil Ering delivers another picture book hero for young children to root for and relate to. The time has come for three young sandpipers to soar, but Earnest seems tied to the ground. He has wings and tail feathers just like his brother and sister; what makes him so afraid? Magic will happen, Mom promises, when he’s ready. But no matter how much she and Dad coach him or his siblings cheer him on, Earnest’s efforts only lead him into danger. Perhaps, with his family’s support and a little trust in himself, they’ll lead him out again.
*Review Contributed By Connie Reid, Staff Reviewer*
Taking Flight
Earnest Sandpiper’s Great Ascent was about a young sandpiper who has trouble learning to fly due to a lack of self-confidence. My favorite illustration was when the mother made a heart around him and described what his heart would feel like when he was ready. The first part of the book reminded me of the Disney short which was sweet and gentle. The second part of the book had a powerful message about the dangers of balloons for wildlife. I was on the edge of my seat worried about little Earnest. Earnest’s entanglement and near drowning because of a balloon string will be a memorable and striking event for young readers. This book has great emotional depth from the sweet interactions with the family, the danger, overcoming obstacles, and finally flying.
