Review Detail

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.