Hello, I'm Here!

Description

A poetic text and wonderfully intimate photographs follow a newborn sandhill crane as it takes its first steps into the world. Will my legs hold me? What if I fall? Peek in as a sandhill crane hatchling makes its first wobbly stand and takes its first steps alongside its brother. With their parents close by, they flap their wings and dance before enjoying a buggy treat. Someday they will fly with the majestic cranes overhead, but for now, Mama's soft feathers beckon. With a lyrical narrative and lovely photo illustrations, this latest venture from an acclaimed creative team makes a perfect new baby gift - and will appeal to bird lovers, too.

Helen Frost is the author of Step Gently Out, Sweep Up the Sun, Among a Thousand Fireflies, and Wake Up! She is also the author of the novel in poems Applesauce Weather and many other award-winning books for children and young adults. Helen Frost lives in Indiana. Rick Lieder is the photographer for Step Gently Out, Sweep Up the Sun, Among a Thousand Fireflies, and Wake Up! He is also a painter and illustrator. Rick Lieder lives in Michigan.

Children will easily relate to Frost's depiction of the chick's daring inquisitiveness while simultaneously finding comfort in the affirming theme of constant parental guidance and caring. With yet another seamless marriage of verse and image, readers will hope Frost and Lieder's creative union continues as long as that of their happily wed sandhill subjects. -Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Frost's short, rhyming verses help listeners imagine what the chick might hear, see, feel, and think. Often riveting and sometimes touching, Lieder's beautifully lit photographs work well with the expressive text. A pleasing picture book that reads aloud well. -Booklist This author-illustrator pair have teamed up for a number of beautiful celebrations of the natural world, but this might be the most enchanting one yet...The home-away-from-home narrative arc ends perfectly with a nap on "Mama's strong wings." These simple abcb quatrains scan beautifully-a good thing, since this will likely be requested over and over. Perfectly matched text and images make this a grand entrance. -School Library Journal Through jaunty rhymes and eloquent photographs, children ages 2 to 5 get to accompany a pair of sandhill crane chicks from egg to fresh air in 'Hello, I'm Here!' -The Wall Street Journal