Earnest Sandpiper’s Great Ascent

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, Mum 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.

The author’s naturalistic paintings are superb, brilliantly expressive… a cautionary tale about the dangers posed to wildlife by balloons floating free, as well as a powerful story of believing in oneself. Red Reading Hub
This is a beautiful story to share in an EYFS or KS1 classroom or at home for bedtime. Little ones will cuddle up with their own parents and think about times they’ve found something difficult but overcame it with strength from their family. Scope for Imagination

Timothy Basil Ering is the illustrator of the Newbery Medal winner The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo as well as Walrus Song by Janet Lawler, Finn Throws a Fit! by David Elliott and Snook Alone by Marilyn Nelson. He is also the author-illustrator of The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone, Necks Out for Adventure!, The Almost Fearless Hamilton Squidlegger and The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling.

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