"Earnest followed the object down the dune
and across the beach. He was happy when it
finally stopped, although it was far away from
the shore.
Curiosity got the best of him.
Earnest tiptoed out into the
water to investigate."
The Sandpiper family includes three young. We meet them on the day they are making preparations for their first flight. Rouse and Spur are fully prepared. Earnest is earnest, unsure about his ability and not fully prepared to spread his wings yet. Rouse and Spur have great success. The entire family is full of support and attention for Earnest's inaugural attempt.
The worries are greater than the need to fly. His mother is reassuring, drawing a heart in the sand and encouraging her son to search for the magical glow that will make things happen for him. While the family takes a test run together, Earnest worries that he might never feel the glow. He makes a failed attempt. That is when he notices a bright balloon attached to a long red ribbon and follows it as it blows on and on.
Earnest is curious and takes a chance on reaching it although it is far away from shore. As he does, his leg becomes entangled in the ribbon; it is an awful struggle to break free. Nothing is working as the tide rises. Earnest is terrified and crying for help. It's family to the rescue just as Earnest feels the 'burning desire' to set himself free. What a feeling!
The charcoal, ink, and acrylic paintings are filled with expression and love. They help show that taking your own time to achieve something important is all you can do.
An author's note reflects on the dangers inherent in releasing balloons into the environment and how they can affect the creatures of our planet.
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