Heartbeat, Wingbeat

By Jen Lynn Bailey

A child tries their hardest to get the forest birds to eat from their hand in this funny and relatable story about finding patience and connection.

The child reluctantly heads out on a winter hike with their parents through deep snow to feed the birds. At first they don't want to be there. It's boring and hard to wait in the cold. But when they see the birds swooping for bird seed, they know they won't want to leave until one lands in their hand. It's tough to stay still, though, and the birds spook easily. All it takes is a snapped branch or some excited jumping to scare the birds away. But the other kids can do it, so why is it so hard?

The child stomps away in frustration, but when they stop to breathe, and get the support of a parent, they are finally able to wait patiently for a bird to land in their hand. In that moment, their body is still, and their heart soars.

Jen Lynn Bailey's spare, rhythmic verse tells a powerful story of emotional regulation and coregulation, featuring a lovable protagonist that young readers will relate to. Andrea Blinick's playful illustrations also showcase beautiful wintry landscapes that feature common North American birds and other forest animals that are fun to spot.

Key Text Features

illustrations

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7

With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4

Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1779460929
• ISBN13: 9781779460929
• Release Date: February 2027
• Publisher: Groundwood Books
• Length: 36 Pages
• Age Range: 3 to 6 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 1