One Eagle Soaring

First West Coast Books #2

by Roy Henry Vickers, Robert Budd

Following on the success of their bestselling board book Hello Humpback!, the celebrated and award-winning authors Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd are back with One Eagle Soaring, the second volume in their exciting new series, First West Coast Books. One Eagle Soaring, a “first numbers” book, explores counting and numbers with the help of West Coast animals—from a single eagle aloft, to a pair of swimming whales, as well as leaping frogs, honey-hungry bears and a group of ten dozing marmots. Combining Roy Henry Vickers’ vivid illustrations, a glossy tactile finish and a simple yet catchy text, this sturdy board book introduces babies and toddlers to the spectacular scenery and wildlife of British Columbia.

Genres: Picture Books, Indigenous, Childrens, Nature, Counting, Animals, Canada

20 pages, Board Book

Published August 4, 2018

Reviews

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, offering vivid colors, great lines and shapes, with engaging textures. I might like it even more than Rowan; big fans here. Most of the time the three Orcas just become “Boats!” but hey, kid loves his boats. Just like his Mom.

[Elizabeth]

I really loved A Is for Anemone , so when I learned it was 5th in a series, I eagerly got the other books in the series.  Alas, I did not like any of them as much as A Is for Anemone -- though they're not bad.

This is second in the series, a counting book -- using the West Coast of what is now widely called Canada.

The illustrated animals don't pop in the way I've come to expect from counting books; you're taking in the whole scene -- which in the first few pages is often sparse and evocative, and in later pages is often crowded and busy. "Two moose wander by" isn't structured how I would have expected for a counting book -- one moose highlighted in the center of the page and one trailing behind much more in shadow, with each having a clear shadow on the water they're walking by (making it almost like you're counting 4) -- but it's a beautiful scene (and bonus: an embossed moose shimmering in the darkness in the corner of each page). The conceits of these books (counting, etc.) almost feel like an excuse to introduce/highlight the natural world (and the native art styles) of the West Coast.

There are also sometimes (but not always) additional instances of the number you can count -- for example "Four bees pollinate" 4 pink flowers (the bees look like wasps/yellowjackets rather than our typical images of bumblebees, but the Internet confirms that lots of bees in fact have long bodies); "Five sea lions like it sunny" underneath a sun with 5 rays (and with 5 seagulls in the sky); "Six bears hunt for honey" with 6 trees in the background, 6 bees, etc.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful board book by Roy Henry Vickers, one of my favorite artists of all time!! The illustrations are magnificent and the variety of animals used were interesting. The textured pages were an added bonus, very fun! Kudos to Roy and Robert Budd for a most visually stimulating book for babies, toddlers and anyone wanting a beautiful walk down memory lane (to when we were young lol)!

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous counting book for young children and babies. Some of the text and artwork features raised texture. This book would be a great gift, especially for anyone who loves the West Coast. The book features animals and nature and the Indigenous artwork is beautiful. I’d love to buy more books by Roy and Robert.

[Elizabeth Chang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations with such nice texture to the pages.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple board book counting book featuring animals that live in the woods. Baby and up

[Tracee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little toddler’s first counting book with beautiful first nation’s art.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

So bright and colourful

[Dave Oram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork. Easy read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME illustrations. The font is fun. Unique counting book. Looking forward to reading other books by this author.

[Beth Bauman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice animal counting book, and I like the textured illustrations on the pages!

[Kevin Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome little touch book, the kids loved and and so did I.

[Michelle Halber]

Beautifully illustrated board book of various creatures that counts to 10, it could work for a group storytime read.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This board book is so awesome! The eye catching illustrations and glossy textures are perfect for babies and toddlers. Teaching early counting/numbers and animals.
This book is extra special because it focuses on wildlife and scenery right here in British Columbia. My daughter is obsessed with it! There is another book in this series that I ordered because we have enjoyed this one so much.
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