Hello, I'm Here!

by Helen Frost, Rick Lieder (Illustrator)

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.

Genres: Picture Books, Poetry, Birds, Animals, Nonfiction, Nature, Photography

26 pages, Hardcover

First published March 20, 2019

About the author

I'm dipping my toes into goodreads to see how it works. Thanks for finding me here, and thanks to everyone who has read and written about my books. I love to know you're there, even if I don't come here too often to say so.

Helen Frost is the author of eleven novels-in-poems and seven picture books for children and young adults. She lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/helenf...

Reviews

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book using exquisite photography that seems to hint at an artist's brush to portray the story of a Sandhill Crane baby chick beginning his adventure.

This is no timid chick but an adventurous one that wants to walk, swim, follow, eat. He boldly declares that he is here in the world making his acquaintance with "brother chick" and soft-winged mother.

A lovely book that offers the opportunity for a teaching moment about nature and new life as well as instilling a sense of place and identify to the child who is listening to the story.

At the end of the book there is a page of great information about the Sandhill Crane. Will tiny tots absorb this material? Probably not entirely but seeds of information should constantly be placed with anticipated future blossoming.

I highly recommend.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen Frost and Rick Lieder have created another beautifully poetic ode to the wonders of nature. This book focuses on the experiences of a young sandhill crane chick as it emerges into the world. One of the things I love most about Frost's and Lieder's work is how well the words and photographs go together. As Frost writes, "I'm out in the world ---I don't know where. Mama? Papa? Hello, I'm here!" we see a close up photograph of the chick all alone in the nest. The matching words and text creates a wonderful story that is neither too simple nor too detailed. As with their other works, Frost and Lieder have created a gorgeous book that honors the beauty that nature provides those who take the time to look.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent more than one part of a school year and then with trips with students studying sandhill cranes. They, along with other cranes, are quite special birds as you will discover when you read this poem story by Helen Frost illustrated with incredibly marvelous photographs by Rick Lieder. From sounds in the egg, through hatching, and finally flying off with their flock, they follow one baby crane growing up. The story is told by the babies themselves as they accompany the photos. And more information about sandhill cranes is added at the back. Thanks to Candlewick Press for the book.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rhyming text in this book felt a bit more generic than what I typically expect from this author, but the photographs of the baby sandhill crane finding his way in the early hours of his life definitely make up for it. My kids love birds and all baby animals, so I think this will be a hit for them.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poem and gorgeous photos feature the hatching and life of a sandhill crane chick. The four line poems pair nicely with the photos. Most of the endearing photos are double-page spreads. I especially liked the photo of the chick resting his head and chest on his mother's wing. It is also amusing to see the tiny chick next to its mother's very long legs.

[Brenda Kahn]

It was love at first sight at the cover. How can anyone resist it? Prepare for your heart to melt on the front end pages. Helen Frost's gently lyrical poem from the chick's pov is gorgeously illustrated with absolutely stunning photographs of the eggs, chick, sibling and doting parents on mostly double-page spreads. Perfect.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 3.5 for me simply because I wanted even more. As they've done with four other books, this creative team collaborates on another nature-themed poetry book. In this case, the focus is a sandhill crane. The text and photos follow the little bird from its crowded egg where it "can't flap a wing / or stretch out a leg" (unpaged) to its hatching and exploration of the wider world around it, culminating in a much-needed nap where "Mama's strong wings / make a soft, warm nest" (unpaged). In this book, Helen Frost seems to have channeled her inner sandhill crane as the words she chooses for this little one's adventures almost put readers into its head and allow them to see what it sees. While the world is filled with wonders such as the birds flying overhead, it's also full of dangers in the form of snapping turtles waiting in the water for a nice meal. The photographs fit the text perfectly, and together, both foster an appreciation for this species and the little one taking its first steps, hesitant at first and increasingly bold, out into the wider world. There's not a single misstep here by the creators of this book, one that would be ideal for sharing with youngsters during a science lesson. The back matter explains more about sandhill cranes and helps readers understand what's happening in some of the photographs.

[Aolund · Rating 3 out of 5]

The clear and intimate nature photographs are what make this book stand out. The rhyming text is written from the point of view of one of the ducklings shown in the pictures, which makes it somewhat awkward and potentially confusing for younger storytime listeners. Still, great pictures for kids to flip through, and babies would likely enjoy looking at the pictures as well, perhaps with different words supplied.

Themes: Nature/Science; Babies

[J.L. Slipak · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Helen Frost has worked with photographer, RickLieder on four other collaborations, including Step Gently Out, Sweep Up the Sun, Among a Thousand Fireflies, and Wake Up!

She has other books out as well. Rick Lieder is also a painter and illustrator. This is a team to pay attention to. What a wonderful combination of verse and photo put together to tell a remarkable story about a baby crane’s entrance into the world and life.

The full-page photos are clear with crisp details giving a wonderful perspective into the life of a little crane from egg to a young bird not quite ready to fly. At the back of the book is a page with more information regarding the Sandhill Crane Families.

Such an enlightening, enduring book, that every child should read. Full of warmth and love, a true gem to hold close to your heart.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute storytime book with real pictures of animals!

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book looks at a family of sandhill cranes as an egg hatches and a chick is born. The little hatchling is soon standing covered in dry fuzz next to their mother. As the day progresses, the chick discovers their brother who has already hatched. They go for a swim in the water and flee from snapping turtles back to the nest where they are now damp and muddy. They have a snack of an insect and a snail. Then they are tired enough for a rest next to their mother.

Frost writes invitingly brief rhyming couplets that accompany the brilliant photographs in this picture book. Her story emphasizes the gentle care of the parent cranes as well as the ability for the newly-hatched chicks to do a bit of exploring on their own. It’s a lovely mix of freedom and protection. The photographs echo that with their focus on the large cranes that dwarf their fuzzy offspring, the beauty of the natural setting, and the adorable pairing of the sibling baby cranes.

Another winner from Frost and Lieder, this one is just right for spring. Appropriate for ages 2-4.

[Rayeann Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the book was very cute! I continued to read it. You can use this book in a classroom to talk about growing up in life. You can ask the students how they think their life will change as they grow up. You can talk about when you were younger what you thought about growing up and how that changed throughout life. This book talks about a young sandhill crane chick that learns to live and grow in the world. This chick likes to walk, swim, follow, and eat. It alongside its brother, they wait for the day that they will once fly above, with the help of their mother. The illustrations are nicely done, and the author does a nice job at matching the words to its photos. The photos of the eggs, chicks, and nature are very pretty. At the end of the book the author provides information about sandhill cranes.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

You usually hear them before you see them. As one of the oldest living bird species, the call seems nearly out of place and time. As you lift your head and scan the skies, you seek a unique silhouette. There is apt to be a wing span of six to seven feet, graceful long legs trail behind the body.

If you are fortunate, they can be seen forging in fields or gliding across a watery expanse. Hello, I'm Here (Candlewick Press, March 20, 2019) written by Helen Frost with photography by Rick Lieder is the most recent collaboration by these outstanding artists. It's a poetic and visual portrait of a sandhill crane's entry into the world.


My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Arminzerella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs of Sandhill crane chicks and their parents - would have liked to see them grow up ALL the way (colts, adults). One of the chicks narrates its journey (in verse) into the world and its early life with its family. Competent, but not particularly noteworthy text. A factual summary of the Sandhill crane life cycle follows the main event.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect to read in the spring(April) to my first graders as they get ready to hatch chicks. Rick Lieder's photographs are beautiful and so expressive, cute, adorable and from just the right perspective for the lines of the poem. Maybe pair with George's fictional story, Luck? Sadly, I was unable to find a primary level nonfiction title on Sandhill cranes to accompany this quick read.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfect blend of Frost's poetic text and Rick Lieder's outstanding photography. This warm and intimate look at a sandhill crane family is perfect to use at story hours as the large size photos can be easily used with a group. This will hopefully inspire a whole new generation of bird watchers and fans of the gorgeous sandhill cranes.

[Kifflie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love sandhill cranes (and I do!), you will love the photographs in this book. It follows the birth and growth of a young chick as it makes its way through the new world. The poetry that goes along with it is OK, but I think I would have preferred simple explanatory text. Still, it will get a kid's attention.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sandhill crane chick pecks his way out of his shell and into the world in this appealing picture book pairing a simple, rhyming text and gorgeous, close-up photography, announcing to the world that he is here. Exploring the world around him with his brother, but also staying close to his parents and nest, the chick learns his first lessons and experiences his first days. The book closes with an author's note on sandhill cranes—how they usually hatch two chicks at a time, and mate for life...

Published in 2019, Hello, I'm Here! is the fifth book in author Helen Frost and photographer Rick Lieder's Step Gently, Look Closely series, which examines different subjects in nature close-up for very young children. Like its predecessors it pairs an appealing, read-aloud text with lovely photographs. I've mentioned in some of my reviews of other title in this series that I don't read many picture books illustrated with photographs, making these something of a novelty for me. I've enjoyed them a great deal so far, and think I will have to try to seek out more photographic picture books. In any case, I didn't love this one quite as much as some of the earlier titles, but think it still has appeal. Recommended to young nature and bird lovers, as well as to those seeking photographic picture books.

[Laurie Hnatiuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are fortunate to have Sandhill cranes visit areas of Saskatoon on their way to their nesting sites up north and when they return on the way back south in the fall. Gorgeous birds with the most unique sound, this book will be a fabulous addition to classrooms and libraries to provide the close up views of a hatchling. The poetic narrative captures the essence of the close up photographs and is sure to spark conversations and connections to those lucky enough to see these magnificent birds in the wild.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple text tells the story from the chick's point of view. Clear color photographs showing chicks and adults, including some closeups, will likely have readers going "awwww" in some places (great photo of a chick leaning onto the adult's wing). For children who want to know a little more, the author includes information about sandhill crane nests, food and growth, and dangers they face. The only flaw for me is the text mentions snapping turtles but the photos don't show them.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Helen Frost amazes me with the full color photo illustrations and for that alone, her books are a first purchase. If you have not chosen at least one for your collection, you need to do that now!

As for this book, the words of the text are the words of the baby Sandhill Crane and they perfectly match each illustration. The books written by Helen Frost are a breath of fresh air and make fabulous gifts, too.

[Diane D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated, easy to understand story about a majestic Sandhill Crane couple and their newborns that just have hatched. The parents teach them the way as their sometimes wobbly legs follow their parents here and there.

I loved the story with rhyming verse and the photography with it's many 2-page spreads are gorgeous. Perfect as an Eastern gift or for any occasion.

[Gps · Rating 4 out of 5]

the illustrations are the best part of this book, but the story of the first days of the sandhill crane are fascinating, and thoughtful.

I found the poetry a little bit forced, but what i truly wanted was just a bit more to see the crane move away from the next and take flight, etc.

the almost end page with info about the sandhill crane is quite informative, and much appreciated.

[Austin Bendele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have had to read for my class that instead of having illustrated pictures, there are photographs instead. I do feel that the pictures give the poem a different feel, and allow for it to feel all the more real, in a way. Although I do think that the poem themselves would have been more emotionally charged if relatively realistic illustrations were used.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photography is the backbone of this book. It follows a sandhill crane hatch out of its egg and its early wanderings from its nest. The pictures are wonderful. The text is much weaker, but still decent and sweet. All of my children enjoyed this book, including my young teenagers that loved the photography.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the photography of Rick Lieder, and this book has some amazing shots. Someday the Caldecott committee will recognize that photographic illustration is every bit as complex and worthy of an award as other forms of illustration.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childrens picture book. Photographs are mixed with simple poetic verse to describe the first few months of life for a sandhill crane. This is a beautiful book, with photos of fuzzy chicks and long-legged adult cranes. Great introduction to life cycles or marshland habitat.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

In celebrating the first days of a sandhill crane, this book provides vivid photographs and simple verses from the first person perspective of the bird (whether inside their egg or exploring outside0. This book is great for toddler readers.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen Frost’s adorable poem paired with Rick Lieder’s amazing photographs come together perfectly for this beautiful book that gives little ones a front row seat to a sandhill crane family. Authors note in the back of the book gives more information about the sandhill crane. Recommended for K-3

[Abby Johnson]

This book, a finalist for the Indiana Author Award, is a photographic introduction to sandhill cranes with rhyming text and super cute photo illustrations. It's simple and bouncy and would be great for storytime about birds, baby animals, or ponds.