Spit & Sticks

Written by Marilyn Grohoske Evans · Illustrated by Nicole Gsell

Witness the parallel journeys of a family and chimney swifts as they prepare for new beginnings and farewells.

3.6/5 Goodreads · 44 ratings

32 pages

$16.95Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

On a Texas farm, a family eagerly awaits their new baby while observing chimney swifts nesting and preparing for migration. As the seasons change, both families—human and avian—experience the joys of new life and the bittersweet moment of parting. Will the swifts return next year, and how will the family embrace their growing bonds? This tender tale captures the beauty of nature and family through the eyes of a young girl and the birds she watches.

From the publisher

Succinct and factual text follows chimney swifts as they arrive on a Texas farm, build their nest, lay eggs, ready for fledglings to take flight, and eventually prepare to migrate back to South America. In a parallel, wordless story, a mom, dad, and young girl on the farm watch the chimney swifts throughout the summer and fall, even as they build a new crib and ready for the new baby they’re expecting. As they enjoy their baby’s first months, they also celebrate the fledglings’ first flight and bid the birds good-bye until next year.

Nicole Gsell’s soft illustrations follow the tales of both families—bird and human—from each unique perspective.

A beautiful addition to bird lovers’ collections, as well as classrooms and libraries.

At a glance