Twelve rhyming words describe the exploits of a young bird making its first foray out of the nest. The excited bird’s discovery it has “Wings!” is followed by its decision to try them out in a story marked by courage (“Flings”), disappointment (“Dings”), uncertainty, curiosity (“Things?”), generosity, a plan, and, ultimately, triumph. The fledgling is pink and always the focal point of appealing, uncluttered, wonderfully composed mixed-media illustrations, colored with marker, that tell the visual story, adding charming detail to both action and emotion. (Ages 2–4)

Debut picture book author Cheryl B. Klein and Caldecott Honor winner Tomie dePaola sweetly capture a baby bird’s journey to first flight.

Wings!
Clings.
Flings…

With a cleverly simple rhyme and playful, vibrant artwork, Cheryl B. Klein and Tomie dePaola lovingly paint the picture of a baby bird’s first flight—overcoming stings and dings along the way to soar triumphantly.