Today is the day Earnest and his sandpiper siblings learn to fly! With just a few puffy clouds in the sky, everything should be perfect.

But somehow it isn’t.

Even though his nestmates soar with ease, Earnest can’t bring himself to make the leap. When a stray balloon catches his eye, his is curious about how it floats and flies so effortlessly. But excitement turns to fear when he gets caught in its string. With the tide quickly rising, but surrounded by the love and support of his family, Earnest must dig deep to free himself… and maybe even take to the sky.

Acclaimed author-illustrator Timothy Basil Ering brings his signature wit and compassion to a story about facing one’s fears and staying open to the adventure that awaits, just over the next dune.