The Egg - by Geraldo Valério (Hardcover)

About the Book

"As this wordless story opens, a crane lays an egg and contentedly sits on it. But when a gust of wind from a sudden storm blows the egg from the nest, the heartbroken crane flies away. And then, from high overhead, the bird spots something. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be an egg. And since it seems to be all alone, the crane takes it back to the nest and incubates it. When sounds start coming from the egg and it's time to hatch, what emerges, surprisingly, is a human baby! No matter: the crane is delighted, and showers the child with love"--

Book Synopsis

The Egg is an imaginative and unusual story about a bird and a child, and how they become a family. The wordless story opens with a crane caring lovingly for an egg. During a storm, a gust of wind blows the egg from its nest. Despite searching far and wide, the crane can't find the lost egg anywhere. Heartbroken, the crane spots something--an egg! Not its own, but since this egg is also alone, the crane rescues it to safety.

When the egg hatches, the little one inside is--unexpectedly--a human baby. No matter their differences, the crane loves and cares for the child, adopting it into an avian life. When they take flight together, this unusual duo encounters other birds with their young ones--the babies all a diverse array of creatures, showing that families come in all shapes and sizes.

This whimsical story is open to interpretation and imagination, but above all imparts the message that a loving family can be whatever we make it.

Review Quotes

"The Egg is a wordless picture book, but, in the hands of an artist with the skill of Valério, the pictures certainly do tell a thousand words."

-- "Canadian Review of Materials"

"Especially and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections."-- "Midwest Book Review"

"No words are needed to tell this lovely tale. Bold colors, well-constructed collage work and exceptional posing will encourage discussion."-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"

"Valério shows off his skill with design and collage in this wordless story about the many forms a family can take."-- "The Horn Book"

"Valério's memorable artwork and imaginative power give this lighthearted tale extra impact through meticulous spreads that produce a sense of sprightly life and warmth."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Valério's visual storytelling will excite the eyes and warm the hearts of viewers young and old."-- "Kirkus Reviews - STARRED REVIEW"

"Perfect for lap sits or story hours, this works on a couple of levels: as a silly tale of a human raised by a bird, but also to reaffirm that loving families come in all shapes and sizes."-- "Booklist - STARRED REVIEW"

About the Author

GERALDO VALÉRIO is a children's book author and illustrator whose books have been published in Canada, the United States and many other countries around the world, including Brazil, China, France, Portugal, and the UK. He lives in Toronto, Ontario.