Verbs hand lettered in white oil crayon on richly colored paper detail the life cycle beginning with a parent “yearning” for a chick. Different birds, rendered in bright oil pastel on black paper, are “caring,” “cherishing,” “teasing,” and “listening,” and, at the end, eventually, “letting go.” Details decorating the letters of each gerund emphasize meaning; for instance, there are expectant eyes in the “o” and “p” and a yellow yolk at the center of the “g” in “hoping.” Exuberant magenta endpapers invert interior color motif with orange, yellow & scant black highlights. Overall, the reader’s senses are saturated with color, emotion, and the opportunity to expand on the surprises inspired by minimal text and effusive images. ( )

Stunning colors and single words describe the journey of bird parents and children. Beautiful and imaginative. ( )