Who is D.G. Alonso?
D.G. Alonso is a Puerto Rican–born author, illustrator and architect from Arecibo, on the island’s north coast. He is now based in Texas, and Spanish is his first language. He wrote and illustrated The Bird in the Egg, his first picture book, published in November 2025. Read more on the about page.
What is the book about?
Finch hatches into a world that looks wonderful. After a hawk, a spider web and some angry bees, he decides the world is too scary and hides in his egg. Hiding makes him miss out, and after talking with a wise old owl he chooses to face his fears. The book is in English. It won the Silver Medal for Best First Book – Picture Book at the 2026 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. See the book.
How can you use it in class or at home during Hispanic Heritage Month?
- Read it aloud, then talk about the author. Tell children the story was written and drawn by someone from Puerto Rico, and ask what they would like to know about his island home.
- Find Arecibo on a map. Locate Puerto Rico, then Arecibo on its north coast, and Texas, where the author lives now.
- Draw Finch in a tropical forest. Children imagine the green mountains and birds of the author’s island and draw Finch there.
- Print the free activity sheet. The activity sheet and the free coloring pages work for a quiet table activity.
- Plan a lesson. The teacher’s guide has before, during and after questions for pre-K to first grade.
Frequently asked questions
When is Hispanic Heritage Month?
In the United States, Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 each year.
Is The Bird in the Egg a bilingual book?
No. The book is written in English. Its author, D.G. Alonso, is Puerto Rican and Spanish is his first language.
Who is the author of The Bird in the Egg?
D.G. Alonso is a Puerto Rican-born author, illustrator and architect from Arecibo, now based in Texas. He wrote and illustrated the 24-page picture book, which was published in November 2025.