What can a visit include?
- A read-aloud of The Bird in the Egg. The book has 24 pages and about 450 words, so it reads in 5 to 7 minutes and suits ages 4 to 6.
- A talk about how a picture book is written and illustrated. D.G. Alonso wrote and illustrated every page himself over three years, so he can show children how an idea becomes a book.
Ask about availability and details.
How can teachers and librarians prepare?
Everything below is free and works before or after a visit:
- Teacher’s guide and lesson plan with before, during and after questions.
- Free activity sheet with drawing and a brave breath.
- Free coloring pages for a quiet follow-up.
When is a visit a good fit?
- Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15). A Puerto Rican author who grew up in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The book is written in English. See the Hispanic Heritage Month page.
- Back to school. Finch’s story about trying something new fits the first weeks. See the first-day read-aloud plan.
- Read Across America. A short, award-winning picture book for a reading celebration.
- Author studies. A chance to meet the person who made the book you are reading.
Who is D.G. Alonso?
D.G. Alonso is a Puerto Rican children’s author-illustrator and architect based in Texas, and the creator of The Bird in the Egg. The book won the Silver Medal for Best First Book – Picture Book at the 2026 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. Read more about the author or the press kit.
How do I book a visit?
Tell us your school or library, the age group and the dates you have in mind.
Frequently asked questions
What happens during a school or library visit?
A visit can include a read-aloud of The Bird in the Egg and a talk about how a picture book is written and illustrated.
Is there anything I can use before or after the visit?
Yes. The free teacher’s guide and lesson plan, the Finch activity sheet and the free coloring pages all work as before-and-after activities.
When are visits a good fit?
Common moments include Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), back to school, Read Across America and author studies.
How do I book a visit, and what does it cost?
Send a message through the contact page with your school or library, the grade or age group and the dates you have in mind. Ask about availability and details.