What is The Bird in the Egg, at a glance?
- Grade level
- Pre-K to 1st grade (ages 4–6)
- Reading time
- About 5–7 minutes aloud (24 pages, 450 words)
- Themes
- Fear, change, growing up, independence, missing out, courage
- Reviews
- Editor’s Pick, The Children’s Book Review
- Award
- Silver Medal, Best First Book – Picture Book, 2026 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards
Is The Bird in the Egg a good kindergarten read-aloud?
Yes. At 24 pages and about 450 words, The Bird in the Egg reads aloud in 5 to 7 minutes, which suits kindergarten and preschool circle time. It works as a fall or back-to-school read-aloud about trying something new, and as a winter read-aloud when you want a short story that sparks talk about feelings. Use the first-day-of-school read-aloud plan to set it up.
When does this story help most?
It fits circle time any day, and it is especially useful at back-to-school time, on the first day of school or when children are starting kindergarten. Finch’s worry about something new is one many children recognize. The activities below build confidence and resilience, and they support social-emotional learning (SEL): naming feelings, calming down and trying again.
What will students learn?
- Name feelings like shy, scared, curious and brave, and match them to a character’s actions.
- Retell a story in order: beginning, middle and end.
- Connect a story to their own experience of trying something new.
- Practice a calming strategy: a deep breath before something new.
Words to know
- Shy — feeling nervous around new people or new things.
- Brave — doing something even when you feel a little scared.
- Abandoned — left behind; nobody is using it anymore.
- Gust — a sudden, strong puff of wind.
- Audience — the people (or frogs!) who watch and listen.
- Curious — wanting to know more.
Before reading
- Show the cover. Ask: “What do you notice about this bird? Why do you think he has an egg on his head?”
- Ask: “Have you ever wanted to hide when something felt new or loud?”
- Read the title and predict: “What do you think will happen to the bird in the egg?”
During reading
- After the hawk, the spider web and the bees: “Why does Finch decide the world is scary? Would you feel the same?”
- When Finch is hiding: “How do you think Finch feels inside the egg? What is he missing?”
- When the branch cracks the shell: “Uh-oh! What happened? What do you think Finch will see through the hole?”
- At the pond: “Who is listening to Finch sing? How do you think that feels?”
- When the ladybug says “look around you”: “What is the ladybug telling Finch to do?”
- With the wise old owl: “What do you think the owl helps Finch understand?”
- When Finch takes a deep breath: “Let’s take a deep breath with Finch.” Do it together.
After reading
- “What was the bravest thing Finch did?”
- “What did Finch miss while he was hiding?”
- “Was it good that the egg cracked? Why or why not?”
- “What is something new you’d like to try? What would help you feel brave?”
- Retell: “What happened first? Next? At the end?” Use the pictures as prompts.
How can teachers use it in class?
- Through the crack. Give each child a paper egg with a hole cut in it. Behind the hole, they draw what Finch saw — or what they would see.
- Brave breath. Practice Finch’s deep breath: in through the nose while you count to four, out slowly. Use it before transitions or new activities.
- Brave wall. Each child adds a sticky note or feather with something brave they did this week. Read them together on Friday.
- Look around you. A classroom or playground walk where children name three things they never noticed before.
- Feelings faces. Children draw Finch feeling shy, then curious, then brave, and talk about what changed.
A printable sheet with several of these activities is on the free activity sheet page. Looking for something to color? See the free coloring pages.
Standards connections
These activities support common early-literacy and social-emotional goals: asking and answering questions about key details, retelling stories, describing characters’ feelings, and naming and managing emotions. Match them to your state’s standards (for example, Texas TEKS or Common Core) as needed.
Can the author visit my school?
D.G. Alonso visits schools and libraries for read-alouds and talks about writing and illustrating. To ask about a visit, send a message. See school and library visits for what a visit can include.
Frequently asked questions
What grade level is The Bird in the Egg for?
It suits pre-K through first grade, ages 4 to 6.
How long does the read-aloud take?
About 5 to 7 minutes aloud. The book has 24 pages and about 450 words.
Is there a printable activity for the classroom?
Yes. The free Finch activity sheet has five activities, including drawing what Finch saw through the crack and a brave breath exercise, and it is free to print for home and classroom use.
Can D.G. Alonso visit my school or library?
Yes. D.G. Alonso visits schools and libraries for read-alouds and talks about writing and illustrating. Send a message through the contact page to ask.