Featured in SCIENCE FRIDAY's "10 great nature books for kids" in 2026! ..................................
Featured in SCIENCE FRIDAY's "10 great nature books for kids" in 2026! ..................................
“I inadvertently found and immediately fell in love with this story about sanderlings—birds which often stop near my home in Massachusetts—on their annual fall journey south. [...] Gilbert sets an example to help all of us face our daily challenges.”
HOW WILL GILBERT FIND HIS WAY SOUTH?
Gilbert is a Sanderling chick who hatched high in the Arctic tundra. Now, he must find his way south for the winter where warm weather and plentiful food await. Join Gilbert as he teams up with two other young Sanderlings to embark on an amazing journey of over 4,000 miles. The trip is not easy! They must deal with hurricanes, hungry falcons, and confusing city lights. But as Gilbert helps his friends navigate each obstacle, he gains the skills and confidence he needs to succeed. Curious readers will learn all about shorebirds, their incredible migrations, and how we can help protect these fascinating birds.
What’s inside the book?
A suspenseful, heartwarming story that follows three Sanderlings on their incredible migration from the Arctic tundra to the beaches of Southwest Florida.
Engaging fact boxes throughout the book explain how Sanderlings accomplish these remarkable journeys and the many challenges they face along the way.
Fascinating information about bird migration along the Atlantic Flyway is woven naturally into the story.
The story is designed to foster an appreciation for the remarkable migrations of these small shorebirds and inspire young readers to help protect them.
Gilbert demonstrates creative problem-solving, perseverance, and resilience as he learns from his mistakes and overcomes obstacles during his journey.
A kid-friendly glossary in the back of the book explains the science vocabulary introduced throughout the story.
Practical tips show young readers how they can help protect migrating birds, inspiring them to become stewards of the natural world.
What people are saying
“The heartwarming story reveals an important lesson on bravery, confidence, determination, being supportive & helping each other out.”
“Susan Levine brings conservation to life through children’s literature. She wants children to love and learn about these amazing birds, because what they know and love, they will protect.”
“This is a very well laid out and written book, which cleverly places an engaging tale alongside the facts. It makes a lovely read-aloud for classroom settings, homeschoolers, and children who are curious about nature and birds.”