Excerpt

“Can we check on the blue heron who lives under the bridge?” Haden asked. “We surely can,” Nana T replied. “We cross the bridge on our way to the beach.” As they got close to the bridge, Ella Grace began pointing to the spot where the huge bird lived. “EEEEEE,” she squealed. Ella Grace was delighted and continued to point. “Bird….bird,” she said. “Yes, Ella Grace,” Nana T said. “That big bird is a Great Blue Heron.” They drove on toward the beach and counted many other herons in the marsh grass along the creeks. Ella Grace pointed and chattered to all the birds they saw while Haden eagerly anticipated their arrival at the beach. Once they were all settled on the beach, Haden and Ella Grace ran straight into the water. “Look at the starfish!” Haden exclaimed. He and Ella Grace stooped down to examine the purple starfish that was embedded in the sand. The next day they checked on the blue heron again. They were greeted by the same “AWWWK”. “I think the heron gets grumpy when he is disturbed,” Haden said. “Let’s call him Grumpy,” Haden said, “because he surely seems grumpy when he squawks at us.” “I think that’s a good name,” Nana T said.