Standing on One Leg is Hard

This heron chick is determined to stand on one leg, like the adult herons. They look so graceful when they do it, next to the river. But standing on one leg is hard. Splash! However, the chick doesn’t give up. Maybe it would help if she rests her foot on a rock? Or a smaller chick? Or on an otter? Splash! Splash! Splash! Oh dear. Finally, the reader is asked to help. Will this indomitable chick find a way to balance on one leg?

This funny picture book has very simple text, and is full of humour with some rhymes that make it excellent to read aloud. The reader cannot help but root for the chick, and admire her spirit as she refuses to give up. The illustrations by Northern Irish artist Clive McFarland are full of energy and expression, while using an appealing painterly style and soft palette. The looks on the herons’ faces – especially as they fall in – are utterly brilliant and add to the humour. This would be really fun to read aloud to a child or to a group. Delightful.