The Pelican Can!

PreS-Gr 1–A baby pelican wakes in its nest, demanding to be fed, and so one of two adult pelicans sets off in search of a meal. Each part of its journey unfolds through rhythmic questions and a repeated refrain: “Who can see it’s time to eat?/ The pelican can! The pelican can!/ Who can soar down close to the shore?/ The pelican can! The pelican can!” Just before the pelican returns to the nest, the story culminates with a recap of its hunt for food: “A pelican does what a pelican can/ soar / fly / spy / dive / SPLASH!/ scoop.” The pelicans, rendered in black against a palette of cool blues, warm oranges, and stark whites, stand out in pronounced silhouettes or strong black outline. The illustrations are made using torn paper, ink, and digital media; the thoughtful composition of each spread varies, with the sparse text placed to complement the art by highlighting the bird’s actions.