The Story Behind the Story: Tiny Tern Takes Flight

By: Donna McKinney, Author of Tiny Tern Takes Flight

Have you ever tuned into a nature documentary and marveled at the astonishing journeys animals undertake? I certainly have! The way they traverse vast distances feels downright magical. How do they know when to leave? Where do they go? As someone who often relies on GPS just to navigate my neighborhood, I’m in awe of how these creatures embark on epic migrations, guided by instincts honed over generations—no smartphone required!

In the spring of 2022, as I brainstormed ideas for my next picture book, I dove headfirst into the captivating world of animal migrations. Hours spent pouring over articles and watching documentaries led me to the remarkable story of the Arctic tern—a bird that’s anything but ordinary!

These feisty little flyers hold the record for the longest round-trip migration of any animal, traveling an astonishing 44,000 miles each year between their breeding grounds in the Arctic and their wintering spots in the Antarctic. Can you imagine that? They fly farther than most of us drive in a lifetime! And what struck me even more was their size: Arctic terns weigh about 4 ounces—roughly the same as a deck of playing cards or a baseball. Tiny but mighty, indeed.

This small yet extraordinary creature, with its incredible stamina and navigation skills, captured my imagination in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The idea that such a petite bird could undertake such an epic journey was both inspiring and humbling. I found myself pondering the challenges they face—storms, predators, and the sheer physical toll of such a long migration. This blend of vulnerability and resilience ignited a creative spark in me, compelling me to tell Tiny Tern’s story and share the magic of this extraordinary journey with young readers.

From the very start, I envisioned Tiny Tern Takes Flight as a fresh take on traditional nonfiction. I aimed to craft an engaging narrative that resonates with children, weaving in lyrical language inspired by my love for poetry to bring Tiny Tern’s journey to life. By spring 2023, I was over the moon when Science, Naturally! expressed interest in acquiring Tiny Tern Takes Flight. Collaborating with their editors proved invaluable, and two brilliant suggestions transformed the story.

First, I was encouraged to introduce a challenge or setback for Tiny Tern to enhance the narrative tension. This inspired the addition of a storm! Picture this: during its migration, Tiny Tern gets swept off course and separated from its flock. The vivid language describing the storm adds drama, and Fiona Osbaldstone’s illustrations of these sequences are some of my favorites in the book. They really capture the wild winds and threatening storm clouds. By blending poetic elements with a compelling narrative, I aimed to evoke feelings of wonder and bravery, allowing readers to experience the thrill of takeoff, the tension of a storm, and the joy of reunion. My goal was to inspire children to appreciate the beauty of nature and the remarkable journeys all around us.

The second suggestion focused on amplifying the contrast between light and darkness. With this in mind, I incorporated imagery around Tiny Tern’s departure from the cold, dark winter towards the warm, bright summer. This enhancement made his incredible transition all the more significant, highlighting the beauty of change.

I structured the story to mirror the migration itself, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It starts with the challenges of winter, sails through the excitement and perils of travel, and culminates in the joy of reaching summer. This structure not only makes the story relatable but also emphasizes the emotional stakes of the journey.

Ultimately, I hope that young readers will not only learn about the astonishing journeys of these tiny birds but also embrace themes of perseverance and bravery. Tiny Tern embodies these qualities throughout its migration, reminding us all that these virtues are worth striving for in our own lives.

Mark your calendars for November 5th, when Tiny Tern Takes Flight  will be officially available on Science Naturally’s site! Join Tiny Tern on his journey and discover the power of resilience along the way. It’s going to be a flight you won’t want to miss!

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