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An Egg Is Quiet
Award-winning artist Sylvia Long has teamed with up-and-coming author Dianna Aston to create this gorgeous and informative introduction to eggs. From tiny hummingbird eggs to giant ostrich eggs, oval ladybug eggs to tubular dogfish eggs, gooey frog eggs to fossilized dinosaur eggs, it magnificently captures the incredible variety of eggs and celebrates their beauty and wonder. The evocative text is sure to inspire lively questions and observations. Yet while poetic in voice and elegant in design, the book introduces children to more than 60 types of eggs and an interesting array of egg facts. Even the endpapers brim with information. A tender and fascinating guide that is equally at home being read to a child on a parent's lap as in a classroom reading circle.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published March 2, 2006
About the author
Dianna Hutts Aston
17 books114 followersDianna Hutts Aston was born in Houston, Texas, attended the University of Houston, and worked as a journalist for several years. LOONY LITTLE is her first picture book with Candlewick Press. She says, "It was one of the hottest summer days on record. My mind, of its own accord, kept wandering northward, to a wilderness of snow and ice, the Arctic. While listening to the news one evening, I heard Peter Jennings say, ‘The polar icecap is melting - or is it?’ In my mind, I heard, ‘The sky is falling!’ The whole concept for LOONY LITTLE literally fell from the sky and into my mind." Dianna Hutts Aston lives in central Texas with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
August 6, 2019
Ms. Aston's informative picture books are fun to read, and the illustrations are exquisite, even the end pages!
November 13, 2009
A beautiful, gentle and fascinating story of eggs; bird egg, insect eggs, fish eggs... There is enough "story" through the consistency of the poem, repeating the "An egg is..." for various aspects, such as "Quiet" or "Smooth" etc. that this feels like a cozy read aloud rather than an informational volume. And I love the illustrations! As a kid, I would have poured over all the different types of eggs, noting the different colors and speckles and even shapes! We follow the eggs through the embryo development phase for a chicken, salmon, frog and lacewing (I think it was). Then, at the very end of the book... the eggs hatch! :-) More illustrations to pour over. Such fun!
I debated between four and five stars on this one, but decided five stars as it made its way into my dreams so that's got to say something! :-)
I debated between four and five stars on this one, but decided five stars as it made its way into my dreams so that's got to say something! :-)
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December 3, 2020A beautifully illustrated non-fiction book showcasing the many types of eggs that creatures lay in wild. Enjoy this one now by checking out a copy on Mymcpl.org or searching for it on Overdrive! - Reviewed by Stephanie at MCPL Reading Rocket
December 4, 2009
I recently read A Seed Is Sleepy and I didn’t think I’d like this book as much, but actually it was at least as magical, entertaining, and educational.
I never knew eggs came in so many sizes (the eggs are shown at their exact size except the ones labeled as larger than actual size) and shapes and colors and patterns and textures. As a kid I would have spent hours perusing the images of each of these eggs and then gone back many times for more viewing sessions. So many of the eggs are truly gorgeous.
There is a short story poem that’s interesting and informative, and there are some random egg/animal facts on many of the pages. There’s a lot of information about eggs and their purpose, and I think children will most likely be more fascinated by this book than the seed book. When I was little, I remember feeling enamored of the idea of birds pecking their way out of their eggs and having the shell crack in order for them to be born.
Although the text is interesting, it’s really it’s the illustrations that make this book so special.
Many types of eggs are represented: of various birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and even fossilized dinosaur eggs.
At the end of the book, one egg (a black-necked stilt bird) hatches, and the chicks are shown. At the beginning of the book, there’s a two page spread of many eggs, at the end there’s a two page spread of the creatures that have hatched from those eggs; they’re not shown at scale. I just love this artist and I hope there will be more books from this illustrator/author team.
This is a wonderful nature book, and it is appropriate for very young children as well as elementary school aged children.
I feel grateful to Goodreads friend Kathryn. I found this book because of her, and the seed book too because of this one. They’re lovely books, and they’d make terrific gifts.
I never knew eggs came in so many sizes (the eggs are shown at their exact size except the ones labeled as larger than actual size) and shapes and colors and patterns and textures. As a kid I would have spent hours perusing the images of each of these eggs and then gone back many times for more viewing sessions. So many of the eggs are truly gorgeous.
There is a short story poem that’s interesting and informative, and there are some random egg/animal facts on many of the pages. There’s a lot of information about eggs and their purpose, and I think children will most likely be more fascinated by this book than the seed book. When I was little, I remember feeling enamored of the idea of birds pecking their way out of their eggs and having the shell crack in order for them to be born.
Although the text is interesting, it’s really it’s the illustrations that make this book so special.
Many types of eggs are represented: of various birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and even fossilized dinosaur eggs.
At the end of the book, one egg (a black-necked stilt bird) hatches, and the chicks are shown. At the beginning of the book, there’s a two page spread of many eggs, at the end there’s a two page spread of the creatures that have hatched from those eggs; they’re not shown at scale. I just love this artist and I hope there will be more books from this illustrator/author team.
This is a wonderful nature book, and it is appropriate for very young children as well as elementary school aged children.
I feel grateful to Goodreads friend Kathryn. I found this book because of her, and the seed book too because of this one. They’re lovely books, and they’d make terrific gifts.
February 4, 2019
Like their subsequent
A Seed Is Sleepy
(which I chanced to read first), author Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrator Sylvia Long have created an immensely appealing nature-study with An Egg Is Quiet, one that both educates and enthralls. Each two-page spread opens with a general statements about eggs - "An egg is colorful. An egg is shapely. An egg is clever." - before presenting examples, and more detailed information. The accompanying illustrations are simply gorgeous, perfectly capturing the beauty of these animals-to-be.
From the breathtaking first and last pages - which show a wealth of eggs, and the creatures who hatched from them, respectively - to the dual-narrative text that draws young readers in, this picture-book succeeds on every level. The artwork is absolutely beautiful, with a vivid and appealing color palette, and so many charming little details to capture the reader's gaze. This was a visual feast and an educational triumph! Here's hoping this team will collaborate on many more nature-oriented titles for young readers!
From the breathtaking first and last pages - which show a wealth of eggs, and the creatures who hatched from them, respectively - to the dual-narrative text that draws young readers in, this picture-book succeeds on every level. The artwork is absolutely beautiful, with a vivid and appealing color palette, and so many charming little details to capture the reader's gaze. This was a visual feast and an educational triumph! Here's hoping this team will collaborate on many more nature-oriented titles for young readers!
August 8, 2011
Incredible! I love the elegance, detail, and beauty of the illustrations. The swirly font is a perfect match to the elegant illustrations. I enjoyed seeing all the different types of eggs in the beginning (and throughout the book) and then seeing all the creatures that came from the eggs at the end. What an amazing way to present information that might otherwise be boring.
I must find more books from Aston and Long.
I must find more books from Aston and Long.
March 17, 2017
Nicely done book describing eggs, of all sizes, shapes, and textures, before and after hatching.
September 22, 2012
This is a beautiful book about animals and their eggs, their differences and similarities. The illustrations are meticulous and amazing. The information and details will engage children and adults alike. A wonderful book for a bookshelf.
June 4, 2017
Lovely book with very nice artwork that teaches all of us about different types of eggs found in nature.
This is a nice children's book.
This is a nice children's book.
March 16, 2019
These books are so cool.
May 1, 2014
When I was growing up in Michigan, my Mom encouraged me to cautiously peek at a robin's egg in its nest. It was one of the most lovely shades of blue I've ever seen. I think that experience is part of why it has always been my favorite color.
The egg of the American Robin is one of 60 types featured in this fascinating book, which range from the Dogfish. a shark, to Anna's Hummingbird. The exquisite illustrations by Artist Sylvia Long capture not only the beauty and variety of the eggs - they come in all shapes, sizes and textures- but also what the birds, reptiles and insects look like after they've hatched. It is fun to match the colorful eggs featured in the beginning endpapers, with the animals featured at the end. You wouldn't guess that the Scarlet Tanager, which stands out because of the bold red color that is its namesake (the tail feather and wings are black), began its life inside a marvelous blue-green egg, speckled with black.
The body of the book, written by Dianna Aston, contains interesting facts and observations that reveal our own human wonderment at eggs' beauty and function. For example, in flowing cursive, is written the sentence, "An egg is artistic." It is an expression of how we feel about them, in their turquoise, seashell pink and resplendent orange. But there is also the impressiveness of their design. A diagram of the parts of an egg, from the yolk to the shell, explains why each part is vital to its charge's survival. The egg white aka albumen, for example, acts as the embryo's "pillow."
Reading this reminds me of a poem I recited in fourth grade. It was "I Won't Hatch" by Shel Silverstein. I think I fully appreciate and empathize with the little chickie's point-of-view now. Who would want to forsake such a refuge for the chaos of the outside world, in particular of mankind?
And yet so many do leave that sacred place where they develop, but this book provides children a wondrous glimpse inside their earliest home, when, "An Egg is Quiet." Unless of course, you're Silverstein's chickie in which case you're already quite outspoken.
The egg of the American Robin is one of 60 types featured in this fascinating book, which range from the Dogfish. a shark, to Anna's Hummingbird. The exquisite illustrations by Artist Sylvia Long capture not only the beauty and variety of the eggs - they come in all shapes, sizes and textures- but also what the birds, reptiles and insects look like after they've hatched. It is fun to match the colorful eggs featured in the beginning endpapers, with the animals featured at the end. You wouldn't guess that the Scarlet Tanager, which stands out because of the bold red color that is its namesake (the tail feather and wings are black), began its life inside a marvelous blue-green egg, speckled with black.
The body of the book, written by Dianna Aston, contains interesting facts and observations that reveal our own human wonderment at eggs' beauty and function. For example, in flowing cursive, is written the sentence, "An egg is artistic." It is an expression of how we feel about them, in their turquoise, seashell pink and resplendent orange. But there is also the impressiveness of their design. A diagram of the parts of an egg, from the yolk to the shell, explains why each part is vital to its charge's survival. The egg white aka albumen, for example, acts as the embryo's "pillow."
Reading this reminds me of a poem I recited in fourth grade. It was "I Won't Hatch" by Shel Silverstein. I think I fully appreciate and empathize with the little chickie's point-of-view now. Who would want to forsake such a refuge for the chaos of the outside world, in particular of mankind?
And yet so many do leave that sacred place where they develop, but this book provides children a wondrous glimpse inside their earliest home, when, "An Egg is Quiet." Unless of course, you're Silverstein's chickie in which case you're already quite outspoken.
Shelved as 'childrens-books'
January 8, 2022
April 10, 2012
This book was right up my niece's alley. She loves non-fiction books, and she loves nature, so An Egg Is Quiet was something very enjoyable for her. She and I particularly enjoyed that this book showed eggs from birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and even from insects, and she was very impressed with the page that showed the development of a chicken, grasshopper, and salmon embryo. She even took the time to try to educate her little brother about that, but unfortunately, he wasn't in the mood to be educated today. Both children and I enjoyed the first page that showed the eggs of various animals, and the final page that showed pictures of the creatures that hatch out of those eggs. It was fun to try to match the egg to the creature, and it was fun to pick out our favorite eggs and our favorite creatures!
April 6, 2017
An Egg is Quiet is beautiful written and illustrated. There is great scientific detail in this informational text about how an egg is shaped, how it looks, how it feels, and other ways that they are all different. At the end, it tells us how an egg becomes noisy when whatever is inside hatches. The illustrations are journal or sketch book like which make them very eye-catching for the young reader.
In a kindergarten classroom, I this would be great as a read aloud. It would be above their grade level and the repetition of "An egg is..." would be helpful for keeping the students engaged as well. It could serve as an info-focused read aloud or for pure aesthetics.
In second grade, students begin studying the structure and function of living organisms. In the school I am currently working each second grade classrooms receives chicks and they study their life cycle starting from birth. This book could be used as an introduction when they receive their eggs to that unit and could follow with discussion about how the eggs we received are all different from one another even though they may be from the same mother. This a great way to integrate science and ELA standards, as well. Another activity, just for fun, would be Easter eggs, its right before spring break and Easter is coming, this book could be great to have around the classroom and then have students design their own eggs and how they (their eggs) are different from one another, but still each very special.
In a kindergarten classroom, I this would be great as a read aloud. It would be above their grade level and the repetition of "An egg is..." would be helpful for keeping the students engaged as well. It could serve as an info-focused read aloud or for pure aesthetics.
In second grade, students begin studying the structure and function of living organisms. In the school I am currently working each second grade classrooms receives chicks and they study their life cycle starting from birth. This book could be used as an introduction when they receive their eggs to that unit and could follow with discussion about how the eggs we received are all different from one another even though they may be from the same mother. This a great way to integrate science and ELA standards, as well. Another activity, just for fun, would be Easter eggs, its right before spring break and Easter is coming, this book could be great to have around the classroom and then have students design their own eggs and how they (their eggs) are different from one another, but still each very special.
March 25, 2020
This artistic and poetic contribution to the world of children’s non-fiction picture books stands apart as a thoughtfully crafted work itself. Author Dianna Aston provides an informative introduction to eggs, giving an overview of their incredible variety, from bird, to insect, to amphibian eggs. The picture books provides information for over 60 types of eggs and the text brims with interesting facts. Far from being encyclopedic, however, it manages to deliver these facts in a loose narrative style, telling the story of how eggs remain quiet until the life inside hatches. Such charming books invite science-adverse readers to turn their pages until the end. Readers will be especially delighted with the hand-painted watercolor illustrations suggestive of a naturalist’s field rendering. Each spread is artfully considered, often pairing a detailed rendering of the egg with its full-grown mother, reinforcing the connection between the unhatched egg and its potential future. This book will appeal to the science-minded as well as the artistic child. A great resource for libraries and schools.
February 10, 2021
This is the type of book that could interest a child in birds or science for the rest of their life! The book was a very quick read compared to many other informational books, but it is jam-packed with interesting factoids and a timely 'narrative'-- readers follow along to eventually discover why the Aston went with a 'well, duh' title, as eggs, in fact, are not perpetually quiet! The realistic yet stylized illustrations turn images that (at least I, personally find) are gross, like Mermaid's Purses and embryos into works of art that I actually found myself flipping back to admire. I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in informational books or to those who want to be- this is a great book to begin with.
October 5, 2020
Gorgeous illustrations, story is informative and imaginative. Made me rethink things I’ve seen in everyday life, and the world of nature going on around me whether I choose to pay attention or not.
Just put a hold on some of her other stories, really want to read A Rock is Lively and A Seed is Sleepy. Classified as early non-fiction but totally works as a picture book.
Just put a hold on some of her other stories, really want to read A Rock is Lively and A Seed is Sleepy. Classified as early non-fiction but totally works as a picture book.
August 22, 2023
Think about eggs. There are so many kinds of eggs in the world. They have different sizes, shapes, and textures. Eggs are quiet, and each has something special about how it's made.
This is a gentle book filled with a gentle poem and a lot of scientific facts! It would take a long time to consider all the details that make this book special. It's a great book for a rainy day.
This is a gentle book filled with a gentle poem and a lot of scientific facts! It would take a long time to consider all the details that make this book special. It's a great book for a rainy day.
December 20, 2018
What a beautiful book! I enjoyed this factual book on eggs. The illustrations are outstanding and packed with facts. Student will enjoy pouring over the pages. Even the end pages are beautiful and speckled like an egg. The eggs cover more than just bird eggs. Highly recommended for Grades 3-5.
April 4, 2022
Birds, insects, sharks, dinos - oh my! Absolutely gorgeous as always and very full of fun facts.
This series is my life mood board.
This series is my life mood board.
October 13, 2022
This book is really informative but the illustrations are absolutely incredible. This is a stunning and lovely book, possibly my favorite science picture book.
September 11, 2023
One of our home library picks for the letter E. The colorful, beautifully drawn illustrations held my preschooler’s attention, and the text was informative without being an overwhelming amount.
January 14, 2020
Would be great for science units about birds, amphibians, etc.
November 9, 2009
An Egg is Quiet is a rich natural history picture book, celebrating diversity by showcasing over sixty eggs from birds, fish, reptiles, insects and more. Aston’s poetic introduction (“It sits there, under it’s mother’s feathers… on top of it’s father’s feet… buried beneath the sand. Warm. Cozy.”) is the jumping off point for an eggs factapolooza. Eggs are described visually as shapely, colorful, textured, and artistic, with beautifully rendered examples of each. Eggs are also characterized as clever (for camoflague) and giving (for nurturing). Textual asides provide more information about a particular species or trait. Each egg is indentied by common name. Dinosaurs and embryos are given a little extra attention. Eggs pictured larger than actual size are noted, all measurements are given in English and compared to objects children might be familiar with, such as a jellybean.
The paintings are absolutely gorgeous from the lush endpapers patterned after the Scarlet tanager egg, to the closeup of a nest with one ready-to-hatch egg. The attention to detail is incredible: twisting branches and vines, patterned stones, and tendrils of grass and leaves augment the pictures and fill in habitat. The design itself is lovely and elegant – a large readable script for the main text, and neatly lettered blurbs that act as field notes with more information.
This is potentially a great book for one-on-one sharing; the images create plenty of opportunity for dialogue, and several activities appear to be built in. The first two page spread contains every egg found in the book, and the final two page spread shows the adult animal, creating an opportunity for a matching game. Young readers will enjoy also spotting specific eggs identified in the "colorful" spread in other places in the book - a kind of paper egg hunt! The ending invites audience participation.
No sources are cited; the acknowledgements thank an earth scientist, a birder and a biologist. This fine complement to the science curriculum is recommended for public and school libraries.
The paintings are absolutely gorgeous from the lush endpapers patterned after the Scarlet tanager egg, to the closeup of a nest with one ready-to-hatch egg. The attention to detail is incredible: twisting branches and vines, patterned stones, and tendrils of grass and leaves augment the pictures and fill in habitat. The design itself is lovely and elegant – a large readable script for the main text, and neatly lettered blurbs that act as field notes with more information.
This is potentially a great book for one-on-one sharing; the images create plenty of opportunity for dialogue, and several activities appear to be built in. The first two page spread contains every egg found in the book, and the final two page spread shows the adult animal, creating an opportunity for a matching game. Young readers will enjoy also spotting specific eggs identified in the "colorful" spread in other places in the book - a kind of paper egg hunt! The ending invites audience participation.
No sources are cited; the acknowledgements thank an earth scientist, a birder and a biologist. This fine complement to the science curriculum is recommended for public and school libraries.
July 5, 2017
This is one series that had my attention caught since of its descriptive title. Each book's title within the series gives the reader a chance to know what is being explored within the pages of the actual book while also providing the format of the book's writing, which is the "is ...".
Furthermore each book in the series can also be read in two different formats thus allowing the reading audience to be broadened out. If you have very young readers or those who cannot sit still long enough for a book whether it is since of too much information or just length than you can read the descriptive for each page while avoiding all the smaller more emphasized information that is given for the page. And for those who are interested or can keep their attention focused than the whole page can be read and explored.
The illustrations are bright and colorful but doesn't distract at all from the information provided. Instead each illustration is given in the right detail while the species name is provided so you aren't sitting there trying to figure out which one of the millions you are looking at. This same thought and consideration is included on the front and back pages where in the case of the former and the butterfly book you were given a chance to see the caterpillar than on the back pages were the evolved butterflies.
This was truly a great idea for writing a nonfiction novel that allows children a chance to explore such big subjects while without being too overwhelming.
Furthermore each book in the series can also be read in two different formats thus allowing the reading audience to be broadened out. If you have very young readers or those who cannot sit still long enough for a book whether it is since of too much information or just length than you can read the descriptive for each page while avoiding all the smaller more emphasized information that is given for the page. And for those who are interested or can keep their attention focused than the whole page can be read and explored.
The illustrations are bright and colorful but doesn't distract at all from the information provided. Instead each illustration is given in the right detail while the species name is provided so you aren't sitting there trying to figure out which one of the millions you are looking at. This same thought and consideration is included on the front and back pages where in the case of the former and the butterfly book you were given a chance to see the caterpillar than on the back pages were the evolved butterflies.
This was truly a great idea for writing a nonfiction novel that allows children a chance to explore such big subjects while without being too overwhelming.
March 30, 2012
An egg is quiet, colorful, shapely, clever, artistic, textured, and giving. "Then, suddenly, an egg is noisy."
Dianna Hutts Aston introduces eggs in a spare manner accessible even to young preschoolers, while accompanying her words with Sylvia Long's exquisite, labeled pictures of eggs from birds, insects, reptiles, and fish. Because it is simultaneously simple and complex, the book achieves what the best juvenile nonfiction should: provide new knowledge and insight for a reader of any age. Even the endpapers teach, with the front endpapers showing dozens of diverse eggs while the back show the corresponding animals, inviting children to flip back and forth matching them. An Egg is Quiet nears the top of my list of exemplary nonfiction for children.
Dianna Hutts Aston introduces eggs in a spare manner accessible even to young preschoolers, while accompanying her words with Sylvia Long's exquisite, labeled pictures of eggs from birds, insects, reptiles, and fish. Because it is simultaneously simple and complex, the book achieves what the best juvenile nonfiction should: provide new knowledge and insight for a reader of any age. Even the endpapers teach, with the front endpapers showing dozens of diverse eggs while the back show the corresponding animals, inviting children to flip back and forth matching them. An Egg is Quiet nears the top of my list of exemplary nonfiction for children.
December 14, 2015
What a great picture book! Admittedly, if you are not the kind who likes to read labels out loud (think Richard Scarry) you might dislike it... every egg is labelled with species as it appears. Also a great 'last thing at night' book because it is lyrical and quiet, almost Margaret Wise Brown in its writing. But there's ample room for shared reading, with the early reader reading the text itself and the parent reading the labels. For children, like my nearly-seven-year old son, who love nature and nature facts, there's a wild diversity of different eggs (and birds, which you see on the last page).
I'm only holding off on the final star to see if the seven year old is interested in reading it again.
I'm only holding off on the final star to see if the seven year old is interested in reading it again.
May 24, 2010
I love this book for the beautiful illustrations and the provocative statements that make readers think about eggs in a whole new way. Each spread features a simple statement in large cursive style text and supporting details in smaller type. The main text includes such proclomations as "An egg is clever." and "An egg is giving." These aren't statements we typically associate with eggs, but the sidebars reinforce the main statement and give readers a new appreciation for the way in which many of Earth's creatures begin their lives. Thsi book is a great read aloud and will lead to great discussions in classrooms and at home.
April 17, 2015
An Egg is Quiet is a really cute science-y kind of children's book that talks about all the different colors, shapes, sizes, etc of the eggs of all kinds of animals. It also discusses the anatomy and physiology of basic eggs which my son found fascinating.
The illustrations are beautiful even though there is a LOT of white space. We had a lot of fun with this one.
The illustrations are beautiful even though there is a LOT of white space. We had a lot of fun with this one.
August 16, 2010
This picture book has the most beautiful illustrations of eggs I've ever seen. Simply stunning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews