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SOAR
Young readers will identify with a nervous but determined hummingbird in this strikingly illustrated, powerful message about overcoming fear and never giving up!
Ramone, a shy, ruby-throated hummingbird, is about to leave the nest for the first time. But his anxiety and fear keep him from taking off as he contemplates all that could go wrong. Accompanied by strikingly beautiful illustrations, this tale guides readers through Ramone's emotional journey, showing kids that fear must be overcome in order to grow.
Ramone, a shy, ruby-throated hummingbird, is about to leave the nest for the first time. But his anxiety and fear keep him from taking off as he contemplates all that could go wrong. Accompanied by strikingly beautiful illustrations, this tale guides readers through Ramone's emotional journey, showing kids that fear must be overcome in order to grow.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
Published August 28, 2020
31 people want to read
About the author
Hillary Daecher
4 books5 followersMy second children's picture book, The Nightmare Bug, will be released in August! The Nightmare Bug is an empowering picture book showing a child taking control of their nightmares. When a small child cries out to their mother after having a nightmare, the mother comforts her child explaining how she used the power of love to get rid of the Nightmare Bug when she was small. Snuggling with Blankie, Bear, and Rhino, the child drifts off feeling empowered and ready to show the Nightmare Bug love by giving it a big hug! Skipping through dreams of oceans, giants, and the moon, the child, along with the stuffed friends, show everyone the beauty and the power of what love and a hug can do!
My debut picture book, SOAR, is a Purple Dragonfly Book Award winner! SOAR follows Ramone, a shy Ruby-throated hummingbird who is about to leave the nest for the first time. But his anxiety and fear keep him from taking off as he contemplates all that could go wrong if he isn’t able to fly. Full of kind words and encouragement, Ramone’s mother gives him room to work through his various emotions, building his confidence and letting him set his own pace. Ramone watches as his friends soar through the sky, realizing all he might miss out on if he doesn’t conquer his fear. Ramone’s adventure showcases the emotions, both positive and negative, children experience as they approach new challenges. This tale guides readers through Ramone’s emotional journey, showing kids that fear must be overcome in order to grow.
I graduated from the University of Delaware and reside in Lititz, Pennsylvania, with my husband and two wonderful children trying to navigate everyday life.
My debut picture book, SOAR, is a Purple Dragonfly Book Award winner! SOAR follows Ramone, a shy Ruby-throated hummingbird who is about to leave the nest for the first time. But his anxiety and fear keep him from taking off as he contemplates all that could go wrong if he isn’t able to fly. Full of kind words and encouragement, Ramone’s mother gives him room to work through his various emotions, building his confidence and letting him set his own pace. Ramone watches as his friends soar through the sky, realizing all he might miss out on if he doesn’t conquer his fear. Ramone’s adventure showcases the emotions, both positive and negative, children experience as they approach new challenges. This tale guides readers through Ramone’s emotional journey, showing kids that fear must be overcome in order to grow.
I graduated from the University of Delaware and reside in Lititz, Pennsylvania, with my husband and two wonderful children trying to navigate everyday life.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 18, 2020
Gorgeously illustrated, fun, meaningful rhyming book about a little humming bird learning to fly! Ramone is scared and doesn’t feel ready. He presents a lot of excuses to his kind, patient mom who gives him time to work through his feelings. Ramone daydreams about how wonderful it would be to fly and watches his mom and friends swoop, soar, laugh and giggle. He so wants to fly! With his mom’s support and encouragement, he realizes there is nothing to fear and goes for it!
Wonderful lesson to show kids that it’s normal, and absolutely ok, to be scared to try new things – but these fears must be overcome to grow and it’s so rewarding once these fears are conquered. As a bonus, the author includes a list of hummingbird facts at the end of the book, as well as conversation starters. Great book for all the littles in your life!
Wonderful lesson to show kids that it’s normal, and absolutely ok, to be scared to try new things – but these fears must be overcome to grow and it’s so rewarding once these fears are conquered. As a bonus, the author includes a list of hummingbird facts at the end of the book, as well as conversation starters. Great book for all the littles in your life!
October 16, 2020
Bright and sweet, interesting style of illustration, even though the birds' faces were a bit weird at times. Nice moral to the story too.
I received a copy for review through Edelweiss, opinions are my own.
I received a copy for review through Edelweiss, opinions are my own.
October 23, 2020
Soar
(children's literature, self-confidence, inner-strength, courage, animal story, characterization)
Soar by Hillary Daecher is a beautiful story about overcoming your fears. In this story, there is a hummingbird named Ramone who is afraid to leave his nest and fly. After watching his peers and his mother fly through the sky without him, Ramone found the confidence to give leap from his nest and fly with the others.
If you are a teacher, Soar would be a good book to use for teaching about character analysis, how characters can change over time, and making text-to-self connections.
Best for elementary school students. Read aloud, whole group, small group, and independently reading.
Kelly Wilson
Teacher / Blogger
www.kellysclassroomonline.com
(children's literature, self-confidence, inner-strength, courage, animal story, characterization)
Soar by Hillary Daecher is a beautiful story about overcoming your fears. In this story, there is a hummingbird named Ramone who is afraid to leave his nest and fly. After watching his peers and his mother fly through the sky without him, Ramone found the confidence to give leap from his nest and fly with the others.
If you are a teacher, Soar would be a good book to use for teaching about character analysis, how characters can change over time, and making text-to-self connections.
Best for elementary school students. Read aloud, whole group, small group, and independently reading.
Kelly Wilson
Teacher / Blogger
www.kellysclassroomonline.com
January 3, 2026
Beautiful, bright illustrations guide us through the story of a little hummingbird who is afraid to fly for the first time but desperately wants all the exciting elements of flying. Hummingbird facts in the back give this sweet picture book that extra oomph. I had this one on my list from the new Reading Rainbow! Glad I checked it out! 😍
October 12, 2020
Soar! I knew I was going to enjoy the children's book the moment I saw the cover! The illustrator Angie Hohenadel captures the beauty of Hillary's story to a "T." I am a recent bird watcher with hummingbird feeders in several stations in our home. To watch them is magical. Hillary takes the beauty of a baby bird, named Ramone, and it's mom ready to teach him to enjoy the sweet nectar of flowers, but that means he has to give up being all snug in the nest. Hillary shares a fun, reassuring way the mom will be there for him and Ramone soars. It is an excellent book for any parent to help their kids take the next step forward and Soar! I recommend it for your children's school and personal library.
December 9, 2021
I’ve always loved hummingbirds, but we never had much success attracting them to our yard, until this year. Last spring we decided to add native perennials to our garden and were disappointed when they barely grew. This summer, though, was an entirely different story. Native flowers blanketed our yard, and along with beautiful blooms, we suddenly had a garden full of hummingbirds. They were amazing, colorful and a delight to watch as they soared from blossom to blossom. Hillary Daecher’s charming story, written in rhyming verse and expressive dialogue, brought back fond memories of our summer garden. Our hummingbirds were just as colorful and varied as Angie Hohenadel’s creations in the story. Every page in SOAR is a mass of bold, vibrant colors which bring our mother and son hummingbirds to life. You will have no doubt about Ramone’s feelings as he contemplates taking his first flight, about the hugeness of his mother’s love for him or the joy of his peers as they swoop over a sea of flowers.
I especially loved the backmatter in the book. One page is full of hummingbird facts which will amaze your little one and maybe even you! The other page is even better. It is a list of conversation starters for you to discuss with your children. For example, “Ramone is afraid to fly. Can you remember a time when you were afraid to try something new, if so what emotions were you feeling?”
This is a story that can be shared over and over again. It’s one that can be put aside and picked up at a later time when your little one is feeling anxious about trying something new. It’s one you’ll definitely want to add to your family’s library. Oh, and be sure and check out the endpapers. They are extra special!
December 13, 2020
Not only bird and animal fans will enjoy this touching tale and it's bright and bold illustrations.
Ramone is a humming bird and is more than nervous about learning to fly. While he's hesitant to leave the nest and give it a go, watching his friends take flight makes it harder and harder for him to resist. When he does finally give in, it takes a rush of bravery and things, of course, aren't easy. But he might make it anyway.
I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. They are so bright and packed with colors, which just fly off the pages. The birds and their surroundings are true enough to life to identify and yet, incorporate artistic tones, creating playful scenes, which are fun to look at again and again.
The tale itself is simple but brings across the emotions surrounding Ramone's first flight. The fear is understandable as is the urge to join friends...but still, be more than hesitant. Even after batting those wings, Ramone's adventure isn't over. The moments are emotionally well set and will draw listeners in as Ramone does his best.
The text fits the age group nicely and flows relatively well. It brings across Ramone and his experiences in a way listeners will understand and enjoy. Even the idea of birds' first flights is brought across nicely and will capture animal fans. It makes for a nice read-aloud for groups and more personal moments.
I received an ARC and loved the illustrations.
Ramone is a humming bird and is more than nervous about learning to fly. While he's hesitant to leave the nest and give it a go, watching his friends take flight makes it harder and harder for him to resist. When he does finally give in, it takes a rush of bravery and things, of course, aren't easy. But he might make it anyway.
I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. They are so bright and packed with colors, which just fly off the pages. The birds and their surroundings are true enough to life to identify and yet, incorporate artistic tones, creating playful scenes, which are fun to look at again and again.
The tale itself is simple but brings across the emotions surrounding Ramone's first flight. The fear is understandable as is the urge to join friends...but still, be more than hesitant. Even after batting those wings, Ramone's adventure isn't over. The moments are emotionally well set and will draw listeners in as Ramone does his best.
The text fits the age group nicely and flows relatively well. It brings across Ramone and his experiences in a way listeners will understand and enjoy. Even the idea of birds' first flights is brought across nicely and will capture animal fans. It makes for a nice read-aloud for groups and more personal moments.
I received an ARC and loved the illustrations.
April 25, 2021
Soar took my breath away from the moment that I held it in my hands. The first thing that came to mind was how stunning and colourful the illustrations are on the cover and throughout the book.
The story is beautiful and easy to follow, written in simple rhyming couplets which makes it fun for a parent to read aloud. Ramone is a small hummingbird who is so scared of flying for the first time and who makes excuses to his mum about why he can’t fly as he doesn’t want to show his fear. He dreams of flying but fear of not being able to do it is making him anxious.
Children can relate to the plot of the story as they also feel fear and anxiety about doing certain activities. We also see in the story how Ramone’s mum gives him space and doesn’t rush him but instead supports him until he is ready to fly. We also see the importance of support and understanding and the great relationship that Ramone has with his mum. Anxiety is an important topic to explore with younger children and it is important to talk about it and for children to understand how they can cope with this feeling.
The book includes Hummingbird facts at the end that are explained in a simply way and which children will find fascinating. The book also contains conversation starters that encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Children of all ages will definitely enjoy this lovely book.
The story is beautiful and easy to follow, written in simple rhyming couplets which makes it fun for a parent to read aloud. Ramone is a small hummingbird who is so scared of flying for the first time and who makes excuses to his mum about why he can’t fly as he doesn’t want to show his fear. He dreams of flying but fear of not being able to do it is making him anxious.
Children can relate to the plot of the story as they also feel fear and anxiety about doing certain activities. We also see in the story how Ramone’s mum gives him space and doesn’t rush him but instead supports him until he is ready to fly. We also see the importance of support and understanding and the great relationship that Ramone has with his mum. Anxiety is an important topic to explore with younger children and it is important to talk about it and for children to understand how they can cope with this feeling.
The book includes Hummingbird facts at the end that are explained in a simply way and which children will find fascinating. The book also contains conversation starters that encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Children of all ages will definitely enjoy this lovely book.
October 25, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the author, Hillary Daecher, in exchange for an honest review.
It is Ramone’s first day of flying as a hummingbird and his mom is eager to get him started. But Ramona is worried about flying and as a result he shuffles back into bed. He dreams of flying and realizes that if he doesn’t try, he may not achieve his dream. With the encouragement from his mom and the view of his peers soaring through the air, Ramona takes a leap of faith and realizes that he can overcome his fears.
Told in rhymes and accompanied by vibrant and colourful illustrations, Soar is an inspiring story for young readers to learn about the benefits of facing and overcoming one’s fears. As readers are brought along on Ramone’s emotional journey, they too will learn that feeling fearful can be quite normal when faced with a new challenge. However it is how they face these challenges that matter. The encouragement of Ramone’s mom also reminds readers of the encouragement and support that they have from those around them and that they do not have to face these fears alone. I also love books that include trivia facts at the end - and Soar includes facts about hummingbirds. Also for educators and parents, there are questions to guide conversations after reading the book. I will definitely be sharing this with my class to continue my students’ learning of having a growth mindset.
It is Ramone’s first day of flying as a hummingbird and his mom is eager to get him started. But Ramona is worried about flying and as a result he shuffles back into bed. He dreams of flying and realizes that if he doesn’t try, he may not achieve his dream. With the encouragement from his mom and the view of his peers soaring through the air, Ramona takes a leap of faith and realizes that he can overcome his fears.
Told in rhymes and accompanied by vibrant and colourful illustrations, Soar is an inspiring story for young readers to learn about the benefits of facing and overcoming one’s fears. As readers are brought along on Ramone’s emotional journey, they too will learn that feeling fearful can be quite normal when faced with a new challenge. However it is how they face these challenges that matter. The encouragement of Ramone’s mom also reminds readers of the encouragement and support that they have from those around them and that they do not have to face these fears alone. I also love books that include trivia facts at the end - and Soar includes facts about hummingbirds. Also for educators and parents, there are questions to guide conversations after reading the book. I will definitely be sharing this with my class to continue my students’ learning of having a growth mindset.
April 19, 2021
I was blown away by “Soar” which is a children’s picture book written by Hillary Daecher, and illustrated by Angie Hohenadel.
It ticks every single box in my list of what makes a great picture book - the rhyming and tempo is perfect, the characters are likeable, it has an educational element and the illustrations are really just wonderful.
The story is about a little hummingbird called Ramone, whose time has come to learn how to fly. Needless to say, he’s a bit apprehensive and will make any excuse to stay snug in bed. However his mum manages to coax him out of his nest, and biting the bullet, he jumps off into the air where instinct takes over and the next thing he’s a flying expert!
There are some thought provoking resources at the end (which are always so valuable) with facts about hummingbirds for the readers, and some conversation starters for teachers and parents who want to take it a bit further.
But most importantly, ’Soar’ teaches kids one of the most valuable lessons that they can learn, and that it’s ok to be afraid of leaving your comfort zone and learning new things, you just need to trust in yourself a little, and the rewards can be limitless.
It ticks every single box in my list of what makes a great picture book - the rhyming and tempo is perfect, the characters are likeable, it has an educational element and the illustrations are really just wonderful.
The story is about a little hummingbird called Ramone, whose time has come to learn how to fly. Needless to say, he’s a bit apprehensive and will make any excuse to stay snug in bed. However his mum manages to coax him out of his nest, and biting the bullet, he jumps off into the air where instinct takes over and the next thing he’s a flying expert!
There are some thought provoking resources at the end (which are always so valuable) with facts about hummingbirds for the readers, and some conversation starters for teachers and parents who want to take it a bit further.
But most importantly, ’Soar’ teaches kids one of the most valuable lessons that they can learn, and that it’s ok to be afraid of leaving your comfort zone and learning new things, you just need to trust in yourself a little, and the rewards can be limitless.
July 30, 2022
The classic story of the baby bird who must learn how to fly and leave the nest is retold through the vibrant colors and beauty of hummingbirds. In Hillary Daecher’s “Soar”, a hesitant fledgling would rather sleep cozily than risk his fears and spread his wings. Mother tries to encourage him but he is far too comfortable, even faking sick as an excuse not to exit. When his dreams of soaring high with his friends among the flowers are too much to ignore, he finally embraces his mother’s love and strength, and finds what it takes inside to make his ascent.
Daecher’s rhyming stanzas fly from the page and whisk along this feathery heartwarming tale. Through the bond between the mother and son hummingbirds, she’s able to creatively communicate one of the most important lessons of all–if we leave life to fear, we can never enjoy all that life has to offer. The story is told along a cascade of vibrant images, with detailed textures, patterns and a wide variety of hues, courtesy of illustrator Angie Hohenadel.
Daecher’s rhyming stanzas fly from the page and whisk along this feathery heartwarming tale. Through the bond between the mother and son hummingbirds, she’s able to creatively communicate one of the most important lessons of all–if we leave life to fear, we can never enjoy all that life has to offer. The story is told along a cascade of vibrant images, with detailed textures, patterns and a wide variety of hues, courtesy of illustrator Angie Hohenadel.
February 20, 2021
The illustrations by Angie Hohenadel immediately grabbed my attention as they are so vivid and gorgeous! I’m delighted to say that the story written by Hillary Daecher is just as engaging and beautiful as the illustrations!
This is a delightful story about a mother hummingbird and her son, Ramone, who is afraid to leave the nest for the first time. The rhymes in this story perfectly capture the fear and emotions that Ramone feels as he dreams about what it will be like to take to the sky. I also love the hummingbird facts included at the end that provide the reader with information about these incredible birds!
This is the first published children’s book for both the author and the illustrator and I’ll look forward to seeing what other gems they create!
I want to thank @hillarydaecher and @schifferkids for sharing this wonderful book with me in exchange for my honest review! My daughter and I will treasure it for years to come!
This is a delightful story about a mother hummingbird and her son, Ramone, who is afraid to leave the nest for the first time. The rhymes in this story perfectly capture the fear and emotions that Ramone feels as he dreams about what it will be like to take to the sky. I also love the hummingbird facts included at the end that provide the reader with information about these incredible birds!
This is the first published children’s book for both the author and the illustrator and I’ll look forward to seeing what other gems they create!
I want to thank @hillarydaecher and @schifferkids for sharing this wonderful book with me in exchange for my honest review! My daughter and I will treasure it for years to come!
March 27, 2021
I loved this book.The beautiful illustrations drew me to it straight away. The story about the little hummingbird learning to fly is brilliantly told in rhyme. Ramone overcame his fears, with the encouragement of his mum and was very pleased when he found he could finally fly. This would be a great book to read in school to encourage children to be brave enough to try new things and to persevere to achieve their goals. I loved the hummingbird facts at the end of the book and the questions to discuss after reading the story. I have just purchased a hard copy of this to share with my children.
Thank you to Edelweiss for this e copy.
Thank you to Edelweiss for this e copy.
September 15, 2020
Very pleasantly designed look at a nervous fledgling – Ramone the hummingbird only wants to stay in the nest, and not take his maiden flight, even when he sees his mother and all his friends so good at it. The moral of taking the plunge is done very well in AABB rhyming verses, and only the mother going hunting a bug when she's a hummingbird was an off-beat. With such strong artistic values in the illustrations, this is going to be a strong four stars.
April 2, 2021
Charming! A sweet story about a little hummingbirds first time flying and the encouragement by his Mom. The illustrations are bright, bold and beautiful! The story is relatable and will teach children a wonderful lesson about courage. It's a touching story filled with entertaining, lyrical rhyme. It ends with interesting facts about Hummingbirds and also some reading prompts for children to interact with the story. A must read for any nature loving child. Highly recommend!
December 28, 2020
Great rhyming text that conveyed the fear of failure, and the bravery to overcome it before a first flight. Colourful pictures of flowers and hummingbirds will appeal to my library patrons even if they don't always look like the birds we are used to seeing. Also, some hummingbird facts at the end for older readers.
April 2, 2021
Ramone is a hummingbird who is about to leave the nest for the first time but is scared to fly. With his mother's encouragement, Ramone embraces his emotions and works through them. Told in rhyme with beautiful bold illustrations, this fun read-aloud opens the door to important conversations around overcoming our fears and growth mindset.
April 12, 2021
In this book, Ramone Ruby-Throat is a young chick. It is time for him to fly, but he is afraid that he is not ready. His mom is supporting and encouraging him.
This is a great book for kids. I love the story and the illustration. This is a great story about new challenges and overcoming the fear of doing them.
I recommend the book for kids ages 4-8
This is a great book for kids. I love the story and the illustration. This is a great story about new challenges and overcoming the fear of doing them.
I recommend the book for kids ages 4-8
November 21, 2020
Wonderful colorful and very kind book to show the little ones that trying something for the first time could be very scary, but it so worth it!! I loved the rhymes, the illustrations and the story of the book!! Very inspiring and heartwarming! Will be reading it again and again! Thank you!
November 25, 2020
A cute little tale about overcoming anxiety to try something new.
Want to read
March 31, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews