Spit & Sticks A Chimney Full of Swifts

Succinct and factual text follows chimney swifts as they arrive on a Texas farm, build their nest, lay eggs, ready for fledglings to take flight, and eventually prepare to migrate back to South America. In a parallel, wordless story, a mom, dad, and young girl on the farm watch the chimney swifts throughout the summer and fall, even as they build a new crib and ready for the new baby they're expecting. As they enjoy their baby's first months, they also celebrate the fledglings' first flight and bid the birds good-bye until next year.

Nicole Gsell's soft illustrations follow the tales of both families—bird and human—from each unique perspective.

A beautiful addition to bird lovers' collections, as well as classrooms and libraries.

Marilyn Grohoske Evans first saw chimney swifts chitter and zip in and out of grain elevators in Texas. She was fascinated, and Spit & Sticks was born. Marilyn has a journalism and public relations background, and she has published educational books for children and for school literacy programs. She is active in the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and spends time in her garden with the butterflies and flowers she loves. This is her first picture book.

Nicole Gsell graduated from Rhode Island School of Design and is working on a master's in art education at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Originally from Long Island, New York, Nicole moved to Boston to pursue a career in publishing. She also illustrated two independently published books, We are Twins! The Story of Sam and Ben and The Tremendous Pagoda Tree.