Young woodpecker Pierce has decided he is old enough to venture out and hunt for insects on his own. He will prove to his mother that he is old enough to stretch his wings and be independent and responsible! When he ventures to the forest in search of juicy insects he finds that it isn't going to be as easy as he thought. All of the trees he finds seem perfect -- but they already have other animals making their homes there. And Raccoon and Owl and Skunk don't want Pierce hammering holes in their homes in his search for lunch. There has to be some way a smart woodpecker like Pierce can figure out how to get at those tasty insects. The book includes non-fiction backmatter with more information on woodpeckers and activities for young readers.

2016 Shining Willow Nominee