Back in print at last! Award-winning author-illustrator Mies Van Hout celebrates the joys and challenges of parenthood as vibrant birds grow their families.

Set against Mies van Hout’s iconic black backgrounds and utilizing the same vibrant chalk style of the internationally bestselling Happy, each spread of Surprise shows vivid birds portraying the emotions of parenthood, from “marveling” to “teasing” to “listening.”

This lively book is perfect for both new and experienced parents alike, as they will resonate with the emotional and ephemeral journey of parenthood. This new, high-value edition of Surprise features extra-heavy pages that, like the love parents have for their children, will stand the test of time and repeated readings.  

Award-winning author-illustrator Mies van Hout brings humor and charm to the exhilarating adventure of parenthood. Her distinctive paintings are cheerful and bold, and her work has been published in more than twenty countries.

“Extraordinary colors and single words describe the journey of bird parents and children….While certainly a work that will appeal to parents, it will also delight children with the profusion of color and the single words illustrated with so much energy and imagination.”—Kirkus *Starred Review*

“Surprise, which has humor as well as sweetness, should appeal to children and perhaps especially to their mothers, whether they are still [‘longing’] for a new hatchling or at last letting go.”—New York Times