About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the idea of physical differences or when they feel discouraged by a problem that seems impossible to fix. This true story follows Karl, a ground hornbill at the National Zoo, who struggles to eat after breaking his beak. Rather than focusing on the sadness of his injury, the narrative highlights how a community of caring humans used innovative technology to help him thrive again. It is a perfect choice for teaching children about the intersection of empathy and engineering. Through Karl's journey, children see that being 'different' or having a disability doesn't mean a life is over; it just means finding a new way to navigate the world. The book introduces complex STEM concepts like 3-D printing and anatomy in an accessible way for elementary students. It is an excellent tool for fostering a growth mindset and showing how teamwork between scientists, zookeepers, and friends can change a life for the better.
