Building a Beak: How a Toucan’s Rescue Inspired the World

In the wild, Grecia the toucan loved to soar from branch to branch and sing for all the creatures of the rainforest. Until, one night, loud voices echoed through the trees, sticks and rocks flew, and Grecia fell from her favorite avocado tree, tragically breaking her beak.

She was unable to move. Unable to sing.

Animal rescuers examined Grecia and found that she needed a new beak to survive. Though no one had ever made a toucan beak before, Grecia’s determination to live drove their search for a creative solution--an innovative 3D-printed beak. As news of her story spread, people of all ages around the world came together, finding their own ways to help Grecia sing again.

While witnessing Grecia’s determined spirit, readers will learn how this single plucky toucan became a symbol for the international wildlife protection movement and inspired real change in anti-animal cruelty law, saving countless animals from harm. Perfect for the young activist, engineer, or animal lover, Grecia’s triumphant true story will resonate with readers of all ages, showing how determination and teamwork can make an impact and create lasting change.

Becca McMurdie is an elementary school principal in New York City by day. At night, she researches and writes children’s books. She takes trips to climb up mountains, hike through rainforests, and swim in oceans and lakes any chance she gets. While living in Costa Rica for two months, she learned of Grecia’s story from a local ornithologist and visited Rescate Rescue Center in Alajuela to conduct interviews with the rescue team. This is her debut picture book.

Diana Hernández grew up in San Rafael de Heredia, in the small but beautiful country of Costa Rica. She works as a colorist and illustrator and hopes to work as a concept artist for the animation industry. She dreams of working on projects charged with emotions that make people feel understood, hopeful, happy, and less lonely.