Earlier this year, Pixar introduced fans to its newest short film star, an adorable little sandpiper named Piper. Now, the animation studio has released a sneak peek at some footage from "Piper," and it's just as cute as you'd imagine.

The short clip features baby Piper exploring the water's edge, searching for a bite to eat. But as the film's synopsis notes, the "hungry sandpiper hatchling discovers that finding food without mom's help isn't so easy."

We see little Piper eagerly rush to the shore, opening her mouth up wide for a morsel of food from her mother. But Mama Piper isn't going to let her chick get off so easy, instead nudging Piper to follow bubbles in the sand to seek out her own meal. Piper soon discovers that those bubbles seem to disappear faster than her little legs can carry her, though we have a sneaking suspicious that the charming chick isn't going to give up her quest. But first, she'll have to figure out why all the other sandpipers seem to be running away from the encroaching waves.

"Piper" is a simple concept that's nonetheless an absolutely enchanting one to watch unfold, and we can't wait to see the entire short film for ourselves on the big screen. "Piper" premieres alongside "Finding Dory" on Friday.

Photo credit: YouTube/Disney UK