A Tale Told Around the World
Starred review from August 14, 2023
This inspirational story, per an author’s note likely to have originated with the Quechua people of modern-day Ecuador, celebrates those who create a better world in the face of enormous odds. When a mighty blaze causes animals to flee the Great Forest to safety beyond the river, a little hummingbird mourns “each branch and each tree.” Wondering how she can leave the Great Forest in its moment of need, she attempts to rally the animals, who say that extinguishing the blaze is impossible. So, filling her tiny beak with water, she places a single drop on the flames, again and again, even as her delicate wings are singed. When the others question her, her reply—“I’m doing all I can”—motivates the others to do their part. Lyrical text from Henderson offers quiet power to this tale of one connective voice creating a better place for all, while Morales’s digital illustrations use deep hues that capture the fire’s glow, the hummingbird’s determination, and creatures belonging to “every corner of the globe,” per back matter. Creators’ notes and hummingbird facts conclude. Ages 4–8.
Starred review from February 15, 2023
A retelling of a fable with a lesson for all. "In villages, in towns, in cities, and classrooms. In whispers, in shouts, and in many different languages, the story of the little hummingbird of the Great Forest is told." This version of the story, told around the world and likely originating among the Quechua people, imagines a setting in which animals from all over the globe live together in a forest until they're forced to flee a fire. While they rest and recover, the eponymous hummingbird asks for help fighting the blaze, but they all refuse. Undaunted, the brave bird begins bringing water droplets from the river to the forest. The art and the careful placement of text guide the eye through the necessarily chaotic scenes, allowing readers to locate animals named by accompanying text. The animals are shocked, thinking the bird's actions foolhardy and futile. "What do you think you're doing?" asks the lion. "I'm doing all I can," is the succinct, inspirational reply. This call to action is for the animals and for anyone who fears the insignificance of their efforts. It's a powerful message, made accessible and engaging through both Henderson's writing and Morales' vibrant, vividly textured illustrations. Outstanding backmatter loaded with hummingbird facts and acknowledgement of the places the animals depicted here live in the real world rounds out this truly special offering. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Brave the crowds to get this one, wherever you are. (Picture book. 3-8)
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December 22, 2023
PreS-Gr 2-Readers will be captivated by this retelling of a South American fable that encourages determination and cooperation. A fire threatens to destroy a majestic rainforest that a wide of variety of animals calls home. Armadillos, elephants, and jaguars flee to safety, but a small hummingbird stays to do everything she can to combat the flames, ultimately inspiring the other creatures to follow suit. The story of the hummingbird's bravery unfolds in lyrical prose that maintains a distant formality well-suited for a fable, inviting read-alouds in reverent tones. The drama of the forest fire plays out in vivid spreads featuring lush digital illustrations, bold enough to be eye-catching at a distance and intricately detailed up close. Back matter includes a guide to the global habitats of the animals depicted in the story, interesting facts about hummingbirds, and notes from both the author and artist. VERDICT A beautifully told fable with uplifting themes and a timely environmental message. Purchase where folktales are popular.-Allison Tran
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