Monday, April 5, 2021

Tiny Bird: A hummingbird's amazing journey by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Wendell Minor

 Two practiced picture book creators tackle the migration of a ruby-throated hummingbird in poetic prose and stunning illustrations.

A ruby-throated hummingbird feeds on nectar and snatches insects against the background of the midwest - green fields, blue sky, bright flowers. Fueled and ready, it travels south, and prepares for the most dangerous part of its journey, the Gulf of Mexico.

Battling storms, energy loss, and snapping fish, Tiny Bird miraculously survives, with a brief rest on a ship, and arrives in the rainforest. There it rests and recovers, visiting brilliant flowers against a background of emerald green.

Back matter includes facts about hummingbirds, a guide to providing food and shelter, and some further resources. The end pages include visual facts, including a map of the hummingbird's journey and size comparisons of the hummingbird and its nest and eggs.

Burleigh writes descriptive, poetic prose and his work is frequently requested by teachers in my school district. Minor's stunning and vivid artwork is a favorite also. This brief look at a pivotal moment in a tiny creature's life will be a welcome addition to library collections on birds and an excellent choice for storytime for older children or school projects.

Verdict: If you are looking to update or expand your nonfiction picture books on birds, this is an excellent choice. Add this to Nicola Davies' Hummingbird and the Sill's About Hummingbirds for a complete look at the life of this gorgeous and amazing bird.

ISBN: 9781627793698; Published 2020 by Henry Holt; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library



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