The Hungry Hummingbird

Sayre, April Pulley; Holland, Gay W.

ISBN 10: 0761319514 ISBN 13: 9780761319511

Publisher: Millbrook Pr, 2001

Synopsis

Describes a young hummingbird's search for food as he learns what is good to eat, and includes information on attracting hummingbirds by using a hummingbird feeder.

About this title

Reviews

reS-Gr 2-Appealing artwork and factual information laid out in an easy-to-understand format make this book a winner. A hungry hummingbird is searching for food. Through trial and error, he discovers he can find sustenance in nectar, usually from trumpet-shaped flowers, tree sap, insects, and hummingbird feeders. This young fledgling makes mistakes along the way, attempting to find food wherever he sees red, as red flowers usually have the sweetest nectar. He discovers, of course, that simply because something is red it doesn't guarantee a tasty meal. Large, clear pictures and the bird's common quest make this a good storytime selection. Holland's soft, predominantly pastel art done in colored pencils features birds and insects that have been precisely drawn with exquisite detail. The book concludes with two pages of information on hummingbirds, including how to attract them. A pleasant, versatile book.

Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Ages 5-8. This beautifully illustrated book follows a young hummingbird as it discovers how to eat. Flying from flower to flower, it learns through trial and error that red is sweetest (but not all red things are edible) and moths and sap are delicious, as is the food found in man-made feeders. Despite a catchy refrain ("Is this food for hungry hummingbirds?"), the text drags, culminating in a particularly ho-hum ending. The illustrations, however, are stunning. Soft tones and minute, feathery brushstrokes realistically convey the amazing, ghostly whir of the hummingbird's wings, the differently shaped petals and flowers, and the enticing woods. There's probably not enough action to maintain interest during a story hour, but young children curious about bird habits or botany will absorb some facts while lingering over art that celebrates nature's variety. A concluding note with further reading suggestions seems geared to kids older than the book's intended audience. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Millbrook Pr
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0761319514
• ISBN 13: 9780761319511
• Binding: Library Binding
• Illustrator: Holland Gay W.
• Number of pages: 32