Save the Flower Vampires

I think I was in love with Tiny Bird:  Hummingbirds’ Amazing Journey before I even opened this picture book. The illustration that was the cover was as eye catching as the hummingbird itself. I knew that Wendell Minor would not disappoint with the art (or so I was hoping) but could Robert Burleigh create text that would be interesting and as bold as the illustrations?

And they did. The result of these two artists was an accessible for multiple ages and levels picture book that was a nonfiction/fiction story. You learn about the hummingbird in easy, but not simple, text in a way that is exciting. There are facts, but not presented as a textbook is likely to do. Your child (ages a strong 5 to about lower 8 years-old) will love following the journey this tiny bird makes from New England, over the Gulf of Mexico and finally to its winter home.

Several pieces wrapped in an afterwards ties the story up with more information, presented in a more traditional non-fiction/factual manner. This allows for the book to be used as a read aloud (the main story) or in the classroom setting (both the story and the afterwards). It also allows the book to be adapted for all ages. Adults will appreciate the stunning artwork, but also might learn a few things about hummingbirds.

Worse case situation, if the idea of learning about one of the smallest creatures ever does not interest you, please pick this book up in mid-April for some delightfully exciting, colorful and perfectly detailed pieces of art.  (And PS: I stole my title from an image I found online).