The Courage of the Little Hummingbird - by Leah Henderson (Hardcover)

About the Book

A retelling of a tale of bravery against seemingly insurmountable odds and a community working together to overcome adversity, reminding us that no challenge is too great, and that even the smallest of us can make a world of difference. Includes the origins of the folktale and facts about hummingbirds.

Book Synopsis

The Courage of the Little Hummingbird is a beautiful picture book based on a moving animal fable about heroism, hope, and community, from award-winning creators Leah Henderson and Magaly Morales.

When a disastrous fire threatens the Great Forest, the hummingbird must inspire all the animals to work together to save their homes.

Lyrically told by Leah Henderson and vividly illustrated by Magaly Morales, this tale of bravery against seemingly insurmountable odds and a community working together to overcome adversity is a reminder that no challenge is too great, and that even the smallest of us can make a world of difference.

"This call to action is for the animals and for anyone who fears the insignificance of their efforts," Kirkus said in a starred review. "It's a powerful message, made accessible and engaging through both Henderson's writing and Morales' vibrant, vividly textured illustrations."

Includes an author's note, as well as information on the origins of the folktale and facts about hummingbirds

Across oceans, lands, and skies
In whispers, shouts, and in many different languages
The story of the little hummingbird of the Great Forest can always be heard

Review Quotes

**STARRED REVIEW**
"The art and the careful placement of text guide the eye through the necessarily chaotic scenes. 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. Brave the crowds to get this one, wherever you are."--Kirkus Reviews

"Kids who feel especially powerless in a world that, like the Great Forest, is greatly threatened by forces larger than them, might find both the optimism and the honesty of the tale heartening. Spreads are fully saturated with vibrant colors and dynamic textures."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Leah Henderson is the author of A Day for Rememberin', Together We March, Daddy Speaks Love, and Your Voice, Your Vote. Her middle-grade novels include The Magic in Changing Your Stars, a SCBWI Golden Kite Awards finalist, and One Shadow on the Wall, a Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year. Henderson holds an MFA in writing and is on faculty in Spalding University's School of Creative and Professional Writing. She resides in Washington, D.C.
Magaly Morales is the illustrator of the picture books What Can You Do with a Paleta?, a Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award winner, as well as Chavela and the Magic Bubble, A Piñata in a Pine Tree, and Pura's Cuentos. She was born in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.