Review by Booklist Review
A hummingbird builds a nest in a land where all the animals live. She's almost finished when a fire starts nearby. The animals rush to the river in fear, not knowing what to do--until the hummingbird takes action. Although her small beak can hold only one drop of water, she takes the drop and puts it on the fire. As she does so repeatedly, the other animals are puzzled. When they challenge her, she says she's doing what she can. Inspired by her determination, they join in, from the mighty elephant to the tiny ants. Before his death, Jerry Pinkney completed ink sketches of chimpanzees, gorillas, leopards, lions, warthogs, aardvarks, giraffes, and hippos; Brian started with those drawings, then painted the final images with acrylic, making for a unique collaboration that highlights both creators' skills. The author was inspired by the work of Nobel Peace Prize--winning environmentalist Wangarí Maathai in telling a story that reminds us that everyone has something to contribute and that individuals can make a powerful difference working toward a common goal.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Drawing on a parable often told by activist Wangari Maathai, a note acknowledges, this simply articulated tale from debut author Alper delivers an unmistakably crucial message. In a "vast, beautiful" land with "room for everyone"--birds, monkeys, snakes, and giant cats--a tiny hummingbird makes a nest. Then a spark lands on a leaf, setting a quickly moving fire. The animals retreat to the river's safety, but the hummingbird, thinking of "her home in the tall tree... and of her eggs that would soon be coming," fills her beak with all it can hold, "just the littlest drop of water," and lets it fall upon the blaze. The other creatures shake their heads: "You cannot put out that terrible fire. You are just a small bird." The hummingbird's resolute reply, "I am doing what I can," inspires the animals to rouse themselves and offer what they, too, can. Working with sketches by late Caldecott Medalist Jerry Pinkney, his son, Caldecott Honoree Brian Pinkney, adds bright, bold strokes to create rippling water, rushing animals, and swirling smoke in this clear allegory about the value of every effort. Creators' notes conclude. Ages 3--7. Author's agent: Elizabeth Rudnick, Mackenzie Wolf. Illustrator's agent: Sheldon Fogelman, Sheldon Fogelman Agency. (Apr.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--When a wildfire grows out of control, the animals all flee to the river, but the hummingbird knows she has to do something to save the eggs trapped in her nest. She takes a small beak full of water and drops it on the flames. The other animals see she's exhausting herself as she flies back and forth, and when she tells the elephant she is doing what she can, the elephant fills her trunk to spray on the fire. Eventually all the animals join in until the fire is extinguished. Alper's retelling of this common tale of the smallest among us inspiring a community to action trusts its young readers and doesn't fall into didacticism. It also doesn't shy away from how exhausting the work can be and how long it can take before change comes, making the ending that much more satisfying. However, what truly sets this apart is the artwork. Jerry Pinkney was originally slated to illustrate before he died; Brian Pinkney took the almost complete sketches to finished paintings. This bittersweet pairing results in wonderful, detailed full scenes that are filled out with large swirls of color emphasizing the constant movement of the hummingbird and the roiling flames of the fire. VERDICT A gorgeous and uplifting tale that will find a home in all collections. Highly recommended.--Jennifer Rothschild
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Review by Horn Book Review
When a brush fire begins raging, the animals flee to the river for safety -- except for one determined hummingbird. The tiny bird carries drops of water in her beak, releasing them on the flames. The other animals view her efforts as futile until a wise elephant, moved by her persistence, asks why she bothers. "I am doing what I can," the hummingbird says. The elephant responds, "Then I will do what I can." One by one, the animals follow her example, coming together to fight the fire. Alper's lyrical text, inspired by a parable shared by environmentalist Wangari Maathai, emphasizes the power of small actions leading to collective change. According to an illustrator's note, Jerry Pinkney's sketches for this, his final work, were lovingly completed by his son Brian Pinkney, whose painstaking "paint strokes and brush lines brought [his] father's work to life." The collaboration creates a visual experience that feels fresh. One aerial-view spread shows a host of animals -- including giraffes, hippos, chimpanzees, elephants, and crocodiles -- joining forces, offering a stirring depiction of resilience and teamwork. The contrast between the hot orange tones of the fire and the river's cool blues heightens the book's emotional impact. A stirring tale of courage, unity, and environmental stewardship. Annisha JeffriesMay/June 2025 p.59 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Can one tiny hummingbird douse a woodland fire by herself? The story opens on an idyllic African plains setting dotted with acacia trees. The hummingbird is building a nest in anticipation of eggs soon to come when a spark ignites a full-blown fire. She rushes to the river and attempts to fight the blaze, flying back and forth, holding just one drop of water in her beak on each trip. When an elephant expresses incredulity at her efforts, she replies, "I am doing what I can." In an illustrator's note, Brian Pinkney describes how he painted on top of his late father Jerry's unfinished sketches to create dynamic acrylic and ink scenes. This poignant duet has produced gorgeous compositions. Jerry's skill in capturing an animal's essence is on full display, while Brian's signature swirls add energy to his exciting palette. In her author's note, Alper explains that the tale originated with the Quechua people of South America, though she first heard it from Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai. The text has a melodic flow and cadence. Alper has embellished the narrative, adding a collective response to the bird's actions. After the elephant joins the fight, a cluster of ants lift leaves containing small puddles above their heads; a chimpanzee carries a vessel of water. The drop that finally extinguishes the flames comes from the protagonist. An inspiring example of the good that can result from one act, no matter how small.(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
