The Little Hummingbird

Publisher's Description (Greystone Books): 
A new edition of the beautifully illustrated, bestselling book, revised for younger readers.

This inspiring children's book—a revised edition of the award-winning Flight of the Hummingbird—is based on a South American indigenous story about a courageous hummingbird who defies fear and expectations in her attempt to save the forest from fire. The illustrated story is supplemented by a natural and cultural history of hummingbirds, as well as an inspiring message from Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai.

The evocative artwork by internationally renowned Haida artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas complements the optimistic tale that encourages everyone to take responsibility for their home and the planet.

Creator's Biography (Douglas & McIntyre): 
Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas is a visual artist, storyteller and public speaker. Raised on Haida Gwaii, he melds cultural hybridity and his political experiences as an Indigenous person with contemporary graphic literature to produce a unique genre called Haida Manga. His books include Flight of the Hummingbird (Greystone, 2008), A Tale of Two Shamans (Theytus, 2001) and Red (Douglas & McIntyre, 2009). He lives in Canada with his wife and daughter, close to the Two Sisters Mountain on an island in the Salish Sea.

Creator's Biography (Greystone Books): 
Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, an organization that provides income, education, and sustenance to millions of people in Kenya through the planting of trees. An environmental activist and advocate for civil society and women's rights, Maathai has been honored with numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize. She has written three books: The Challenge for Africa, Unbowed: A Memoir, and The Green Belt Movement. www.greenbeltmovement.org. Wangari Maathai is not a member of any Indigenous group.

Resource type: Picturebook

Age recommendation: Pre-Kindergarten, K-3

Keywords: Haida, South American Indigenous story, forest, morals, perserverance, birds, animals, picturebook, collaboration, community, working together

Year of publication: 2010

Publisher information: Greystone Books