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Sunday, August 3, 2025

The Littlest Drop, written by Sascha Alper and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney. Anne Schwartz Books, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 


"The animals fled to the river and stood by
the safety of its bank, too scared to move. 
All except the hummingbird. 

She thought of her home in the tall tree, of the soft, 
strong nest beneath her, and of her eggs that would 
soon be coming. And she knew that she had to do 
something.
"

The savannah is home to all of the animals from largest to smallest. Counted among the smallest is the hummingbird. This tiny hummingbird is busy building a nest for her to soon-to-be-laid eggs. She knows it needs be soft enough for her vulnerable hatchlings, and strong enough to protect them. Upon completion of the nest, she watches a very small spark land on a leaf nearby. 

That spark causes a quick-growing fire that soon threatens all animals. Terrified, they flee to the river and remain there, too frightened to take action. The hummingbird knows she must do something. So, she begins ... one tiny beak filled with the droplet of water she can carry. Back and forth she flies, time and again, to do what she can to keep her home safe. The animals mock her and her size, reminding her that she is incapable of making any difference. 

"I'm doing what I can."

Grandmother elephant is first to see the folly in their thinking. Only if everyone works together will they be able to effect change. The two work together, until others recognize that they, too, can help. Every animal plays a role. The fire rages on. While tired, they give each other the strength to carry on. 

"Then, as the sun rose above the treetops and the
exhausted hummingbird thought she could fly no
further, she let one last drop fall ... 

and the fire was gone."

In an author's note for her picture book debut, Ms. Alper tells readers this is a tale from the Quechua people of South America, and she heard it first from Wangari Maathai, a noted environmentalist from Kenya. The artwork for the book was to be done by Jerry Pinkney. It was almost completed when he died; in an illustrator's note, his son Brian explains his process in completing the book. The stunning acrylic and India ink images bring readers onto the savannah and into the heat of the fire. This is a new favorite for me, and I will look forward to sharing it. 
                                                                                   


 

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