Hummingbirds

Children's Literature - Quinby Frank

Glorious close-up photographs of hummingbirds dazzle the eye in this colorful tribute to the tiny birds. Hummingbirds, the smallest birds in the world, are found only in the western hemisphere. They migrate astounding distances and can fly vertically and backwards, as well as horizontally and forwards. This well-organized book is full of hummingbird facts, including chapters about the large variety of hummingbird species, the bird's metabolism and eating habits, its procreation, and dangers to the small birds. Additional information appears in sidebars highlighted in an attractive mauve color, echoing the incandescent colors of the birds and flowers shown in the photographs. The text is clear and easy to read; unfamiliar words are italicized and defined in the glossary at the end. The writing is lively and includes accessible comparisons. For example, if a male human had the metabolism of a hummingbird, he would have to eat 285 pounds of hamburger a day to maintain his weight! Books for further reading, a list of related websites, and an index are included. Readers can enjoy a lovely blend of photographs and text in a winning series entitled, appropriately, "Animals Animals." Reviewer: Quinby Frank