Hector and Hummingbird
on Goodreads (498)
What’s inside...
Hector the bear has a big problem: His friend Hummingbird just won't be quiet! Whether Hector's trying to enjoy a snack, get a good scratch against a tree, or take a nap, Hummingbird's always buzzing around, asking too many questions. The pair have always been best friends, but will Hector ever find peace and quiet with Hummingbird around?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Hector and Hummingbird such good friends, even though they sometimes annoy each other?
How did Hector show that he cared for Hummingbird, despite needing some peace and quiet?
What are some ways Hector could have asked for alone time without hurting Hummingbird’s feelings?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Hector? How did you handle it?
What do you think is the most important lesson Hector and Hummingbird learned about friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters’ actions, relating them to their own experiences with friends.
Discuss the importance of communication in friendships, and ask your child how they think Hector and Hummingbird could improve their communication.
Point out specific scenes in the illustrations where Hector or Hummingbird are showing emotions, and ask your child to describe what they see and think.
Use the book’s setting to inspire questions about nature and animals, further broadening the conversation and linking it to real-world experiences.
After reading, suggest role-playing different scenarios from the book to help your child empathize with both characters’ perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of patience
Explanation: In the story, Hector often gets frustrated with Hummingbird's constant chattering and energy. However, when Hummingbird goes silent, Hector realizes the value of his friend’s presence.
Real-World Application: Children learn that patience with friends’ different personalities is crucial, and that sometimes the things that may annoy us can also be what we miss the most when they're gone.
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciating differences
Explanation: Hector and Hummingbird have very different personalities and interests, which leads to conflicts. Throughout the story, they learn to appreciate and accept their differences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate the differences in others around them, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of communication
Explanation: The story highlights moments where lack of communication leads to misunderstandings between Hector and Hummingbird. They learn to express their feelings and resolve their differences through dialogue.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express their feelings clearly and resolve conflicts through communication, skills that are essential for developing healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Friendship and forgiveness
Explanation: Despite the arguments and irritation, Hector and Hummingbird forgive each other and reconcile, demonstrating the enduring nature of friendship.
Real-World Application: This aspect of the story helps children understand the importance of forgiving friends for their shortcomings and the strength of enduring friendships.