The Hummingbirds' Gift
illustrations by
on Goodreads (25)
What’s inside...
The Hummingbirds' Gift by Stefan Czernecki is a heartwarming tale that explores the relationship between humans and nature, specifically focusing on the delicate and enchanting world of hummingbirds. The story follows the journey of two tiny, orphaned hummingbirds named Zunzuncito and Zunzunito, who are rescued and nurtured back to health by a kind-hearted individual named Brenda. With her care and dedication, the hummingbirds grow stronger each day, learning to fly and feed on their own. The book is not only a narrative of their survival and development but also serves as an educational piece, providing readers with fascinating insights into the life cycle and habits of hummingbirds. Czernecki's storytelling is complemented by vivid illustrations, capturing the beauty and resilience of these remarkable birds. The Hummingbirds' Gift is a celebration of the wonders of the natural world and the compassion of those who strive to protect it.
Age
2-6
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the hummingbirds learned about friendship throughout their journey?
Can you describe how the hummingbirds worked together to overcome challenges?
How do you feel when you help a friend, just like the hummingbirds helped each other?
What was your favorite part of the hummingbirds' adventure and why?
If you could ask a hummingbird one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the themes of teamwork and friendship highlighted in the book by relating them to their own experiences.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no response to inspire deeper thinking and conversation.
Listen actively to your child’s responses, showing enthusiasm and interest in their ideas and thoughts.
Use the illustrations in the book to further engage your child, asking them to describe what they see and how it relates to the story.
End your reading session by asking your child to summarize the key lessons they learned from the hummingbirds' experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout 'The Hummingbirds' Gift,' the characters interact with animals in their natural habitat, learning to understand and empathize with their needs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to observe and empathize with the feelings of others around them, whether they are humans or animals, enhancing their emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The story shows characters working together to solve problems and help each other, emphasizing the value of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by engaging in collaborative activities at school or in sports, learning that teamwork can lead to greater success than individual efforts.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book face challenges but learn to overcome them through perseverance and creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain resilient and resourceful when facing difficulties in their own lives, such as during school projects or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Care for the Environment
Explanation: The narrative incorporates themes of environmental conservation as characters take actions to protect their natural surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be mindful of their environment, promoting activities like recycling or participating in community clean-ups.
Example Lesson: Joy of Discovery
Explanation: The book highlights the excitement of learning new things through the curious eyes of its characters exploring the world around them.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be curious, explore new topics, and engage in learning not just in school, but in everyday life.