THE LITTLEST DROP

Can one tiny hummingbird douse a woodland fire by herself?

The story opens on an idyllic African plains setting dotted with acacia trees. The hummingbird is building a nest in anticipation of eggs soon to come when a spark ignites a full-blown fire. She rushes to the river and attempts to fight the blaze, flying back and forth, holding just one drop of water in her beak on each trip. When an elephant expresses incredulity at her efforts, she replies, “I am doing what I can.” In an illustrator’s note, Brian Pinkney describes how he painted on top of his late father Jerry’s unfinished sketches to create dynamic acrylic and ink scenes. This poignant duet has produced gorgeous compositions. Jerry’s skill in capturing an animal’s essence is on full display, while Brian’s signature swirls add energy to his exciting palette. In her author’s note, Alper explains that the tale originated with the Quechua people of South America, though she first heard it from Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai. The text has a melodic flow and cadence. Alper has embellished the narrative, adding a collective response to the bird’s actions. After the elephant joins the fight, a cluster of ants lift leaves containing small puddles above their heads; a chimpanzee carries a vessel of water. The drop that finally extinguishes the flames comes from the protagonist.

An inspiring example of the good that can result from one act, no matter how small.