Customer Reviews

The Far-Flung Adventures of Homer the Hummer

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Cynthia Furlong Reynolds, author of The Far-Flung Adventures of Homer the Hummer has accomplished something extremely difficult in the children's book world. She has written a delightful, informative and educational children's book.

And Catherine McClung's illustrations are positively luscious! The pages are so beautiful they could be framed. Children will enjoy looking at the illustrations but adults will be mesmerized by them.

Homer, a ruby-throated hummingbird is a tiny bird (the size of an index finger). The story is Homer's journey from the rain forest of Costa Rica to the Michigan garden of an artist. The journey is filled with adventure, excitement, danger and friendship. But what adds to this special story is that it is packed with interesting information.

Armchair Interviews says: The Far-Flung Adventures of Homer the Hummer is a beautiful book to keep forever.

Award-winning journalist Cynthia Reynolds and hummingbird admirer and artist Catherine McClung present The Far- Flung Adventures of Homer the Hummer, a delightful picturebook following the adventures of a ruby-throated hummingbird (no bigger than a person's index finger!) and his long journey from the tropical rain forests of Costa Rica to an artist's garden in Michigan. The moody, expansive color artwork is the perfect complement to the exciting tale, which is based on true stories of hummingbird behavior during their migrations, which can stretch up to 2,500 miles. Highly recommended reading for introducing young people to the bravery and resourcefulness of little feathered friends.

I initially purchased this book for my granddaughters to introduce them to the world of hummingbirds. I have nurtured and encouraged these amazing, little birds to summer in my yard. As a result of years of providing them with a safe haven, I have quite a population of the ruby-throats all summer and through their migration. The granddaughters have spent countless hours on my summer porch observing the "hummers" at the feeders and in their courtship dance. I wanted them to know as much as possible about these amazing birds with a book geared to their level (they are ages 2 and 4. This book was perfect.
I have purchased a second copy to keep at my home for another very special reason. My garden has been chosen to be a banding station for the hummingbirds every August during the start of their migration (I am in Illinois). Those invited to attend get the amazing experience of holding one of these tiny miracles in their hand. The state orinthologist educates them on all sorts of interesting aspects and behavior of the hummingbird. I felt that since this wonderful book taught my granddaughters so much about the hummer, that it would also be a good read for my banding guests next year. I am sure several more will be ordered by them after reading. There is just something so infectious about these little birds! I am even going to Costa Rica in hopes of seeing several varieties of them, and to see their home away from my home.

This book is beautifully illustrated and written. I bought it to read to my grandchildren, but first read it to my husband as we traveled down the highway. He loves hummingbirds and enjoyed this book immensely. We also learned much about the hummingbird's vast travels. What amazing little creatures they are! I am going to share this book with my garden club and hope they enjoy it as much as I did.