It's a Hummingbird's Life [Hardcover]

Irene Kelly (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2003 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

An intimate view of the busy, fascinating world of these birds.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-A whimsical look at the traits and tendencies of these fascinating creatures. Kelly follows the activities of the ruby-throated hummingbird throughout the seasons, relating facts and bits of trivia. For example, hummingbirds cannot smell and they depend on their eyesight when they are selecting flowers, and their wings beat at the rate of 3000 times per minute. "As soon as it gets nippy, most U.S. hummers take off for Mexico or South and Central America, where they will spend the winter." The tiny pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations effectively show the features described and comparisons drawn in the narrative. The text is printed in a flowing pattern that mimics the bird's erratic flight. This title will fly off the shelves.
Barbara L. McMullin, Casita Center for Technology, Science & Math, Vista, CA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 1-3. This very decorative book, with many small paintings of birds, flowers, and nests, follows the ruby-throated hummingbird through the year and tells a little about many facets of its life: mating, nesting, bringing up chicks, feeding, bathing, flying, defending territory, and migrating enormous distances to Mexico, Central America, or South America for the winter. Although the book design is attractive, the unusual font and wavy lines of text (occasionally vertical rather than horizontal) make reading more difficult than it needs to be. Still, primary-grade children intrigued by hummingbirds will enjoy hearing this read-aloud and looking at the charming, rather childlike pictures. Recommended for larger collections. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1 edition (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823416585
• ISBN-13: 978-0823416585
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #133,702 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Irene Kelly is an author and illustrator. Her books have received numerous awards, including two John Burroughs awards and a Children's Choice award. Her nature books for children have been sited as "proof that science nonfiction can be accurate, factual and completely engrossing" (Kirkus). Reviewers have called her work exquisite, informative, entertaining, delightful, and intriguing. Learn more about Irene by visiting her website: www.irenekellybooks.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Written and Illustrated, May 20, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: It's a Hummingbird's Life (Hardcover)

Irene Kelly's most recent book is a must have for any child's library - but adults will also love it. It's a Hummingbird's Life is filled with fun facts and lyrical watercolors. My daughter was thrilled to receive this gem of book, and has read it over and over. Parents will especially appreciate the tips on hummingbird gardens.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A pleasure for kids and grown-ups, too, April 19, 2003

By 

A Parent (New York, NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: It's a Hummingbird's Life (Hardcover)

This beautiful book is filled with fun and fascinating hummingbird lore. A great choice for children who like to read facts about living creatures. My son has been recounting what he learned from Irene Kelly's book to everyone who will listen. These tiny birds are rendered in dazzling color and detail by this artist, who also has a handle on exactly what children want to know. Highly recommended!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a Hummingbird's Life, April 18, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: It's a Hummingbird's Life (Hardcover)

I purchased It's a Hummingbird's life as a gift for my mother, an avid Hummingbird lover, but found I could not give it away, my six year old loved it as much as I did. With a "wow" and a "cool" on every page, he enjoyed the factual information as much as I loved the vibrant watercolors. This book is one of those rare finds that works as a gift for children, parents, and grandparents!