My Tiny Life by Ruby T. Hummingbird (Nature Diary #4)

by Paul Meisel (Author)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Series: Nature Diary

Tiny but mighty! A ruby throated hummingbird tells his own life story in this funny, bright, informative entry to the critically acclaimed Nature Diary science series.

May 15: Today I poked my way out of this tiny egg.

With Mom feeding him insects and nectar, Ruby T. Hummingbird is soon able to beat his wings and fly--up, down, backward, and forward--and forage for himself. But don't be fooled! This elegant creature can turn into a fierce fighter if another hummingbird tries to feed on his flower--or his hummingbird feeder.

June 21: This flower is MINE! No you don't.

A second test of his strength comes when he migrates to a warmer climate in the fall and a cooler climate in the spring.

March 1, 5 a.m.: I'm off! Wish me luck.

Children will love poring over the bright, highly detailed illustrations and pondering ideas about nature.

The book includes a glossary and further information in the back of the book. Both art and text have been vetted for accuracy by an expert.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Don't miss the other books in The Nature Diary Series!

Each one explores the life cycle of an animal in dated journal entries, showing young readers how they grow and change through the seasons-- and offering a few laughs, too! Brightly illustrated and vetted by experts, Paul Meisel's books are a perfect introduction to your backyard neighbors.

My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis

CCBC Best-of-the-Year List, AAAS /Subaru Finalist, Leaping Lizards Top 10 Read-alouds, SCIENCE Best Books for Curious Kids, Virginia Readers' Choices

My Happy Year by E. Bluebird

A Junior Library Guild Selection

My Stinky Summer by S. Bug

A Junior Library Guild Selection

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Horn Book Magazine

The spare, journal-style text serves as captions for Meisel's lively mixed-media illustrations, which effectively capture the hummingbird's energy and quick movements. . . . My Tiny Life leaves a big impression.

Kirkus Reviews

Starred Review
 Accurate natural history simply and charismatically presented.

Booklist

A worthy addition to author Meisel's award-winning Nature Diary series.

School Library Journal

Starred Review

PreS-Gr 4--Meisel's entry in the "Nature Diary" series offers well-organized, flowing text and pleasant illustrations. Before the title page, there are facts about hummingbird behavior followed by descriptions of physical features, nesting, mating rituals, and more. The main text, which employs first-person narration to chronicle the life of a ruby-throated hummingbird, will engage story time participants. The story is also accessible to the early reader group. The ruby-throated hummingbird describes emerging from his little white egg, no bigger than a jelly bean. He learns to fly, catch bugs, and migrate to warmer climates. Finally, additional information about hummingbirds, which is written at a fourth-grade reading level, is shared. Recommendations for hummingbird-friendly plants, information about the delights of a bird feeder, and a recipe for nectar are provided. A glossary, source materials, and reading recommendations are included. VERDICT A delightful resource that features informative text and rich illustrations. Recommended for all libraries.--Nancy Call, formerly at Santa Cruz P.L., Aptos, CA

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

This would be an excellent beginner's book for any budding ornithologist—School Library Connection
Paul Meisel
Paul Meisel, who holds a master's degree in graphic design from Yale University, has received two Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Awards as well as American Library Association Notable Awards for See Me Run and I See a Cat, both I Like to Read books. My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis was honored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for Excellence in Science Books, and The Schmutzy Family, written by Marilyn Rosenberg and illustrated by Paul Meisel, was a National Jewish Book Award Finalist.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780823443222
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Holiday House
Publication date
April 20, 2021
Series
Nature Diary
BISAC categories
JNF051150 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Zoology
JNF003030 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Birds
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Ruby-throated hummingbird

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