I’m coming to the end of my time as the reading specialist for an after school program. I didn’t have to think very hard about the book I would feature in my final lesson cycle:
Do you know this fable? The forest is on fire and all the animals run away in fear. All except the Hummingbird. She carries single drops of water from the stream to the fire over and over again. Finally, the bear asks her, “What are you doing?” And the Little Hummingbird answers, “I’m doing everything I can.”
If you are feeling bleak about the world these days, read this book with small humans and let them tell you what they know about the ways small actions can add up to a big difference.
Several groups didn’t like that the book ended the way it did. They wanted more. They knew for certain that the Little Hummingbird’s choices were influencing the other animals and that they, too, would get involved and help put out the fire, each using their own talents. “When they work together, they can put out the fire.”
Indeed they can. Indeed WE can.
A(nother) Year of Reading 
Oh, how I love a book recommendation, and don’t know this book – you’re right, it’s just what I need in these days – beautiful books and role models like the hummingbird. Can’t wait to check it out!
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Nice post 🎸🌅
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Thanks for the book recommendation and the wisdom it holds for us all! I love that you and Franki share the challenge!
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Welcome! Love that you and Franki are in on this together. And this post cost me money. I’ve ordered some copies— NOT from Amazon.
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This book sounds perfect for these times. I’m absolutely going to order it–from my local bookstore today. Thanks for the recommendation and the reminder that doing all we can, even if it seems so little, is so important.
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A new fable to me–and love that your students see themselves as fire-putter-outers!
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I promised myself a quick scroll to see who was here before I write my evening slice, but your teaser made me stop. I don’t know this book. Requesting it now! Good to be here with friends.
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I don’t know this book, but am very glad to here the encouragement to do all we can and the reminder that just in the doing we can encourage others and in that, we can accomplish even more.
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Ah, just the kind of message I need, we need, lots of us need to hear. Thanks for sharing the book. I’m going to be looking to share it and enjoy it myself.
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Mary Lee, You are a pollinator here, carrying the nectar of a modern folktale to us, cheering us on as we do what we can, like Little Hummer. Appreciations for this Light.
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What a powerful final line! I’m going to look for this book now!
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