• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7

There's no greater thrill than spotting one of these tiny birds in the garden, and young readers will be fascinated by how this avian machine works. Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world, but they exploit every advantage that comes with their modest size. Exploring the World of Hummingbirds is a fully illustrated introduction to the hummingbird's high-performance lifestyle.

Built for efficiency and fueled with high-energy nectar, this bird runs at a high temperature during the daytime, its heart beating 650 beats a minute, and its dense feathers keep it warm at night as it rests. Most impressive, however, are its skills as an aerial acrobat. Like a helicopter, it can move forward, backward and sideways. When feeding from a blossom, it can hover in midair and then turn and whir away at full speed -- all in two-tenths of a second.

Readers will find out how hummingbirds and flowers have evolved for their mutual success. They'll also discover intriguing facts about hummingbird biology, flight, mating and nesting behaviors, family life, migration, and just how a hummingbird achieves and maintains its dazzling, shimmering colors.

The Exploring the World of... nature series was created for young readers who are eager to learn more about the wild creatures of the world. Each title contains beautiful photographs of the animals in their natural habitats and the highly readable text explores their daily lives and physical characteristics, how they make their homes, how they raise their young and what they eat.

"This series has a different approach than typical animal books and goes beyond a basic introduction. The books provide the reader with another perspective and focus on different forms of survival tactics. Diagrams of the animals are presented describing different body parts and their functions. Another chapter discusses the natural talents of the animal... An extensive index is included. Recommended."
--Library Media Connection, of the previous books in the series

Tracy C. Read is an editor and writer who has a special interest in nature and the environment. She lives in Kingston, Ontario.

Tracy C. Read's profile page

There's plenty of nonfiction for elementary grades, but finding attractive nonfiction for secondary can be more of a challenge. The "Exploring the World of..." series answers that need. Crisp close-up photographs augment the clear, well-written text... Younger students would find much to enjoy in the photographs. Reader will learn about hummingbird history, anatomy, diet, and flight ability. Mating, nesting, and life cycle are briefly covered. A wide variety of hummingbirds are highlighted. The text is aflutter with interesting facts. An index is included... This is an eye-catching book suitable for secondary library shelves.

Puget Sound Council for the Review of Children's and Young Adult Literature

The photography contained in Exploring the World of Hummingbirds is exquisite. The hummingbird appears in mid-flight on the cover, resplendent in all its colors. A gallery of hummingbirds illustrates the wide variety of pigmentation, from non-iridescent colors produced by chemicals to the iridescent ones that are structural. The anatomical structure is magnified and diagrammed. The search for nectar is even captured on the page.

National Science Teachers Association

Provides a detailed description of these tiny birds ranging from 3 to 21 cm and weighing a mere 11 grams or less... The photography contained in Exploring the World of Hummingbirds is exquisite. The hummingbird appears in mid-flight on the cover, resplendent in all its colors. A gallery of hummingbirds illustrates the wide variety of pigmentation, from non-iridescent colors produced by chemicals to the iridescent ones that are structural. The anatomical structure is magnified and diagrammed. The search for nectar is even captured on the page.

Science Scope Magazine

An educational book written especially for young people ages 8-12. Eye-catching, full-color photographs of these beautiful, tiny, and energetic birds in flight, feeding, or raising their young fill this captivating browse... An index rounds out this choice pick for school and public library middle grade collections. Also highly recommended are the other titles in the "Exploring the World" series.

Midwest Book Review