annieb123's Review of A Little Book of Hummingbirds (Little Book of Natural Wonders)

by Tara Austen Weaver

Hummingbirds are beautiful and mesmerising. Did you know they can flick their tongue twelve times a second? Or that they “tile” their nests with pieces of lichen and moss (the nests themselves are spun from spiderwebs and thistledown)? Or that some species sing and dance as they woo their mates? Perhaps it’s no surprise that hummingbirds elicit such enthusiasm from those who love them.

This small-format hardcover book includes:

45 lifelike ink-and-watercolour drawings showcasing all the species commonly found in the US and Canada, as well as the most frequent visitors—often depicted with their favourite flowers. Includes all males and many females.
Fascinating facts on cultural history, folklore, migration patterns, habitat, lifecycle, biology, and anatomy
Information on creating your own hummingbird haven using feeders, flowers, water, and shelter
Birdwatching tips and best places to visit to see hummingbirds

This book is part of the collectible mini book series Little Book of Natural Wonders, and makes a gorgeous gift (or irresistible treat for yourself) for all hummingbird lovers!

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

A Little Book of Hummingbirds is an appealing illustrated guide to hummingbirds written and curated by Tara Austen Weaver as a part of the Little Book of Wonder series. Released 26th March 2024 by Sasquatch Books, it's 144 pages and is available in hardback format.

This is an accessible and very well written guide to the different species of hummingbirds, their ranges, behaviors, and anatomy. The author does a good job of explaining their physiology (including flying of course) in a relatively easy-to-understand manner with scientifically correct terms and information. There's a guide with 40 species, good tutorials for creating an attractive habitat for hummingbirds and other pollinators, some short field trip location suggestions, and tips on birdwatching. The author/publisher have also included an abbreviated glossary and resources links.

It should be noted that this is an illustrated guide. There are no photographs. The beautiful illustrations by Emily Poole are rendered in color, clearly, and attractively. Botanical and bird species are detailed enough for clear unambiguous identification.

Four and a half stars. Well written and beautiful.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Reading updates

4 April, 2024: Started reading

4 April, 2024: Finished reading

4 April, 2024: Reviewed