Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming tale shows value of doing what you can to help.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE LITTLEST DROP begins with a hummingbird building her nest. When a tiny spark carried on a breeze hits a leaf and starts a wildfire nearby, the bird immediately swings into action, scooping up a drop of water from the river and flying back to place that one drop on the flames, then doing it over and over again. The other animals watch, and some laugh at her small, seemingly insignificant actions. Then the elephant asks, "Hummingbird, what are you doing? You cannot put out that terrible fire. You are just a small bird." And the bird says, "I am doing what I can." This inspires the elephant, who says, "Then I will do what I can," and she fills her trunk with water from the river and sprays it on the fire. The other creatures then figure out what they can do to help, from ants carrying water-filled leaves above their heads to leopards, lions, gorillas, and chimpanzees bringing water in vessels. "And soon every animal was working together to put out the fire." After they've worked together all day and night, the hummingbird adds the final drop, ending the fire threat for good.
Is It Any Good?
This inspiring tale of teamwork and doing what you can for the greater good is simple enough for little kids to understand and powerful enough to move kids and adults to action. THE LITTLEST DROP shows that no contribution—or contributor—is too small to make a difference. It reads like a classic folktale, and Sascha Alper explains in her author's note that it came from the Indigenous Quechua people of South America, but she heard it from Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Wangari Maathai, to whom she dedicates the book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the hummingbird's contribution in The Littlest Drop. What does she do that inspires the elephant to pitch in?
Have you ever been part of a group that made something or got something done? What did you do? How did teamwork get the task done better or faster?
Which picture in the book do you like best? Which of the animals is your favorite?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrators : Jerry Pinkney , Brian Pinkney
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Anne Schwartz Books
- Publication date : April 1, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 7
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : ALA Best and Notable Books , Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : March 19, 2026
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