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About... A Guide for Children
About Hummingbirds: A Guide for Children
An award-winning first glimpse into the world of hummingbirds.
In this addition to the acclaimed About... series, author and educator Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what hummingbirds are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live.
The beautifully detailed, realistic paintings of noted wildlife illustrator John Sill introduce readers to the many varieties of hummingbirds—from the smallest type (the bee hummingbirds of Cuba) to the largest (the giant hummingbirds of the Andes Mountains in South America). An afterword inspires further learning.
This beginner's guide to hummingbirds is perfect for early childhood and elementary units in science and animal life.
In this addition to the acclaimed About... series, author and educator Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what hummingbirds are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live.
The beautifully detailed, realistic paintings of noted wildlife illustrator John Sill introduce readers to the many varieties of hummingbirds—from the smallest type (the bee hummingbirds of Cuba) to the largest (the giant hummingbirds of the Andes Mountains in South America). An afterword inspires further learning.
This beginner's guide to hummingbirds is perfect for early childhood and elementary units in science and animal life.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Sill
56 books12 followersCathryn Sill, a graduate of Western Carolina University, was an elementary school teacher for thirty years. She lives in North Carolina.
When she was an elementary school teacher who loves nature. When she had trouble finding good natural history books for her kindergarten class, she decided to write them.
With her husband John as the illustrator, she has created two series of nonfiction books for children.
The ABOUT series is about different groups of animals and includes 16 books. She has just completed the eighth books in a series about habitats.
When she was an elementary school teacher who loves nature. When she had trouble finding good natural history books for her kindergarten class, she decided to write them.
With her husband John as the illustrator, she has created two series of nonfiction books for children.
The ABOUT series is about different groups of animals and includes 16 books. She has just completed the eighth books in a series about habitats.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 29, 2015
I was a little skeptical with this title, wondering how much one could say about just hummingbirds. And so I humbly stand corrected as I write this review - there's actually quite a bit about these little birds that I didn't know at all - like how the smallest is only 2 inches tall. Or that hummingbirds can be found as far north as Alaska.
So, hummingbirds are pretty cool after all. Good book after all. Highly recommended series!
So, hummingbirds are pretty cool after all. Good book after all. Highly recommended series!
June 13, 2024
The "Sill combo" of author and illustrator has brought another beautiful and captivating study of the natural world to children in this About Hummingbirds: A Guide for Children book.
The illustrations are simply beautiful and accurately capture the subject, the hummingbirds, and their particular environment. Deftly drawn and painted, each illustration has a special charm to draw the reader's interest. The text is simply written for young preschoolers as well as elementary grades. The back matter presents more in depth information and a short glossary.
Another delightful book for bird lovers as well as libraries of all types.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
The illustrations are simply beautiful and accurately capture the subject, the hummingbirds, and their particular environment. Deftly drawn and painted, each illustration has a special charm to draw the reader's interest. The text is simply written for young preschoolers as well as elementary grades. The back matter presents more in depth information and a short glossary.
Another delightful book for bird lovers as well as libraries of all types.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
March 22, 2019
I never knew there could be so much to know about hummingbirds. I thought I knew a lot about them because my grandmother loves them so much and taught my sister and me about them when we were younger. Cathryn Sill uses little, simple informative words and sentences to introduce hummingbird to the reader. There is also a glossary in the back to help students learn more vocabualry words which i think is helpful.
March 15, 2021
This is the second book of Cathryn Sill's that I have read and I have enjoyed reading both. The text of each book is easy for children to understand and the artwork is very beautiful! Also, she gives more detailed information of each page at the end of the book making these books as interesting for adults as for children.
July 13, 2017
Great illustrations of these beautiful birds and information. Recommended for ES; Grades 3rd-5th
November 13, 2020
Beautiful art and lots of facts about hummingbirds
May 8, 2025
really enjoyed all information and very beautiful pictures
Great Book !!!!!
Great Book !!!!!
Read
April 20, 2016This book is type of informational text. This book discusses a variety of hummingbirds. It mainly focuses on the birds different features, skills, colors, and talents. For example, the book talks about how hummingbirds can sit in one place in the air while they continuously flap their wings. No other bird has the talent to do this. This is one thing that makes the Hummingbirds stick out from all the rest. The book also has pictures of several different types of hummingbirds. The birds are then compared to one another. Some of the hummingbirds have longer beaks than other Hummingbirds have. The author states that these Hummingbirds are very talented and have characteristics that most other birds do not have or are not able to do. This book overall shares many things about Hummingbirds that the reader would want to know.
This book overall seems like a well done informational text. This book has several different characteristics that make it stick out against all the other genres. For example, the book gives facts and information about Hummingbirds. It provides readers with knowledge that they previously did not know. Another thing is, all the pictures in the story are labeled. Not only are the different Hummingbirds labeled but there is more information about each individual Hummingbird at the end of the book. The book overall is about Hummingbirds in general however, at the end of the book it gets more specific. The facts are also all on the left page. The picture is on the right side. The picture takes up the entire right side of the page. The book also has a glossary that goes more into depth were everything is. The book overall is written very well written and you can tell that the author knew a lot about Hummingbirds and did not just make it up.
This book overall seems like a well done informational text. This book has several different characteristics that make it stick out against all the other genres. For example, the book gives facts and information about Hummingbirds. It provides readers with knowledge that they previously did not know. Another thing is, all the pictures in the story are labeled. Not only are the different Hummingbirds labeled but there is more information about each individual Hummingbird at the end of the book. The book overall is about Hummingbirds in general however, at the end of the book it gets more specific. The facts are also all on the left page. The picture is on the right side. The picture takes up the entire right side of the page. The book also has a glossary that goes more into depth were everything is. The book overall is written very well written and you can tell that the author knew a lot about Hummingbirds and did not just make it up.
January 23, 2013
“About Hummingbirds” by Cathryn Sill and Illustrated by John Sill is a wonderfully bright collection of hummingbird pictures that capture the beauty and uniqueness of this very small creature. The author presents clear factual details in an interesting manner. The illustrations are true to life with excellent shadowing that makes you feel like you are right outside watching these sweet birds.
This is an excellent read aloud to small children as well as an excellent source for factual information for older children in need of report information. The back of the book contains added pages chocked full of added details for older children in need of information. This is a fabulous and versatile book for any collection. (rev. C. Delorge)
We have a collection of the Cathryn and John Sill "About" books in the Alamance Christian School library. We appreciate, too, the dedication in the front of the book which reads, ""For the One who created hummingbirds." --Genesis 1:20
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Peachtree Publishers on behalf of the author for the purpose of our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those the reviewer. There was no obligation for a positive review.
This is an excellent read aloud to small children as well as an excellent source for factual information for older children in need of report information. The back of the book contains added pages chocked full of added details for older children in need of information. This is a fabulous and versatile book for any collection. (rev. C. Delorge)
We have a collection of the Cathryn and John Sill "About" books in the Alamance Christian School library. We appreciate, too, the dedication in the front of the book which reads, ""For the One who created hummingbirds." --Genesis 1:20
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Peachtree Publishers on behalf of the author for the purpose of our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those the reviewer. There was no obligation for a positive review.
August 26, 2011
As usual, the Sills deliver science for young readers in easy-to-understand fashion in this newest addition to their About...series. The focus this time is those always fascinating hummingbirds, and Cathryn Sill explains what hummingbirds are, what they do, some of their characteristics, and even details some of their migratory patterns. As usual, the watercolor illustrations created by John Sills are colorful and eye-popping. He has taken great pains to make sure the hummingbirds are located in habitat familiar to them. Clearly, both Sills have spent considerable time observing hummingbirds in the wild. As is the pattern in this series, there is an afterword that expands on the concepts introduced in the 18 plates and accompanying text as well as a bibliography for additional reading. This is a must-have for elementary teachers.
November 16, 2011
Cathryn Sill uses simple, informative language to introduce young children to the amazing lives of hummingbirds. Watercolor illustrations depicting a variety of hummingbirds in their natural habitd complement the text beautifully. An afterward provides further information on various types of hummingbirds, allowing for deeper investigation. This book also has a glossary that will familiarize children with science vocabulary words like iridescent, nectar, and species.
May 14, 2013
My 2nd grader loves nonfiction books about science/nature. This one was a hit with her. The photorealistic illustrations are beautiful. The format was clever. Each page provides a small amount of factual information. There is more detailed information in the afterward associated with each plate. That way you can read the book straight through without anybody getting bored. Then you can go back and fill in the gaps if your child wants to dig deeper.
January 31, 2017
Gorgeous watercolor illustrations and simple text depict the wonders of these tiny birds with unique abilities. Each page opening includes a full page illustration on the right, with one or two short sentences of text on the left. Each illustrated page is listed in the Afterword by plate number, with more detailed information. Includes glossary and additional resources.
March 22, 2019
A fine book for what it is. Not too much text on each page, but there are details in the back. I don't really like that layout too much, but it's functional. It's not a stylish book (or series) by any means, but it gets the job done.
August 1, 2011
Love books where I learn new things. My 5 year old has already used this one to identify the hummers near our house!!
November 14, 2011
This is only the second book in this series I've read, but I really like it. The facts are simple enough for preschoolers to understand and the illustrations are beautiful.
July 29, 2012
gorgeous paintings; interesting facts
December 9, 2013
Children can learn interesting facts about the many varieties of hummingbirds.
January 14, 2014
Beautiful illustrations! I read this to my son and am learning things I never knew about hummingbirds.
October 17, 2014
3.5. Great for young children. We needed a little more detail.
May 29, 2015
This is a great book for kids interested in Hummingbirds. I bought this for my niece & she really enjoys it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews