The Littlest Drop

by Sascha Alper, Jerry Pinkney (illustrator), Brian Pinkney (illustrator)

This simple, poignant fable—featuring Caldecott medalist Jerry Pinkney’s final illustrations and completed after his death by his son, Brian Pinkney, also an award-winning illustrator—reminds us that we all have the power to change the world, no matter how little we may be.

When a fire starts near their home, all of the animals—from the largest elephant to the smallest ant—are too scared to do anything but watch. All, that is, except for one tiny hummingbird. She knows she must do something to save her nest. She must do what she can.

This empowering picture book celebrates the idea that every one of us—from the smallest to the largest—has something to offer, and if we all work together, we can make the world a better, greener place.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Nature, Childrens, Africa, Birds, Fiction

Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alper expands this South American folktale to explore the depth of hope and hard work that have the power to shift our world in crisis. A must for little ones' libraries, the story can foster in them a sense of strong social justice while also providing emotional meaning for their caregiver readers.

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks))]

"'I am doing what I can."

animals fight back, doing what they can, against a wildfire.
the illustrations were different and interesting.
this is a great book to teach kids that even when things are overwhelming, we just do the best we can - one drop at a time.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The inspiring fable about taking that first step and working together is illustrated with vibrant, motion-filled images of the African savannah.

[TP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful art with a bittersweet backstory in the author's notes.
This little story is a fantastic one about perseverance, persistence, and team-work for a greater cause...wonderful message for everyone in trying times.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a fire threatens to destroy the jungle and everything in its path, a hummingbird shows what a little perseverance and self-motivation can do.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Metaphorical story that shows that the smallest person can change the course of the future.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am doing what I can” - if we all did what we could, what a world it would be

5⭐️

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

“‘We will do what we can.’”

There are no small contributions.

Especially when it comes to addressing issues like climate change, every little bit—every little drop—helps.

Small acts of change and kindness add up over time and as more people join in and before you know it, the world is different.

I believe this book so beautifully illustrated that point through Hummingbird’s plight.

She demonstrates remarkable courage to stand up for her home and so much integrity, not allowing naysayers to dissuade her from what she believes is right.

More, I really appreciate how this story emphasizes how our actions today influence the future we leave for our children and consequent generations. That kind of empathy and consideration for others—people you may never know—is important to instill young.

We owe each other a lot.

If we don’t take care of each other and this world, who will?

Truly a lovely and thoughtful story.

I think Sascha Alper, Jerry Pinkney, and Brian Pinkney did a wonderful job bringing this traditional Quechua tale to life for a new audience.

I hope it inspires young readers now and the next generation of young people to fight for this planet that we share~

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little hummingbird builds her nest in preparation for laying eggs and raising a family. She lives in a tree in a jungle with many other animals, including monkeys, big cats, snakes, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other birds.  When a small spark ignites a wild fire, all the animals flee to the river – but not the hummingbird.  As small as she is, she flies to the river filling her beak with a drop of water and flying back to the fire. She does this over and over and over again, much to the amazement of the other animals who ask her why she bothers.  She replies “I am doing what I can.”  The elephant fills its trunk to follow the hummingbird’s example and soon all the other animals join in, gathering water from the river however they can and dropping it on the flames.

Jerry Pinkney died before completing the illustrations for this story but he had created all the sketches. His son Brian completed them, one small stroke at a time, bringing his father’s work to life with acrylic paint and India ink on watercolor paper. The result is a collection of large, messy, swirly animals filled with movement and life.  The forest fire comes powerfully alive in oranges, blacks, reds, whites and yellows and the work of the brave and relentless little hummingbird shines forth as her last drop of water succeeds in smothering the blaze. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small spark ignites a fierce fire that threatens to destroy the habitat of various animals living on the African savannah. The animals head to the river for safety while a hummingbird tries tirelessly to put out the fire, carrying drop by tiny drop to the conflagration. At first the animals belittle her, knowing the futility of such a small amount of water against the blaze. But upon reflection, first the elephant, then the others, including ants, gorillas, and warthogs, join her, inspired by her assertion that she is doing what she can do. With all those animals pitching in, the fire is extinguished. This moving, inspiring fable is a great reminder that even in the hardest of times--perhaps times like right now--one person can make a difference, and we can/must do what we can. The motion-filled, colorful, intense illustrations, created with acrylic and India ink, are just as memorable as the book's message. Even the tiniest drop CAN make a difference, and a tiny bird--or person--can lead the way, inspiring others.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I am doing what I can". Such simple words with such a big meaning.

A nice little folktale. A little hummingbird has built a nest and when a fire threatens to destroy it, she takes a sip of water in her beak and tried to put out the fire. Her courage encourages a whole group of animals to help.

The story is very powerful, indeed.

Jerry Pinkney started this artwork and never finished it. His son Brian finished for his father. I like that. Very touching. The strokes are strong and vibrant. The animals are all so full of motion and flourish. They are beautiful. They used acrylic and India Ink. I love the artwork.

With our country on fire, to me this is a great allegory for saving our country. Right now, we seem to be standing around watching it burn and it's time to do what we can.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone in our world has something to offer, perhaps a small thing, perhaps a large one, but in this extraordinarily poignant story, Sascha Alper tells us that what each one of us does matters. When Jerry Pinkney passed away, he left his sketches for this book, and his son, Brian, completed it. The illustrations swirl as readers see the action of a hummingbird carrying "The Littlest Drop", trying and not giving up to put out a fire. Other animals watched, amazed, knowing it would do no good, and told it that. The hummingbird replied, "I'm doing what I can." What happens next from others will bring a few tears, also a learning, that working together brings success that one might not imagine, until one begins to "do what one can". It's truly special, and perhaps even more needed in these demanding times. There are notes from Sascha Alper and Brian Pinkney at the back.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

What a beautiful book with a strong community-based environmental message. It reminds me a story when I was growing up of a child asking why a man was throwing sea stars that had washed up on the shore back into the sea. The idea of one person fighting against impossible odds and yet inspiring others to join in is a strong message. The illustrations in this book are also stunning and yet sad, as the original illustrator, Jerry Pinkney passed away before he could finish and his son, Brian Pinkney, took up filling in the gaps. A really beautiful book all around, perfect for those who love animals and wish to feel hopeful in our current environmental struggles.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Littlest Drop is Caldecott Award winning illustrator Jerry Pinkey's last collaborative effort. With text by Sasha Alper and Pinkney's black and white drawings, son Brian Pinkney adds color and finishing touches for this book. It is an inspiring tale of a hummingbird's effort to put out a raging fire and protect her nest even though she can only carry small drops. Knowing that she needed to do something, she inspires other animals to contribute to the firefighting effort. She reminds all of us that we should do what we can when faced with what seems like unsurmountable problems. The Pinkney illustrations are spectacular capturing the animals and their habitat. The book ends with author and illustrator notes.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We will do what we can,” the refrain of this story about community action, is a welcome message for the current time of worldwide conflagrations, which is calling each of us to action. “Everyone has something to offer,” as the Author’s Note states, “and if we all work together, each doing what we can, we can make the world a better, more just, and greener place.” Vibrant illustrations depict the animals doing their part to put out the fire and work together as a community to save their homeland. The Author’s Note also includes the backstory of the folktale and the inspiration for the story: Wangari Maathai, educator, human rights activist, founder of the Green Belt Movement, and the first African woman and environmentalist to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic parable about persistence. I would be great to pair with a biography of Wangari Mathai. Either for women’s History or Earth Day. It would make a great segue into talking about how overwhelmed we might feel about the climate crises, giving us hope and courage to do what we can. the colorful illustrations are lovely, but I can’t help but wish Jerry had been able to finish them, I find Brian Pinkney’s style too busy for the page at times,

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of my favorite books of 2025! It is gorgeous. Illustrator Jerry Pinkney had completed most of the sketches for this book before he passed away so his son Brian stepped in and completed the illustrations creating a visually stunning tribute to the work of this father/son team. The story is powerful reminding each of us that however small we may feel, we each have a vital role to play in this world. I read the last page and immediately ordered a copy for my personal library!

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounded up because I really needed this book. Hoping if people can continue to carry their drop of water that it will inspire enough people to change the course of America.

A hummingbird carries a drop of water to try and save her nest from a forest fire. When an elephant asks what she is doing she responds, "I am doing what I can." The elephant decides to do what she can and all the other animals do the same. Though extremely tired they all continued through the day and night.

[Binxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful picture book. The illustrations are true masterpieces, and it is such a touching story the Brian Pinkney completed the illustrations when his dad passed. The story is beautiful, too. Even when problems seem overwhelming, each of us can do what we can to improve any situation. This book will get lots of attention when award season comes around.

[Holly Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 stars. Every elementary school needs this book. Not only are the illustrations stunningly beautiful and created from deep familial love, the story is universal. Every little drop helps. We all can help make a difference--put out a fire. Such an incredibly beautiful book needs to be read to all children.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based off a parable by Wangari Maathi this book tells the story of how a group of animals work together to do what they can, and put out a fire before it destroys their homes. Each animal does what they can and together it makes a difference. A great message, and the illustrations are bright, bold and gorgeous. A good read aloud for ST and older kids.

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and effective retelling of a traditional Quechua tale that the author first heard from environmentalist Wangari Maathai. The illustrations, black and white drawings by Jerry Pinkney that Brian Pinkney finished with watercolors after his father's death, are really gorgeous.

Themes: Environmentalism, Working Together, No One is too small, Fire
Age range: Preschool-Elementary

[Lex Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful tale about a hummingbird who refuses to let a wildfire rage unchecked, even though all the water they can carry is the littlest drop. The message a pressing one everyone should take in, consider, and inevitably be inspired by. This story has also been lovingly illustrated with vibrant, movement-filled images that bring the setting to life.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by Kenyan environmentalist, Wangari Maathai, the story tells of a hummingbird attempting to put out a forest fire. Elephant asks what she's doing, and she replies, "I am doing what I can." Working together the animals put out the fire.
Lovely, unusual illustrations "rendered in acrylic and India ink on Fabriano watercolor paper."

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I am doing what I can." - Hummingbird

An outstanding picture book about how one small hummingbird can make all the difference. It reminds me of the saying, "Be the change you want to see in the world." PS: I'm not a fan of the illustrations, so I took a star off for that, but the story itself is brilliant!

Themes: birds, nature, wildlife, Africa
Ages: 1st-5th grade+
Pub year: 2025

[Ardith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely picture book that retells the folktale of the little hummingbird, which I recently learned and love. It really speaks to me, and I know children will feel the same. When things seem overwhelming, taking even the smallest action can help make change and inspire others to do the same.

[Lynn Hardesty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an empowering story. It shows the power of working together. The illustrations drew me in. Reading afterwards that Brian Pinkney used his father's sketches after his passing to complete this work of art made it all the more special to me.

[Morgan the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was beautifully done and had a lovely message behind it of working together and how even the smallest helpers can make big differences. Brian Pinkney did a wonderful job bringing his late father's work to completion in this one, and I'm so glad we get to see it in this book.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely picture book about how small actions can have a big impact. This one is just a tiny bit long to read to preschoolers but I think above that it has the potential to be a good read aloud. The illustrations are a tiny bit busy in places, but it's overall a beautiful book.