Can You Hear the Plants Speak?: A Picture Book on Indigenous Plant Wisdom and Becoming an Earth Protector for Kids

by Nicholas Hummingbird, Madelyn Goodnight (Illustrator), Julia Wasson

Our people believe spirit lives in everything. Mountain, river, wind, tree.                                                                                                                Come, take a walk with me. What do we learn from plants when we listen to them speaking? Indigenous plantsman Nicholas Hummingbird calls on the legacy of his great-grandparents to remember how one drop of rain, one seed, one plant can renew a cycle of hope and connection—for him and for each of us. Perfect for readers of Sy Montgomery, debut authors Nicholas Hummingbird and Julia Wasson joyfully proclaim even the youngest person can be an earth protector. With gorgeous illustrations from Rock Your Mocs artist Madelyn Goodnight, Can You Hear the Plants Speak? encourages us to engage with the natural world.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Indigenous, Childrens, Stem, Storytime, Plants

40 pages, Hardcover

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful love letter to nature and the respect that we should pay it.

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kind of picture book memoir about author Nicholas Hummingbird's own experience learning about native plants and their importance from his Cahuilla and Apache great grandparents, and taking this knowledge forward into his life, community, and family.

Themes: Plants, Indigenous life, Ancestors, Environmental Justice
Age range: Kindergarten-Elementary

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous and thought-provoking celebration of nature and culture, of re-planting wild spaces and helping the natural world return as well as passing down ecological wisdom through families.

[SOYAMRG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nature whispers secrets to those who listen attentively.

In this captivating tale, we meet Nicholas Hummingbird, a descendant of the Cahuilla and Apache people. Guided by the wisdom of his great-grandparents, Nicholas fosters a profound connection with the native plants and creatures that once thrived in his homeland. But progress has a price. As concrete jungles replace vibrant landscapes, Nicholas finds a way to rekindle the spirit of nature.

This inspiring story urges young readers to become nature detectives, unearthing the wonders hidden in plain sight. Packed with vibrant illustrations and evocative language, the book empowers children to embrace the green world, no matter their living space. Whether nurturing native plants in their backyard or decorating window sills with vibrant pots, every action becomes a powerful step towards a more harmonious future.

A recommended purchase for school and public libraries serving young readers.

M.R.
School Librarian

[Gabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful and genuine story follows the journey of native plant expert Nicholas Hummingbird. Though "some people thought our lands would be more useful flattened in concrete," Hummingbird remembers the lessons of his Cahuilla and Apache great-grandparents and shows us how to listen to the plants, to look at what's around us and steward the land for healing, bringing native plants back to support pollinators and animals and people. I love the book's message of hope and the suggestions in the back matter -- to learn how to look with curiosity and to take action by planting native plants at home. Highly recommended!

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highlighting the cycles of the natural world, this book is a story of a generation. As the picture book begins she's a little girl running through nature and sitting under a huge tree with her grandparents. Then urban encroachment happens but the plant that breaks through reminds her of the beauty of nature again and as she has her own child to teach about the beauty of nature, thus returns to say "thank you" to the world we live in.

Interspersed in the storytelling are elements about specific nuts, plants, and and food in nature and why they're important. It's a reminder to appreciate nature for its wonder and its bounty.

[Nora Nickum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about Indigenous stewardship and how we can all be more connected and better stewards of nature if we pause, listen, notice, and then act. The back matter provides lots of great ideas about what we can all do, whether we live in a city apartment or a house with a yard. I love how this book reminds us that plants are living beings. We can refer to them as "who," not "what" -beings, not things - a powerful way to build a connection, and something that comes more naturally to kids than adults.

[Abi Cushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about Nicholas Hummingbird who learned from his Cahuilla and Apache great-grandparents about the importance of the native plants and animals around him. Even after developers flattened the land to build a city, Nicholas finds away to bring the connection to nature back. This book will inspire you to be more mindful outdoors--to stop and notice all the plants and animals around you, and to grow native plants where you live, whether in your yard or in pots and planters.

With gorgeous illustrations and lyrical text, this is an empowering book that shows kids that they can make an impact in the world, no matter where they live.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book non-fiction is about plants and how they need us for survival as much as we need them. We must be gentle for them to grow, we must be willing to sit still and watch to learn from the plants, birds, and pollinators. We must listen to their stories and help them survive.

This lovely simple story encourages us all to embrace nature and find a way to preserve native plants to help native animals. It is as much a story of family connections as it is of plants. This will be a wonderful book to share next November for Native American Heritage Month or next April around Earth Day.

[Tootie Nienow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia is a masterful storyteller with her poetic and lyrical voice. You may forget you are reading a story and believe you are sitting amongst all the beautiful plants she describes. When walking among wild plants we can almost hear them sing. The beautiful colors and detailed illustrations will guide you along your walk through this book. This story is a must read for helping young people understand the importance of nature. Try the experiments and activities listed in the back matter.

[Laurie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely ode to Indigenous culture and land stewardship practices, imparting wisdom that everyone can learn and benefit from, as well as a heartfelt memoir of Nicholas Hummingbird's life and works. Gorgeous illustrations draw readers into the experience even more deeply. And excellent backmatter adds to the whole package by encouraging mindfulness and observation practices in nature and positive actions that anyone can take.

[Martha Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book autobiography of a young indigenous plant activist, Nicholas Hummingbird, and how his native great grandparents (Cahuilla and Apache) taught him how to listen to plants. Plants can tell you how to use them and also what they need to flourish. There is a backmatter section about what we can do to help: grow a native plant in your yard or on your balcony or your school yard. A bit of "how to" information is included, too. The illustrator, Madelyn Goodnight, is Chickasaw.

[Nell Cross Beckerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

With beautiful lyrical writing and a story full of heart, we learn how Nicholas Humingbird's grandparents taught him to listen to native plants, and how that deep rooted connection to native plants and the natural world helped to ground him when modern life threatened destruction of all different types. A fantastic addition to any school, library or home!

[Beth Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely text and art lets us see the world through the point of view of one Native American boy. It’s about agency, our relationship with nature, wisdom of ancestors, about hope and renewal. A valuable opportunity to see the world a little differently!

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed Nicholas for years on the ‘gram and his seeds grow in my garden so I am beyond excited to see his story getting the attention of a large publisher. The illustrations are lovely and really add to the story. Perfect for all readers in any location.

[Elizabeth Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can You Hear the Plants Speak? is a jewel of a book. The writing and illustrations are stunningly beautiful, and the message of hope and renewal is one we all need to hear. I've purchased a copy of my own, and plan to buy another for my local library, so others can enjoy this lovely story.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book is a poem about growing things - with very specific plants mentioned - and also a lovely invitation to engage in the restorative powers of the natural world. It's brief, spare prose are just pitch perfect for sharing with a young child.

[Darcy Pattison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice native American take on nature and the connection to nature. Great illustrations.

[Michelle Schaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can You Hear the Plants Speak is a gentle but powerful book about listening to Earth, cherishing her resources, and nurturing plants for the future.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book as a gift, but, after reading it once, my eight year old decided we needed to have our own copy. No hardship to buy another and share this lovely story.

[Connie Ehrnschwender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives hopeful insight into saving our earth.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful view of plants and nature from indigenous creators.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

In their indigenous beliefs, everything has a spirit. Everything can communicate. All are connected. LIsten, and you'll hear the plants and rocks speak to you.

[Maria Caplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The power of a single seed growing which is nurtured and teaches me a life lesson.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous book that encourages readers to listen, observe, and take care of the plants around them.