The Littlest Drop

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

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.

In the “vast, green forest,” animals of every kind live happily together – ants and monkeys, snakes and elephants. But all it takes to change this is one tiny spark, which soon swells into a big fire.

The animals are afraid... until one little hummingbird takes action. She carries one drop of water at a time, between river and fire, river and fire, trying to put it out.

Inspired by the hummingbird, the elephant dips her trunk into the river and begins to spray the fire with water. And soon, all the animals are pitching in, doing everything they can to help extinguish the flames.

This stunning picture book shows that everyone has the power to create big change... no matter how little they may be.

When Jerry Pinkney passed away in 2021, he had partially completed the illustrations for The Littlest Drop. His son Brian, also an award-winning illustrator, took up the mantle and finished them after Jerry's death. A collaboration between two remarkable talents, this unique book is Brian's tribute to his father.

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

40 pages, Hardcover

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.

[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.

[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.

[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~

[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.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the message of this book, from both the author and the illustrator. I love the use of loose marker strokes and the texture of the paint to tell the story of a little hummingbird starting a movement with one little drop, just doing what she can.

[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.

[Claudette Wielechowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent story of the jungle animals being inspired by the efforts of an hummingbird to put out a fire.
The illustrations are lovely

[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⭐️

[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...

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this lovely fable, a version of which was once told by Nobel prize winning environmentalist Wangari Maathai, a tiny hummingbird inspires a host of animals each to “do what they can” to help put out a raging wildfire. Through the collaborative efforts of all of the animals, the fire is finally extinguished and the hummingbird’s nest is saved. The messages embedded in this parable can be discerned by even the youngest listeners… everyone, no matter how small has something to contribute, working together accomplishes things that can’t be done alone, the environment is our home and we all need to help preserve it, to name a few. The traditional story is very well retold by Sascha Alper, but it is the vibrant illustrations that set this version apart. In the afterward, Brian Pinkney explains that his father, Jerry Pinkney, who died in 2021, was not able to complete the artwork. Using his father's detailed black and white sketches, Brian tried to grasp what his father was hoping to accomplish, highlighting the hummingbird’s strength and courage, and brought to that his own style and creativity. The original sketches incorporated many different animals and perspectives which added to the challenge. The resulting artistic collaboration is transcendent, with dynamic images comprised of sweeping black lines and a brilliant color palette. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, this book will generate good discussion among students and in my opinion belongs in every school or public library.

Recommended for ages 5-10 by the SEPA Book Reviewers

[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.

[Logan Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such great story that focuses on a group of animals striving to put out a wildfire that surfaced in their land. When the fire first surfaced, all the animals fled to the river in search for safety minus a hummingbird. The hummingbird did what it could to stop the fire despite the doubt from the other animals. At the end of the story, all the animals worked together to put out the fire. I really like how this story focuses on the theme of teamwork. The story highlights that working together can accomplish greater things and create a change. The reader can learn from the story that when people work together they are stronger/more impactful which can make the biggest difference. I also really appreciate how clear the story is written to convey the message. The author does well to make the problem well-known and the purpose of the story easily understandable for the reader which is beneficial when having younger readers as the audience. Overall, the theme and structure of writing makes this story an engaging and understandable high-quality text.

[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.

[Kay Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. This book is a great lesson for kids which includes ideas of working together, making a difference and that even one person can make an impact. This would be a great book to read to a class.

The setting of the book is one that takes place in a huge landscape which included a great variety of animals. While the hummingbird made a nest a spark landed and caused a fire.
The hummingbird did what she could to help put out the fire by bringing little drops of water to the fire. She told elephant she wanted to do what she could to stop the fire. The other animals just watched the hummingbird. The hummingbirds strong desire to do her part to put out the fire was a ripple effect which helped to cause the other animals to want to do their part to put the fire out. In the end with all the animals working together the fire was put out.

[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.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had read in another book that it was a reference to an Indigenous myth but in this one is references an African myth, so I want to do more digging, but the crux remains the same. The forest is on fire and the hummingbird takes drops of water from the river one drop at a time to douse the flames though all of the other animals look on thinking that it will never make a difference but when the hummingbird says that they can make a difference one drop at a time using its own particular skills, the rest of the animals decide to do the same.

The idea is a small action might have rippling effects by doing what you can.

The very loose lines of the art are visually explosive. I don't like or dislike but the message remains important.

[Alyssa Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Littlest Drop by Sascha Alper retells a Quechua parable about a small hummingbird who tries to stop a forest fire with just drops of water that she carries in her beak to protect her nest. While all the other animals watch or flee from the fire, the hummingbird's determination inspires an elephant and the rest of the animals to help put out the fire, each in their own way. Through this teamwork, the fire is eventually extinguished, demonstrating that even the smallest actions can make a significant difference when everyone works together. The story conveys a message about courage, hope, and the power of individuals to create change —no matter how small they may seem.

[Christine (ABookishMaze) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredibly poignant fable perfect for parents raising compassionate and empathetic children. The story follows a hummingbird who wants to protect her home from a wildfire. The other animals believe she’s crazy for attempting to try and put the fire out all on her own and laugh at her until an elephant realizes that unless she does *what she can* her grandchildren will lose everything too.

It’s a powerful message about how anyone can inspire change by “doing what they can”. The perfect message to the next generation that resonates with today’s political climate and global warming/ecological concerns.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fable for our times: when the forest where all the animals lives catches fire, the little hummingbird begins to carry water, drop after drop, to try to extinguish the flames. When Elephant asks why she is doing it, she replies, "I do what I can." This encourages elephant to participate and soon all the jungle animals join in and extinguish the fire.

A fine cautionary tale for our times and one to read to encourage children to become activists. Beautifully illustrated by beloved illustrator, Jerry Pinkney.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of parables and folktales, especially those set in Africa. This one is inspired by the story of the hummingbird which originated with the indigenous Quechua people of South America.
I love the story message because it’s so true - small actions can make a big difference. When I read the Illustrator’s Note, I loved this book even more. Readers can decide if they are hummingbirds or elephants, butterflies or buffalo. Either way, they’ll enjoy the story and the illustrations, and be inspired to find their own small actions.

[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.

[carrietracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alper's story about a hummingbird leading the charge to put out a forest fire is a great lesson for kids about how the smallest, most seemingly futile action can change the course of the world for the better. In a time when many of us feel despair and as though no matter what we do, it's not enough, it's a great reminder that small works matter. Pinkney's gorgeous illustrations highlight the story.