If You Should Hear a Honey Guide

by April Pulley Sayre, S.D. Schindler (Illustrator)

A honey-eating bird takes readers on a journey, illustrated in beautifully executed landscapes, through the East African bush and its fascinating inhabitants, in a story that shows the close relationship between people and animals there.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Nature, Childrens, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

April Pulley Sayre was an award-winning children’s book author of over 55 natural history books for children and adults. Her read-aloud nonfiction books, known for their lyricism and scientific precision, have been translated into French, Dutch, Japanese, and Korean. She is best known for pioneering literary ways to immerse young readers in natural events via creative storytelling and unusual perspectives.

Reviews

[What April's Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what a honey guide was until our unit on Africa. God has created animals to rely on others for help and food in a beautiful cycle. It is sad, though, that their habitats and ways of life are being changed in the name of "progress."
The illustrations are beautifully simple with calming colors.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book not only for its inviting lyrical style, but also for its astounding illustrations. This book is just beautiful. It tells about the honey guide, a bird that leads people and badgers to wild honey. Its home is in East Africa, so I understand never having heard of it before. Really a great book from beginning to end. Even if the topic of birds sounds boring to you, give this a read and you'll be glad you did.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So lyrical it might almost be a poem! Learn about the relationship that Honey Guide birds develop with humans and badgers in Kenya in order to get help retrieving honey combs from a beehive.