The Littlest Drop
by Sascha Alper
illustrations by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney
Anne Schwartz Books, 2025. 40 pages.
Review written November 18, 2025, from a library book.
Starred Review
This picture book retells a folk tale the author originally heard from the environmentalist Wangari Maathai. Brian Pinkney tells us that his father had left behind sketches that were almost complete, but he hadn’t started painting yet. Brian lovingly completed them with a result that’s a beautiful combination of both of their styles.
The story is of a hummingbird who lives in “a vast, beautiful land that was a home to all of the animals.” After she builds her nest, a spark starts a fire not far away.
All the animals flee to the river and huddle frightened by its side. But the hummingbird wants to do something.
And so the hummingbird flew to the river and filled her tiny beak with just the littlest drop of water, for that was all that it would hold.
When the other animals tell her she’s too small to put out the fire, she answers, “I am doing what I can.”
And that prompts the elephant to do what she can. And soon all the animals are working to put out the terrible fire. And the last drop that puts out the fire comes from the hummingbird.
It’s a lovely tale about each of us doing our bit. Who knows? You may inspire others to all work together to help everyone.
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