Book Review: Flight of the Hummingbird
A Traditional Parable About Caring for the Environment
Nov 26, 2008
With a strong message that commitment by individuals to make a difference is the first step in sustainable environmental reform, Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas has produced an arresting book suitable for discussing the environment with children or giving as a gift to an friend or family member interested in environmental issues.
Flight of the Hummingbird
Illustrated by Yahgulanaas with distinctive Haida Manga illustrations in black and red, Flight of the Hummingbird (Hachette, 2008) shares a traditional tale common in many cultures, particularly Quechan people of South America and the Haida of the North Pacific.
A fire rages through the forest and the animals flee before the flames. As the animals talk about how helpless and vulnerable they are, Dukdukdiya the hummingbird takes one drop of water from the stream to drop on to the fire. While the others bemoan their situation, the hummingbird continues to take water, drop by drop, to the burning forest. When questioned by the others about what she is doing, she replies “I am doing what I can.”
The hummingbird is a symbol of beauty, agility and optimism in many cultures and in this parable, Dukdukdiya demonstrates to the other animals that to make a difference, each individual must be willing to do what they can in every circumstances.
More Than a Simple Parable
The true impact of this thoughtful book comes from the eloquent and inspiring commentary of Wangari Maathai and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. While the parable encourages individuals to do what they can to make a difference, it is Maathai and the Dalai Lama that inspire and demonstrate the impact that one person can have when they are passionate about impacting their world.
Foreword by Wangari Maathai
Born in Kenya in 1940 to a farming family, Wangari Muta Maathai is the founder of the Green Belt Movement. With more than 30 million trees planted by rural women throughout Kenya since 1977, Maathai has taken her message to other African nations as well as internationally. In 2004 Professor Maathai and the Green Belt Movement were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Maathai explains the principles of the buddhist word mottainai, the practice of not wasting resources but rather using them with respect and gratitude. She believes this incorporates the “four R’s” of the environmental message – reduce, reuse, recycle and repair. She encourages others to not be overwhelmed by the immensity of the environmental issue, but rather to do what they can each day to have a positive influence.
Afterword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the fourteenth Dalai Lama, was born in 1935 and is the head of state and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. Awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent struggle to liberate Tibet, the Dalai Lama is well known for his concern for the environment.
In his afterword, the Dalai Lama eloquently describes the importance of universal responsibility, the commitment to non-violence and humanitarian values that lead to showing respect for both humankind and nature. He encourages readers to believe that “large human movements spring from individual effort. Yes, one individual can change the world!”
A Thoughtful Gift Book for all Ages
is a gift book that has something to offer all ages. The simple parable clearly conveys the value of individual effort in a manner that can be easily shared with children at home or in a classroom setting. As such, it is an ideal Christmas or thank you gift for a teacher, with the additional significance of recognising that a teacher’s own efforts as an individual have a lasting impact on the children that they teach.
Flight of the Hummingbird
The more detailed statements by the Dalai Lama, Wangari Maathai, Yahgulanaas himself and a brief description of the Hummingbird’s Effect by Michelle Benjamin offer encouragement and a challenge suitable for teens and adults.
Flight of the Hummingbird (ISBN: 978-0-7336-2335-6, 61 pages)
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