The Adventures of Anna and Andy Hummingbird: Anna and Andy meet the Grandchildren is the third book in a series of stories featuring Anna and Andy, a pair of playful hummingbird siblings. This collection leads readers on three new adventures, each focusing on discovering ways to engage with the world.
Anna and Andy live in the “Nice Lady’s” backyard. In this particular collection, themed around imagination, it isn’t long before the two hummingbirds meet the Nice Lady’s four grandchildren. In the first story, the grandchildren take their new hummingbird friends on a scavenger hunt, collecting shiny stones, a lost toy soldier, and many other tiny treasures. In the second story, they invite the hummingbirds on another adventure by teaching them to use their imagination; together, they make up a story involving riding on a dragon, visiting the circus, and eating lots of cotton candy. In the third story, Anna and Andy simply lounge by the pool and lead the children in a water fight.
While author Linda P. Young’s wording is simple, the length of many sentences might frustrate beginning readers. The stories will shine best when read aloud by an older reader. Because of this, it’s important to note that these stories lack both conflict and climax, and thus may bore mature readers after more than one encounter.
Preschoolers, however, will find the bright illustrations—and the delightful idea of talking to tiny, spirited hummingbirds—appealing. The simple, straightforward stories effectively encourage a young audience to get outside and explore, making this collection largely a success.
Also available as an ebook.
