Flight of the Hummingbird: A Parable for the Environment

By Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, Dalai Lama and Wangari Maathai

A beautifully drawn comic book inspired by Japanese manga and Indigenous art and legend

This powerful story about a brave hummingbird shares a message of environmental stewardship

Hummingbirds have long been a symbol of wisdom and courage. In this breathtaking book, a hummingbird makes a valiant effort to put out a raging fire that threatens her forest home. She makes many trips over the burning woodland because her tiny beak can only hold one drop of water at a time. Her efforts show the other creatures in the forest that doing something—anything—is better than doing nothing at all. Will they join her in her fight to save their home?

The hummingbird parable, which originates with the Quechuan people of South America, has become a talisman for environmentalists and activists worldwide committed to making meaningful change. This retelling, enlivened by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas’ fabulous Haida-Manga illustrations, is suitable for all ages of would-be activists. Although environmental responsibility often seems like an overwhelming task, The Flight of the Hummingbird shows how easy it is to start and how great the effect could be if everyone just did what they could.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Greystone Books
• Release date: Jan 6, 2012
• ISBN: 9781926812397

Book preview

Reviews for Flight of the Hummingbird

[nicolemaddock · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This wonderful little book is an inspiration; one that, because of it's simple message and elegant illustrations, provides the understanding that all is not lost, that the damage caused to the environment can still be repaired. If the little hummingbird has the courage and endurance to fight the forest fire alone, drop by drop, even one person's willingness to do their part will change the face of our world for the better. And, if one person can make a change, others will follow.The introduction by Wangari Maathai, as well as the wise words from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, make each individuals role in the fight to reclaim our environment seem so easy. It is my hope that this story will be widely read and that the image of the hummingbird will act as a reminder that every little bit counts. Our wish for a sustainable environment is indeed within our reach.