Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Tue Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2020)

A ruby-throated hummingbird chronicles its first full year of life.This latest addition to the series of first-person nature diaries that began with My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis (2017) introduces the ruby-throated hummingbird, familiar to residents of the East Coast and Midwest, where they summer, and of Mexico and Central America, where they winter. The front endpapers map the ruby-throated species' range, show some western hummingbirds, and present some facts including the nest-building process. This slightly advanced scientific text sets the stage for Ruby T.'s personal story. Dates head entries of one or two sentences, simple enough for fledgling readers. Meisel's illustrations augment the storytelling. The title page includes a picture of Ruby T.'s mother on her nest; a page turn reveals just the tip of a beak poking out of a cracked egg. But soon, Ruby T. is flying "really fast!" Spread by spread the pacing reflects the bird's experience, including speedy growth and challenging migrations. Short words relating to the bird's actions sit directly on these paintings ("CHASE"; "ZOOM"). Ruby T. often enjoys a hummingbird feeder-probably the way most readers will encounter this species. There are quarrels, communal feeding, and preparations for the big trip. Ruby T. winters in a different environment. When spring comes, his newly red throat reveals that he's male. The story winds up neatly when he meets a potential mate after his return.Accurate natural history simply and charismatically presented. (sources, recommended reading, further information) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

School Library Journal Starred Review (Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2021)

PreS-Gr 4 Meisel's entry in the "Nature Diary" series offers well-organized, flowing text and pleasant illustrations. Before the title page, there are facts about hummingbird behavior followed by descriptions of physical features, nesting, mating rituals, and more. The main text, which employs first-person narration to chronicle the life of a ruby-throated hummingbird, will engage story time participants. The story is also accessible to the early reader group. The ruby-throated hummingbird describes emerging from his little white egg, no bigger than a jelly bean. He learns to fly, catch bugs, and migrate to warmer climates. Finally, additional information about hummingbirds, which is written at a fourth-grade reading level, is shared. Recommendations for hummingbird-friendly plants, information about the delights of a bird feeder, and a recipe for nectar are provided. A glossary, source materials, and reading recommendations are included. VERDICT A delightful resource that features informative text and rich illustrations. Recommended for all libraries. Nancy Call, formerly at Santa Cruz P.L., Aptos, CA

ALA Booklist (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

This first-person account of one year in the life of a ruby-throated hummingbird begins on May 15 as our narrator breaks through his shell. His story continues as he takes his first flight, finds food, and interacts with other hummingbirds. He migrates and returns the next spring, when he begins to look for a mate. Dates appear at the tops of most pages, in intervals of days, weeks, and months, updating developments and keeping the action moving. The text consists of short, direct sentences, limited to one or two per page, aligned perfectly with the detailed watercolor and acrylic illustrations. There is considerable front and back matter intended for adults (or more advanced readers) that provides answers to just about any question readers might have, along with descriptions that will make sense to kids: a hummingbird weighs about as much as two pennies; hummingbird eggs are about as big as jellybeans. There's also a glossary, list of sources, and recommended resources. A worthy addition to author Meisel's award-winning Nature Diary series.

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

A ruby-throated hummingbird joins Meisel's previous diarists -- a praying mantis (My Awesome Summer, rev. 5/17), eastern bluebird (My Happy Year, rev. 5/19), and stink bug (My Stinky Summer, rev. 7/20) -- in narrating his adventures through the seasons. From a teeny hatchling in a walnut-sized nest to a fully grown adult weighing "a little more than...two pennies," Ruby T. is tiny in stature but not in presence. The spare, journal-style text serves as captions for Meisel's lively mixed-media illustrations, which effectively capture the hummingbird's energy and quick movements. Entries track the creature's growth and discuss diet, behaviors, habitat, and migration -- an epic journey requiring incredible endurance (see also Robert Burleigh's Tiny Bird, rev. 5/20). The pages focused on Ruby's aggressive territorial behaviors ("June 21: This flower is MINE! No, you don't!"), especially, will be crowd-pleasers. A glossary and list of suggested websites are appended; the illustrated front and back endpapers offer more in-depth information and a migration/habitat map. My Tiny Life leaves a big impression. Kitty Flynn

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

A ruby-throated hummingbird chronicles its first full year of life.This latest addition to the series of first-person nature diaries that began with My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis (2017) introduces the ruby-throated hummingbird, familiar to residents of the East Coast and Midwest, where they summer, and of Mexico and Central America, where they winter. The front endpapers map the ruby-throated species' range, show some western hummingbirds, and present some facts including the nest-building process. This slightly advanced scientific text sets the stage for Ruby T.'s personal story. Dates head entries of one or two sentences, simple enough for fledgling readers. Meisel's illustrations augment the storytelling. The title page includes a picture of Ruby T.'s mother on her nest; a page turn reveals just the tip of a beak poking out of a cracked egg. But soon, Ruby T. is flying "really fast!" Spread by spread the pacing reflects the bird's experience, including speedy growth and challenging migrations. Short words relating to the bird's actions sit directly on these paintings ("CHASE"; "ZOOM"). Ruby T. often enjoys a hummingbird feeder-probably the way most readers will encounter this species. There are quarrels, communal feeding, and preparations for the big trip. Ruby T. winters in a different environment. When spring comes, his newly red throat reveals that he's male. The story winds up neatly when he meets a potential mate after his return.Accurate natural history simply and charismatically presented. (sources, recommended reading, further information) (Informational picture book. 4-8)