I love, love, love this book! It is an informative and beautiful look at the unique little hummingbird. I have always loved hummingbirds. My mother feeds them every summer. This book would be perfect for any child. Personally, I plan to use it this summer to set up hummingbird feeders with my sons and teach them about the amazing world of the hummingbirds.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a digital ARC copy of the book. This in no way impacts my review. This book is beautifully illustrated and informative for young children (and even adults, I learned quite a few new facts).

What a beautiful ode to the delicate lovelies that are hummingbirds! This was a serene, peaceful read filled with gorgeous, soft illustrations and many interesting facts about hummingbirds. I didn’t realize they could fly for nearly a day straight and over the ocean on their migration, or that their neats could be so small! It’s a gift seeing hummingbirds, truly. This was a sweet book dedicated to the precious, tiny birds we love.

They say that big things come in small packages, and this book perfectly demonstrates that! BORN INSIDE A NEST SO SMALL by Iza Trapani is a lighthearted look at the amazing things that the tiniest of birds - hummingbirds - can accomplish. Written in both poetry and prose, the book not only tells a story of the author's impressions of these beautiful little creatures, but it also integrates facts interesting facts about hummingbirds to enhance the reader's understanding. The artwork is both colorful and interesting, adding wonderful visuals to the story. Although it's marketed for children, it's an engaging read for any age.

This has been a very pleasant read. After all, who isn't intriqued by hummingbirds? I was really happy to be able to read this educational, children's book telling of the flight and lives of hummingbirds. Besides the story line, which is written in poetry, there are short and interesting clips about these birds. I learned a thing or two about them myself.

The illustrations are lovely and I believe will surely catch and keep an interested child's eye and attention. At book's end, the reader will discover a list of further references should he or she care to learn more about these exquisite creatures that flit, flutter and hover.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

February 2025

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.

I loved this book. It was so informative but told in a rhyming and fun way.
The rhyming makes the book flow and those 36 pages go so fast. We had to read it a few times because it was so fun and the illustrations were cute.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Born Inside a Nest So Small presents many facts about the hummingbird alongside beautiful illustrations. As written, it seems possible for the reader to first read the rhymes and then follow up with the information or to enjoy it all at once. The author includes a list of recommended books and websites for further exploration regarding hummingbirds. -A recommended purchase
Thanks to Charlesbridge, Iza Trapani and NetGalley for this ARC.

As a hummingbird lover, I couldn’t resist reading this adorable book with my kids! The story beautifully captures the magic of these tiny birds, and the illustrations are absolutely lovely. The vibrant, detailed artwork brings the hummingbirds to life, making it a joy to read and admire. A sweet, engaging book for little nature lovers!

Netgalley ARC - 4.5 stars rounded up! This lovely picture book features fun bouncy rhymes and a sweet illustrative style. Great intro to hummers :)

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

I loved this love letter of a poem to a hummingbird with little facts thrown in to teach us all.

This was an adorable book that honestly would be great for any age. I read this book to my daughter in kindergarten who loved the story and poetic rhyming while I was able to enjoy the interesting facts that were presented throughout the story.

"Born Inside a Nest So Small" by Iza Trapani is a poetic and informative picture book that offers young readers an intimate glimpse into the life of a ruby-throated hummingbird.

Through the eyes of a child observing a hummingbird in their backyard, the narrative unfolds as a heartfelt letter, chronicling the bird's journey from its birth in a nest no larger than a ping pong ball to its remarkable migratory feats. Trapani's rhythmic verses and gorgeous illustrations vividly captures the hummingbird's omnivorous diet—feeding on gnats, flies, and nectar—and the distinctive buzzing sound produced by its rapidly beating wings, which inspired the species' name. The story also highlights the challenges of migration, illustrating the bird's endurance as it traverses vast distances through varying weather conditions to reach warmer climates. The book concludes with the child's affectionate farewell, expressing a longing for the bird's return and a whimsical desire to send it a postcard. It certainly succeeds in capturing the essence of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird's life through the innocent and curious eyes of a child.

Overall, this book beautifully combines lyrical storytelling with factual insights, fostering a deeper appreciation for one of nature's most fascinating creatures. It is without a doubt a delightful read-aloud experience for children aged 4 to 7, helping foster a deep appreciation for nature's smallest wonders.

This book has beautiful illustrations and a fun rhyme! I loved the facts but wish they were placed somewhere in a different font as it was hard to realize it wasn’t part of the narration. Overall cute and I’ll probably add to our collection. Definitely for younger kids but I think my new reader could also read it aloud.

A beautifully illustrated, poetic and informative book. An ode to the smallest bird with a beautiful depiction of the hummingbirds journey through the year. With informative text scattered throughout and rhythmic text this book will make a great addition to any bookshelf.

Such a fun, little adventure!

Overall: 5🌟
Plot/Lesson°: 5📍
Smiles: 3😊
Illustrations: 5🖌️
Suggested Ages: 0 - 5 y/o

"Mom's" Review:
Hummingbirds are a huge source of happiness and nostalgia in our family. I have the absolute fondest memories of making simple syrup and filling feeders with my grandmother going back to my earliest memories. And I've had a hummingbird feeder me entire life (if we've lived where hummers are!) So when I saw the opportunity to review this book with the kids, I immediately jumped on it!

The illustrations feel like re-watching a childhood memory - beautiful, soft, and bright.

And the story line is a wonderful mix of great information and knowledge mixed with sweet sentiment. I fully believe you and your littles will treasure this lovely book about some of the loveliest little birds!

A's^ Review:
I love making sugar water with Mommy to put in our hummingbird feeder! And once we lived somewhere with special hummingbirds that don't migrate so when it's colder, we put out special Christmas lights that are wrapped around the feeder and the holder to help keep them warm.
Reading this book was really fun - I didn't know some of the things about hummers in this book! I can't wait until the hummingbirds come back to our area! They're so pretty. I can't wait to read this book again.

C's* Review
Hummingbirds are my favorite! I can't pour the food into the feeder yet, but I love watching the hummingbirds with my sister and Mommy!

The pictures were so pretty! It was fun to see the same flowers we planted with Mommy in the book that the hummingbirds were drinking from. I asked Mommy to borrow her phone so I could read the book myself and look at the pictures more!

Thank you to NetGalley, Charlesbridge Books, and Iza Trapani for the opportunity to read and review this fun, adorable book!

All opinions are our own.

° - Our Plot/Lesson rating is how well the kiddos picked up on the morals/lessons learned or well received the facts were.
^ - A: "Ready to Read" level 3, voracious reader
* - C: learning her letters, but memorizes stories well!

With lovely illustrations and fascinating facts about hummingbirds told in a lyrical rhyming text, this book delighted both my two year old and I. Plus, I have always loved hummingbirds, and knowing all these facts made me love them even more!

Thanks to Charlesbridge for a digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Charlesbridge and Netgalley for this digital arc.
The simple rhyming text in this picture book relays a wealth of information about the world's smallest bird. From the nest, to their diet, mobility, and migration, the young child will come away with an impressive amount of information. Gentle illustrations highlight the poetic stanzas. From the copyright page: “Illustrations in watercolor and acrylic gouache paints, colored pencil, and pastels on Arches watercolor paper.”
#BornInsideaNestSoSmall

The rhyming here feels a bit stilted, and parts of the story are outdated. Do most kids know what a postcard is? Phrasing like "How I wish" makes this book feel about 30 years older than it is.

Still, this will be a good fit for our traditional Mennonite families. I do wish there was a map that showed a typical migration pattern. 1,5000 miles doesn't mean anything to a little kid.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

A beautifully illustrated and lyrical poem/story about the friendly hummingbird. Full of interesting and easily digestible facts about the world’s smallest bird. I already loved hummingbirds, but this story increased my appreciation for these tenacious little birds.

Very cute little book about hummingbirds! Has interesting facts throughout and shares how they spend their lives.