This is a vibrant dual-language picture book with a sweet message. It shows the symbolism in Hummingbird. I’m not sure that the way it starts will hold a little one’s attention without some explanation.

Book Review: Hummingbird/Aamo-binashee by Jennifer Leason, Norman Chartrand (Translator)

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Hummingbird/Aamo-binashee, and I must say, it’s a little gem that touched my heart in ways I wasn’t expecting. This beautifully illustrated picture book strikes a balance between deep emotion and simple storytelling, making it accessible for readers of all ages.

At its core, the book tells the story of a young Indigenous child who feels lost and isolated, grappling with feelings of confusion and self-doubt. The narrative draws on the teachings of Kokum, who warns about the lurking danger of Windigo—an embodiment of darkness that can eat away at one’s spirit if we’re not careful. One fateful night, the Windigo's chilling presence creeps into the child's heart, amplifying their feelings of loneliness. However, just when hope seems dim, a hummingbird arrives, sent by the ancestors, to guide the child back to the light. Through this encounter, the hummingbird shares invaluable lessons about resilience, love, and connection, reminding us that we are never truly alone.

The artistry in this book is simply mesmerizing! Each page is a visual feast that beautifully complements the text. The bilingual aspect—melding Anishinaabemowin and English—adds an additional layer of richness and authenticity to the storytelling. It’s not just a book; it feels like an experience steeped in culture and tradition.

What truly resonated with me is how personal the story feels. Knowing that Jennifer Leason draws from her own experiences makes the narrative even more poignant. The themes of self-love and hope are universal yet deeply rooted in Indigenous wisdom, allowing readers to reflect on their own connections to family and heritage. The message that our ancestors are always watching over us is both comforting and empowering.

Overall, I would give Hummingbird/Aamo-binashee a solid four stars. It’s a heartfelt reminder that in our darkest moments, love and guidance can come from unexpected places, and that connection with others is vital in finding our way home. If you’re looking for a book that beautifully blends art with meaningful storytelling, this one should definitely be on your reading list!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

‘Hummingbird’ by Jennifer Leason is a poignant and visually stunning picture book that explores themes of resilience, love, and connection through the lens of Indigenous storytelling. The book integrates English and Anishinaabemowin, offering a rich bilingual experience.

Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot is deeply emotional, focusing on a child's journey from darkness to light with the guidance of a hummingbird sent by ancestors. The story beautifully weaves together cultural teachings and personal struggle, creating a narrative that is both moving and educational.

Character: ★★★★☆
The characters, particularly the child and the hummingbird, are portrayed with emotional depth. The child's struggle with Windigo's darkness and the comforting presence of the hummingbird are depicted with sensitivity and nuance, making their journey relatable and impactful.

Illustrations: ★★★★☆
The illustrations are exquisite, capturing the beauty and symbolism of the hummingbird and the cultural elements of the story. The artwork complements the narrative, enhancing the reader's emotional connection to the themes of love and resilience.

Engagement: ★★★★☆
The book is highly engaging, drawing readers into its emotional and cultural narrative. The combination of a compelling plot and beautiful illustrations maintains interest and encourages reflection on the themes presented.

Readability: ★★★☆☆
The depth of the plot, while rich and meaningful, may be challenging for very young readers to fully grasp. The complex themes and cultural references require a certain level of maturity and understanding, making it potentially less accessible to younger audiences.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
Overall, ‘Hummingbird’ is a touching and beautifully crafted book that offers a meaningful message about connection and resilience. Its artwork and narrative provide a fulfilling reading experience, though its depth and cultural aspects might be more suited to older children or those interested in Indigenous cultures.


‘Hummingbird’ is a heartwarming and visually captivating picture book that effectively conveys the importance of love and connection through Indigenous teachings. While its depth and cultural references may appeal more to older readers or those with a particular interest in cultural stories, the book's rich illustrations and powerful message make it a valuable addition to any collection focused on resilience and cultural understanding.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own

I am reading this book on a day where I'm surrounded by Windigo's presence and just feel lost. This book is beautiful and I love that it is written in both English and Anishinaabemowin.

A book of hope and love which is greatly needed in the world.

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

I think this is a beautifully written and illustrated book but for other kids and adults more then very young kids. It weaves the story of the Windigo and the teachings of the hummingbird together. It is a story of looking forward while honoring the past.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Hummingbird/Aamo-binashee is written in Anishinaabemowin and English and tells the story of a young indigenous child who has lost their way in life and has been left feeling isolated, alone, confused and doubtful of themselves. The child comes across a hummingbird, which she discovers has been sent by her ancestors to teach her important lessons such as self-love, guidance, love, hope, and resilience.
I did find much of this understandable for myself as an adult but did feel much of the text would go over the majority of children's heads unless explained in great depth to them as the story is read which is why I marked it as a 3.5 star read rounded to 4 stars.

A fascinating piece that will probably work a lot more for the communities it was created to target, but which certainly has enough interest for other people to try it on for size. It's from the point of view of a main character, probably a girl even if this is not directly stated, who loses her way in a forest populated by the vicious windigo. But she is lucky to have the ancestors behind her – their spirits are still backing her up, their attention is still enough to keep her on the right path, and what they got her to inherit is enough to best the windigo and keep the girl happily safe.

There's only so much of this that makes you think this is about a girl in a forest – it very quickly becomes a book about the cultural wiping out the indigenous Canadians suffered. Based on a real-life incident the creator lived through, this pairs her character with the ancestral strength – and with the perhaps unlikely powers of the hummingbird of the title. And it's fine, but I don't see it fully resonating with other folks elsewhere. There is a lot here that marks it as a specific read for a specific readership, from the distinctive artwork, to the lingo that the English speaker is not helped with, to a biography for one of the people credited with this, that details ancestor upon ancestor until it sounds like a pedigree dog show provenance.

I was fascinated by the chance to see this more than its actual contents – the fact this is bilingual and translated into a language I've probably never seen before adds to that. I got the feeling the English text was too advanced for the stated age range, but again this is for a purpose and for a readership I'm very alien to. To many of them I am sure this is a standout piece – the fact remains that for me as me this was more of a three star experience, and my mark is a halfway house between the two verdicts.

What do hummingbirds teach us about?

This book shows the importance of what life brings us and teaches us, the philosophical lessons we can learn from what nature provides us.

I love how the book is written in original Anishinaabemowin and English as well! The illustrations are quite unique and interesting.

You will get to learn so many things about our thoughts from the wisdom these words have.

Such a precious book!

Thank you, Orca Book Publishers, for the ARC.

This beautiful picture book is written in English and Annishinaabemowin and tells a story of a young girl who is warned by her Kokum to watch out for Windigo. The girl loses her way but a hummingbird, a spirit messenger, helps her find her way. The story shares the message that ancestors can watch out for future generations and that when you lose your way you can listen and look for your ancestors to guide your way. The story briefly touches on Residential schools by sharing the negative thoughts children were taught to believe about themselves, and a small collection of photos. I like that it is mentioned, especially in the context of losing your way and the importance of connection with your ancestors, something that was lost in the Residential school system. That being said, this book is more than just a Residential school story, giving readers so many other important messages and experiences to learn about, including sharing culture, language, teachings and traditions. I really love the Woodlands style artwork, it is beautiful and very well done. I could see myself using this book in many ways throughout my teaching and will definitely have to purchase a physical copy for my classroom library. I think this is a book that can be enjoyed in many grades and many subject areas and absolutely recommend it for other teachers. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this beautiful book.

This is a powerful little book. It might frighten younger children at first as the beginning is a little dark. However light and hope ultimately triumph in this story. The art is really interesting and unique and I love that it is told simultaneously in two languages.

this story was very diverse. the story was a tad scarry but still beautiful and creative. illustrations were really cool!

The children were warned about the Windigo's lies that bring fears, self-doubt, and feeling so very alone. But the hummingbird brings reassurance and hope and teaches us "Love always. We are one. We are all connected." "Love is forever."
Bilingual English and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwa)
Many thanks to Norman Chartrand (Translator) for working with the author to make the spoken word visible to all.
The simple illustrations by the author are brilliantly colored, and fun.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to families, but especially to a school, or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary digital advance review copy on Adobe Digital Editions from
Orca Book Publishers via NetGalley. Thank you! Available Oct 15, 2024

I really loved this story! It’s beautifully written and is something I think everyone would enjoy. Will definitely be recommending this to everyone!

Wonderful book and a must-have in every library.
I love the fact both languages are used and that English comes second.
The narrative is so beautiful and poetic, and the illustrations are just stunning.

A thought evoking tale about different symbols in indigenous culture. The illustrations are captivating!

A deeply profound and poetic title. A lovely dual language title with vibrant Indigenous art and a teaching. This is the story of the dangers becoming lost to the darkness of Windigo and the hummingbird helping bring someone back from a path of darkness and into the light, hope and love. This story has fantastic symbolism is a great title to encourage reflection and discussion.

The book Hummingbird/Aamo-Binashee is a dual language book in English and Anishinaabemowin, telling the story of an indigenous child who is chased bei Windigo, causing fear and loss of hope.
The child's grandmother reaches out and reminds them of love and the interconnectedness of everything. The ancestors would be here for the child and help if asked.
Help arrives in shape of a hummingbird, a spiritual teacher of love and joy. The message is to remember the healing quality of love whenever you're feeling lost.

The book was a beautiful spiritual and deep read and additionally very beautifully illustrated. It has a wonderful message children and also adults should hear about.

I have a hummingbird every morning outside my window, and this book just melted me! What a wonderful book full of information and all the lovely things about a hummingbird and the lessons it can teach you.

Written in both English and Anishinaabemowin [littles and adults alike will enjoy trying to sound these words out], this is a fairly dark story about a child who gets lost in a wood, chased there by the Windigo [who is darkness and brings isolation and insecurity and slowly draws one away from the light], who then fills the child with fear, self-doubt, and shame. Then, right in the middle of their fear, their beloved grandparents voice reaches out to them and draws the child back to the light, soothes their fears, doubts and shame, reminds them just who they are, and in the morning sends a gorgeous hummingbird to also remind the child of joy, love, grace, and family.

Beautifully written [the author's note at the end is deeply profound and moving] and illustrated in rich, vibrant, colors, this is a book perfect for littles who struggle with the dark parts of life, for sensitive littles, and really, just for anyone who has been through the darkness and is grateful for the light. Littles will want to read this again and again, especially when they are struggling with life and all it brings; this will be such a great reminder to them that they are not alone.

Very well done.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Leason, Norman Chartrand - Translator, and Orca Book Publishers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.