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The Littlest Drop

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This simple, poignant fable—featuring Caldecott medalist Jerry Pinkney’s final illustrations and completed after his death by his son, Brian Pinkney, also an award-winning illustrator—reminds us that we all have the power to change the world, no matter how little we may be.

When a fire starts near their home, all of the animals—from the largest elephant to the smallest ant—are too scared to do anything but watch. All, that is, except for one tiny hummingbird. She knows she must do something to save her nest. She must do what she can.

This empowering picture book celebrates the idea that every one of us—from the smallest to the largest—has something to offer, and if we all work together, we can make the world a better, greener place.
Sascha Alper is an author and literary agent, who lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband. THE LITTLEST DROP is her debut picture book. View titles by Sascha Alper
JERRY PINKNEY was one of America’s most acclaimed illustrators. He won the Caldecott Medal, five Caldecott Honors, five Coretta Scott King Awards, five Coretta Scott King Honors, five New York Times Best Illustrated Awards, the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, the Society of Illustrators’ Original Art Show Lifetime Achievement Award, and many other prizes and honors. His long list of celebrated titles includes Mirandy and Brother Wind, The Little Red Hen, The Little Match Girl, and The Lion & The Mouse

His family includes a number of acclaimed children's book creators: his son, artist Brian Pinkney; his daughter-in-law, author and children's book editor Andrea Davis Pinkney; and his granddaughter, author-illustrator Charnelle Pinkney Barlow.

Jerry Pinkney passed away on October 20, 2021 at the age of 81. View titles by Jerry Pinkney
Brian Pinkney has illustrated numerous picture books, including The Dark-ThirtyHip-Hop Lollipop; Let's Clap, Jump, Sing, & Shout; Dance, Spin, & Turn It Out; and In the Time of the Drums. His many awards include two Caldecott Honors, a Coretta Scott King Illustration Award, four Coretta Scott King Illustration Honors, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Brian lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and frequent collaborator, Andrea Davis Pinkney. View titles by Brian Pinkney

Classroom Activities for The Littlest Drop

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

About

This simple, poignant fable—featuring Caldecott medalist Jerry Pinkney’s final illustrations and completed after his death by his son, Brian Pinkney, also an award-winning illustrator—reminds us that we all have the power to change the world, no matter how little we may be.

When a fire starts near their home, all of the animals—from the largest elephant to the smallest ant—are too scared to do anything but watch. All, that is, except for one tiny hummingbird. She knows she must do something to save her nest. She must do what she can.

This empowering picture book celebrates the idea that every one of us—from the smallest to the largest—has something to offer, and if we all work together, we can make the world a better, greener place.

Author

Sascha Alper is an author and literary agent, who lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband. THE LITTLEST DROP is her debut picture book. View titles by Sascha Alper
JERRY PINKNEY was one of America’s most acclaimed illustrators. He won the Caldecott Medal, five Caldecott Honors, five Coretta Scott King Awards, five Coretta Scott King Honors, five New York Times Best Illustrated Awards, the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, the Society of Illustrators’ Original Art Show Lifetime Achievement Award, and many other prizes and honors. His long list of celebrated titles includes Mirandy and Brother Wind, The Little Red Hen, The Little Match Girl, and The Lion & The Mouse

His family includes a number of acclaimed children's book creators: his son, artist Brian Pinkney; his daughter-in-law, author and children's book editor Andrea Davis Pinkney; and his granddaughter, author-illustrator Charnelle Pinkney Barlow.

Jerry Pinkney passed away on October 20, 2021 at the age of 81. View titles by Jerry Pinkney
Brian Pinkney has illustrated numerous picture books, including The Dark-ThirtyHip-Hop Lollipop; Let's Clap, Jump, Sing, & Shout; Dance, Spin, & Turn It Out; and In the Time of the Drums. His many awards include two Caldecott Honors, a Coretta Scott King Illustration Award, four Coretta Scott King Illustration Honors, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Brian lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and frequent collaborator, Andrea Davis Pinkney. View titles by Brian Pinkney

Guides

Classroom Activities for The Littlest Drop

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

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