The Littlest Drop

Hardcover

Grades Preschool – 2
Ages 3–7

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.

A GOOD HOUSEKEEPING KIDS’ BOOK AWARD WINNER • A BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS BLUE RIBBON AWARD SELECTION • AN ALA/ALSC NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK SELECTION • A CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY "BEST OF THE BEST" BOOK NOMINEE

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.

A Comstock-Gág Read Aloud Honor Book

A Donna Norvell Oklahoma Book Award Nominee

A Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominee

★ "An inspiring example of the good that can result from one act, no matter how small." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "A gorgeous and uplifting tale." —School Library Journal, starred review

★ "This simply articulated tale from debut author Alper delivers an unmistakably crucial message....[A] clear allegory about the value of every effort." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Alper’s debut picture book celebrates how one simple act can have a powerful and meaningful impact, no matter how little it seems....this moving tale reminds readers that the strength and bravery they carry within their hearts should not be underestimated." —The Bulletin, starred review

"A story that reminds us that everyone has something to contribute and that individuals can make a powerful difference working toward a common goal." —Booklist

"A stirring tale of courage, unity, and environmental stewardship." —The Horn Book

ISBN 9780593309124 (Hardcover)
Published on Apr 1, 2025
Published by Anne Schwartz Books
Pages 40
Dimensions 10-1/2 x 10-1/2
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: AD660L | Fountas/Pinnell: M

ISBN 9780593309131 (Hardcover Library Binding)
Published on Apr 1, 2025
Published by Anne Schwartz Books
Pages 40
Dimensions 10-1/2 x 10-1/2
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: AD660L | Fountas/Pinnell: M

ISBN 9780593309148 (Ebook)
Published on Apr 1, 2025
Published by Anne Schwartz Books
Pages 40
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: AD660L | Fountas/Pinnell: M

ISBN 9798217168620 (Audiobook Download)
Published on Apr 1, 2025
Published by Listening Library
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: AD660L | Fountas/Pinnell: M

Sascha Alper

Sascha Alper is an author and literary agent, who lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband. THE LITTLEST DROP is her debut picture book.

Jerry Pinkney

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.

Brian Pinkney

Brian Pinkney has illustrated numerous picture books, including The Dark-Thirty; Hip-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.

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