Hector and Hummingbird

PreS-Gr 2—Hector and Hummingbird are best friends--for the most part. Although Hector, a spectacled bear, loves his pal, the zippy little bird drives him nuts by always tagging along and copying his every move. Desperate for a little solitude, Hector heads into the forest on his own. Predictably, the bear realizes that simple pleasures just aren't as enjoyable without someone with whom to share them. The friends reconcile, and Hector is flattered to realize that Hummingbird's copying is a compliment. Both animals are happy when the bear suggests, "Hummingbird, can you copy me now, by being really, really quiet?" A bonus guide on the last page invites readers to identify 15 different types of animals in the lush jungle backgrounds. The story has mid century-inspired ink block illustrations that feature sweet-faced and expressive characters, and handles the common childhood issue of copying in a lighthearted manner.