About This Book
Reach for this book when your child's enthusiasm for nature leads to a well-meaning but harmful interaction with a wild creature. It is the perfect tool for addressing the guilt and confusion a child feels after accidentally hurting an insect or animal in an attempt to show it love. The story follows Walter, a young boy who wants to keep everything he finds, only to learn a painful lesson when a captured hummingbird dies in his care. Dick Gackenbach handles this delicate subject with profound empathy, focusing on Walter's realization that true love means respecting an animal's specific needs rather than possessing it. This 1970s classic remains a staple for teaching boundaries and the distinction between wild animals and domestic pets. It is a gentle, secular exploration of grief and responsibility that helps children process the 'oops' moments of childhood with grace and a commitment to doing better next time.
