Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Tiny Whispers by Vicki Johnpeer follows Cory, a tiny hummingbird who writes stories about a group of children called The Pals: Cara, Buddy, Aimee, and cousin Jed. Cory shares their adventures, homing in on their moments of emotional growth, such as learning to be patient, kind, content, thoughtful, and thankful. For example, Buddy isn't great with patience when he wants to touch Mama Bird’s egg but eventually learns to wait. The Pals also enjoy activities like fishing, bug hunting, and baseball, where they learn valuable life lessons. Through their experiences, young readers are encouraged to work on these positive traits, using The Pals' actions as examples of how to be the best versions of themselves in everyday life, alongside sketched illustrations by the author.
Tiny Whispers by Vicki Johnpeer is a delightful collection of stories that can be read all together or individually, with each brimming with warmth and value. We worked them into our nighttime routine and my youngest reader was delighted by Cory and really enjoyed the stories. She particularly loved Bugs in Mugs, which reminded her of a special time we spent in Indiana, where she tried to catch fireflies—an experience that mirrored the author’s gentle exploration of nature. The pencil sketch illustrations, which mix graphite with pops of primary colors, complement the tales and add visual playfulness. There's no doubt that outdoor adventures and moral lessons make perfect companions and, overall, this book offers both entertainment and teaching moments that are sure to please young readers and their carers equally.