Step into a heartfelt day at the zoo with Kyle and his mom in this tender, beautifully illustrated story about love, learning, and the unbreakable bonds of family. While Kyle's brothers and dad are on the other side of the zoon, Kyle gets to spend one-on-one time with his mom. Their trip to the zoo becomes more than just a fun adventure. Together, they discover animal mothers and their babies-bunnies, piglets, foals, joeys, and more. But as Kyle learns about the world around him, he also discovers something deeper: sometimes love exists in ways we cannot see, just like the hidden hummingbird chicks high in their nest. Kyle begins to understand that love and family connections can exist even when they're not visible. For Kyle, he is reminded of his big sister in Heaven, who passed away after a pregnancy loss. Even though he can't see her, she will always be his sibling and someone to look up to. This touching message helps children understand unseen love and that just because you cannot see something or someone doesn't mean they're not there. Themes children will connect with: Family Togetherness - celebrating the joy of adventures, big and small. - Curiosity & Learning - discovering animal moms and babies while building vocabulary. - Love After Loss - gently introducing the idea of pregnancy loss and angel siblings in a comforting way. - Love That Lasts - helping kids understand that family bonds remain strong, even with those we can't see. Perfect for children ages 4-8, this story offers comfort and reassurance for families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, while still being lighthearted and engaging for all readers, even non-loss families.. Why parents will love this book: It opens the door for meaningful conversations about family, love, loss or even differences that go beyond what one can see in an age-appropriate way. - It reminds children (and parents) that family love is forever-seen or unseen. - Blends warmth, hope, and fun learning moments into one meaningful story. The Hummingbird Lesson is more than a story-it's a reminder that family love is forever, whether near, far, or in Heaven above. ISBN 979-8-9998052-1-8 (hardcover) ISBN 979-8-9998052-0-1 (paperback) ISBN 979-8-9998052-2-5 (ebook) Library of Congress Control Number: 2025917268 Book Dimensions: 8.5" x 8.5" "The Hummingbird Lesson is a beautiful, heartfelt story sharing how one mother turned a fun trip to the zoo into a teachable moment for her young son. We all struggle when someone we love passes away. We don't always understand why it happened to that person or how it happens. In this book, the family has experienced a pregnancy loss which can be tougher to explain to children as they never got to hold their baby sibling or see him or her as a person outside of their mother's body. The author uses a moment at the zoo with her young son as an opportunity to help him understand where his sister is in a way that brings them both peace and comfort." - Sarah Thorpe "This book is a gentle companion for parents seeking to explain miscarriage or sibling loss to young children. It offers comfort, validation, and a sense of continued connection. I'm genuinely excited to see what Katie Kruse shares next-her voice is one that brings light to difficult topics with grace." -Laura Campbell "I loved the book. I think many families can connect with this story. It's a great way to show parents how to explain child loss to their children. I love how the author was able to tell a story about this topic and kept it happy and upbeat for children to learn and enjoy. Great read!" - Apolonia "I wish this beautiful book had been around years ago when our family faced the heartbreaking loss of a baby. During that painful time, I struggled to find the words-let alone a book-to help our children understand what had happened. This sweet story is exactly what I was looking for back then. Whether you are walking through your own loss or looking for a meaningful way to comfort someone who is grieving, this book makes a truly thoughtful gift. The vibrant illustrations capture the attention of little ones, while the tender storytelling offers comfort to hearts of all ages." - Sheila Gibbons Katie Kruse is a passionate writer, devoted mother, and lifelong admirer of meaningful stories. Originally from Minneapolis, she earned her degree in elementary education from the University of Arizona in Tucson, but ultimately found her path in the corporate world.She now lives in South Dakota with her husband and their three energetic boys and an angel-daughter watching over. When she's not working or writing, Katie is often volunteering with causes close to her heart.Between full-time work, family life, and community involvement, Katie's days are joyfully full-and that's just the way she likes it. Through her writing, she hopes to create space for love, healing, and hope, one page at a time. Visit her at www.katiekruse.com.