Humm on the Farm
Doreen Baker
Reen Publishing (2022)
ISBN: 978-1999273439
Reviewed by Kassia Scotti for Reader Views (07/2026)
Doreen Baker’s Humm on the Farm is the fourth book in the Humm series. It follows Humm, a curious and exuberant hummingbird who finds herself thrown into a new adventure on a farm on Vancouver Island. While observing the animals of the farm, Humm stumbles upon colorful lights over mushrooms and gets thrown into another realm where she has access to the farm animals of the past and the memories that come with them. There, Humm communicates with a voice named WIT who introduces her to multiple cats and a horse, the animals that connect the past to the present in this mysterious realm. Humm’s experience there teaches her that while visiting the past can be worthwhile, we must not live there. It is important to live in the moment, regardless of what the new day may bring.
This is a very immersive book that taps into the senses in a great way. Because of the first-person point of view, the reader sees through Humm’s eyes and experiences everything she feels and thinks. Humm as a character shows readers that to try and understand the world, one must be inquisitive, interested, and willing to ask questions. In turn, one has to be ready to learn the lessons that come with it. In this case, Humm learns that while the past can be whimsical and intriguing, the real magic is in the present.
My favorite part of this book is the accompanying watercolor images. The misty quality they have is breathtaking, and complements the imagery that Humm is describing. It makes the farm and the garden come alive. The illustrations are not just there for the sake of having illustrations; they serve a purpose. Specifically, during the tonal shift that happens when Humm enters the portal. The colours change, and everything is shrouded in grey tones. We are given a way to differentiate the present from the past, and we have a visual aid to show the reader that something has occurred. It is a very clever way to use color and imagery to tell the story.
Humm on the Farm by Doreen Baker is best enjoyed by readers who love the beauty of nature and who are curious about the delicate tether between the past and the present. It teaches young readers the foundations that are created with memory, while reminding them to live in the now.
At a Glance: A nature-themed illustrated children’s fantasy follows a curious hummingbird who discovers a magical portal connecting past and present through the memories of farm animals. Gentle, reflective storytelling encourages mindfulness, curiosity, and appreciation for the world around us.
Best for Readers Who Enjoy: illustrated children’s fantasy, animal adventures, nature stories, magical portals, mindfulness for kids, gentle life lessons, farm settings, books about memory, curious young readers, watercolor illustrations