Title: Small
Author & Illustrator: Gina Perry
Publisher: Little Bee Books, 2017
Ages: 3-5
Themes: being small, living big, perspective
Genre: fiction
40 pages
Opening:
The City is big
and I am small
Synopsis:
While spending the day with her mom and baby sibling, one little girl feels overwhelmed by the big world that surrounds her. Tall buildings, noisy cars, and hungry ducks who want to eat her lunch all make her feel like she is small. Until . . . she dreams big by being an artist, plays big and makes the winning shot, and swings big because she is brave. Soon she realizes she IS big, and nothing can stand in her way!
Why I like this book:
A simple text along with bright and playful illustrations in a big and busy city with a diverse population makes for a feel-good story for big and small. With its bright quirky illustrations and minimal text, this will be an attention gabbing and swift read for preschoolers, who will ask for repeat reads, I am sure! Kids shouldn’t miss the bright yellow butterfly who always follows the protagonist.
I especially love the little girl’s expression when those ducks nab her hot dog!
A fun read about perspective for PreK.
Resources/Activities:
Don’t miss the interview I did this week with Gina Perry.
Have children illustrate the question, “What makes you feel small?”
Find more “Perfect Picture Book Friday” reviews at Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog HERE.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Enjoyed your interview on Tuesday with Gina Perry and was looking forward to seeing her book today. Love that cover! Feeling overwhelmed and small in our big world is such a universal theme for kids. I love the Gina’s spin on the story.
Yes, I think it is a story everyone can relate to in some way.
Thank you, Patricia! It has been amazing to share my book with kids and see how they ALL relate to feeling small at times.
What a great idea to add that little butterfly, another very small thing in a very big world. Kids can really relate. Thanks for putting this book in the spotlight!
Thank you, Jilanne. I think it helps to give them a smaller living thing for perspective. Also, who doesn’t love a butterfly?
I am looking forward to examining this book more closely. I am very glad you featured it today.
Thank you, Maria!
This sounds like a perfect addition to a near future ‘thumbelina’ storytime theme I am putting together!
Oh, that is an adorable idea, Julie!
Sometimes the simplest stories resonate with a wide audience. Haven’t read it and can’t wait. Love that not only is diversity included, it sounds authentic.
I hope you get a chance to read it, Keila!