Not So Small at All

November 13, 2017
In this uplifting board book (also available in an expanded picture book), Magsamen points to small creatures in nature to demonstrate how tiny things can be important. Encouraging rhymes in a handwritten-style font appear on left-hand pages (“Ants build mini mazes that are hidden in the earth./ They can lift enormous objects just a few days after birth!”), opposite simply drawn images of ants, butterflies, and worms. “You might not have known it, but you’re amazing too!” Magsamen proclaims in large letters against a red background. It’s an affirming reminder that small creatures (and humans) are capable of accomplishing big things. Up to age 5. Agent: Trina Storfer, Mixed Media Group.

January 1, 2018

PreS-Gr 2-The book's upbeat, positive message is that being small is no obstacle to doing big things. Tiny seeds, bees, ants, hummingbirds, and butterflies are all used as examples of small but mighty things. The layout is simple and graphic in style. A full page of text on each verso is accompanied by spare childlike line drawings on the right. While the illustrations chosen for the small creatures are bright and colorful, the ones for feelings and ideas are decorative hearts, and not as engaging. A center spread spells out the book's takeaway: "You might not have known it, but you're amazing too! There are incredible things only you can do!" The last four pages provide a quick recap with facts and photos about the "not so small things." VERDICT A book full of affirmations designed to empower children and help boost their self-esteem. A serviceable but nonessential purchase.-Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

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