Little Humans

Starred review from September 8, 2014
Stanton, author of the bestselling
Humans of New York and the popular website of the same name, turns his lens on children in this compilation of new photographs and those from his site. Shot in urban settings throughout the year, the portraits represent a rich range of ethnic backgrounds, eclectic outfits, and spontaneous poses. Stanton laces the images together with simple free verse alluding to children’s attributes, accomplishments, and pastimes: “Little humans can do BIG things, if they stand up tall and hold on tight.” In one scene, a stylish mother and daughter wearing pink straw hats smile at the camera; elsewhere, a stony-faced toddler and his dog sport superhero costumes (“Little humans can be tough... super HERO tough”). The airy verse replaces Stanton’s off-the-cuff comments and quotes from his subjects that typically accompany his work, but that doesn’t diminish the images’ impact or their insight into the personalities of his young subjects. This vivid collection underscores both the diversity and commonality among children, and may well inspire readers to imagine the lives of and stories behind each child. Ages 4–8. Agent: Brian DeFiore, DeFiore and Company.

September 15, 2014
The creator of the popular Humans of New York blog focuses his camera lens on the diverse children of New York City. Street photographer Stanton has captured the lives of many New Yorkers, but none ever this small, all in one place. "Little humans can do big things, // if they stand up tall / and hold on tight. // Sure, sometimes they fall. / But they get back up. // They'll be alright!" Rhyming text highlights the resilience and varied experiences of childhood, accompanied by one large photo per phrase. Most are sidewalk portraits with concrete backdrops, but readers find a bit of grass every few pages-just like New York. Tiny hipsters in elbow-patched blazers share space with barefooted friends playing in a fire hydrant's spray. Some readers might be inclined to say the more eclectic fashionistas are only found in New York City, but kids' ensembles are often distinct and creative, no matter where they live. While the text is largely platitudinous, the photographs are so striking as to make it easy to ignore. A wide range of ethnic groups and smiles broadens the scope even further. These humans may be little, but their photos bring large delight. (Picture book. 3-7)

COPYRIGHT(2014) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 2-Stanton is a street photographer and creator of the New York Times best seller Humans of New York (St. Martin's, 2013). That book consists of an array of photos of a spectrum of people Stanton encountered on the street, accompanied by impromptu interviews. Here, his photographic eye is once again masterly, but in this book his subjects are children, and the interviews have been replaced by a simple free-verse poem that celebrates childhood. These kids are definitely free spirits, dressed in the quirkiest of outfits. They all seem to shout personality and individuality, and again, the quality of the photography will draw in readers. While not an essential purchase, it will be a browser's delight.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.