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Hey, Little Ant
The perfect tool to help inspire compassion in our world’s youth.”
—Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist
The 20th anniversary edition of the hilarious picture book that poses the classic To squish or not to squish? With a meaningful message about the importance of caring for creatures big and small, this is a perfect gift for Earth Day.
What would you do if the ant you were about to step on looked up and started talking? Would you stop and listen?
That’s what happens in this funny, thought-provoking book. Originally a song by a father-daughter team, this suprising conversation between a tiny ant and a little girl is bound to inspire important discussions about caring, kindness and respect for both animals and humans.
—Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist
The 20th anniversary edition of the hilarious picture book that poses the classic To squish or not to squish? With a meaningful message about the importance of caring for creatures big and small, this is a perfect gift for Earth Day.
What would you do if the ant you were about to step on looked up and started talking? Would you stop and listen?
That’s what happens in this funny, thought-provoking book. Originally a song by a father-daughter team, this suprising conversation between a tiny ant and a little girl is bound to inspire important discussions about caring, kindness and respect for both animals and humans.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 1998
18 people are currently reading
996 people want to read
About the author
Phillip Hoose
22 books76 followersPhillip Hoose is the widely-acclaimed author of books, essays, stories, songs, and articles, including the National Book Award winning book, Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice.
He is also the author of the multi-award winning title, The Race to Save the Lord God Bird, the National Book Award Finalist We Were There Too!: Young People in U.S. History, and the Christopher Award-winning manual for youth activism It's Our World Too!.
The picture book, Hey, Little Ant which began as a song by the same title was co-authored with his daughter Hannah. The book is beloved around the world with over one million copies in print in ten different languages. Teaching Tolerance Magazine called it, "A masterpiece for teaching values and character education."
Phillip's love of the game is reflected in his acclaimed books, Perfect Once Removed: When Baseball Was All the World to Me which was named one of the Top 10 Sports Books of 2007 by Booklist and Hoosiers: the Fabulous Basketball Life of Indiana.
A graduate of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Hoose has been a staff member of The Nature Conservancy since 1977, dedicated to finding and protecting habitats of endangered species.
A songwriter and performing musician, Phillip Hoose is a founding member of the Children's Music Network and a member of the band Chipped Enamel. He lives in Portland, Maine.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/philli...
He is also the author of the multi-award winning title, The Race to Save the Lord God Bird, the National Book Award Finalist We Were There Too!: Young People in U.S. History, and the Christopher Award-winning manual for youth activism It's Our World Too!.
The picture book, Hey, Little Ant which began as a song by the same title was co-authored with his daughter Hannah. The book is beloved around the world with over one million copies in print in ten different languages. Teaching Tolerance Magazine called it, "A masterpiece for teaching values and character education."
Phillip's love of the game is reflected in his acclaimed books, Perfect Once Removed: When Baseball Was All the World to Me which was named one of the Top 10 Sports Books of 2007 by Booklist and Hoosiers: the Fabulous Basketball Life of Indiana.
A graduate of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Hoose has been a staff member of The Nature Conservancy since 1977, dedicated to finding and protecting habitats of endangered species.
A songwriter and performing musician, Phillip Hoose is a founding member of the Children's Music Network and a member of the band Chipped Enamel. He lives in Portland, Maine.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/philli...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
August 24, 2019
Tanto qué pensar gracias a un ser tan pequeño.
April 8, 2014
Really cool and interesting story of a boy that who almost smashes an ant but instead talks with the ant and begins to see the world in the eyes of a tiny little ant. This is a cool book that would go great in teaching students about different perspectives and personal opinions. The book is written in the ants perspective as well as the boy perspective showing a great contrast of how each see things in the world. I would probably use this in a think aloud modeling different think strategies for my students.
September 8, 2019
This was wonderful book about making a moral decision, with all the facts. I love the way it was written and the ending surprised me. I am glad it ended as it did, but it was definitely not what I was expecting.
March 20, 2015
One of the best children's picture books on compassion and understanding. An absolute favorite.
January 20, 2014
This story is told from two different perspectives. The first is a boy, who is thinking about squishing an ant he finds on the sidewalk. The second is an ant, who is creating an argument with the boy about why his life should be spared. The story is a dialogue between the two, creating reasons for their point of view.
I read this story to my first grade students. They loved the humorous dialogue between the two characters and the book created a lot of discussion and debate about what the boy should do with the ant. Some students even had a change of heart about insects and how they should be respected and treated with kindness instead of played with and destroyed. What I loved best about this story is all the extensions you could do after reading. Students could learn how to debate and make solid arguments for what they want. The story ends without an ending. The reader never finds out what happens, but is posed with the question of "Should the ant get squished? Should the ant go free? It's up to the kid, not up to me. We'll leave the kid with the raised-up shoe. What do you think that kid should do?" I had students write their own ending to the story and their responses were very creative!
I read this story to my first grade students. They loved the humorous dialogue between the two characters and the book created a lot of discussion and debate about what the boy should do with the ant. Some students even had a change of heart about insects and how they should be respected and treated with kindness instead of played with and destroyed. What I loved best about this story is all the extensions you could do after reading. Students could learn how to debate and make solid arguments for what they want. The story ends without an ending. The reader never finds out what happens, but is posed with the question of "Should the ant get squished? Should the ant go free? It's up to the kid, not up to me. We'll leave the kid with the raised-up shoe. What do you think that kid should do?" I had students write their own ending to the story and their responses were very creative!
February 19, 2011
I love this book because it is different from any other children's book that I have read. For one thing it is scripted. It is also written from the perspective of the ant to the boy. The end is very thought provoking it states, "Should the ant get squished? Should the ant go free? It's up to the kid, not up to me. We'll leave the kid with the raised-up shoe. What do you think that kid should do?" Hence, this is great for a discussion on right and wrong. At the very end of the book there is also a song about ants.
May 28, 2020
Hey, Little Ant is a book about a boy discovers an ant on the sidewalk. Like any child, the boy lifts his food- ready to squish the little ant. But, the ant has plans of his own he begins talking to the boy. The little ant tries reasoning with the boy and explains that he should not be squished. Will the boy hear the ant out or will he squish him?
This text could be used in the classroom for discussion purposes. In the text, Children's Literature Briefly 7th Edition, it states that one way to integrate literature is to build a community of readers. This book is considered quality and great for allowing students to have a thoughtful discussion. When readers are discussing a text they are gaining the most knowledge.
This text could be used in the classroom for discussion purposes. In the text, Children's Literature Briefly 7th Edition, it states that one way to integrate literature is to build a community of readers. This book is considered quality and great for allowing students to have a thoughtful discussion. When readers are discussing a text they are gaining the most knowledge.
March 3, 2020
This book features a conflict between a little boy who wants to squish an ant and the ant who clearly does not want to be squished.
The rhyming, rhythmic narrative is fun to read aloud and the authors have included music to go along with it in the back of the book.
The rhyming, rhythmic narrative is fun to read aloud and the authors have included music to go along with it in the back of the book.
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June 25, 2024Teachings of empathy and moral ambiguity.
April 27, 2022
A great book both for kids and adults which teach us that we shouldn't consider someone or "something" smaller and lesser than us because someday we will probably be in their position.
May 2, 2025
This is a good one! We are different but so alike! Compassion and just being a good human!
May 20, 2024
Thought provoking for kids
January 30, 2020
Hey, Little Ant, is a story about a boy, an ant, and one important choice. On this fun journey, the reader gets to hear from the perspective of the boy and the ant. Both character's opinions are important, and they will battle to see whether or not the ant should be stepped on. At the beginning of the story, the boy really wants to step on the ant. Everyone is doing it, and he claims that ants do not have feelings, and the ant does not agree. Through dialogue from both characters, they explain their points of view.
This is a great story to use as a mentor text for introducing opinion writing. As you read, you can stop and talk about why each character feels the way they do about this particular topic. At the end of the story, the reader is asked the question, should the boy still step on the ant?
This is a great story to use as a mentor text for introducing opinion writing. As you read, you can stop and talk about why each character feels the way they do about this particular topic. At the end of the story, the reader is asked the question, should the boy still step on the ant?
December 3, 2024
The concept of explicitly defining morality is interestingly introspective. Similarly the off putting illustrations highlight the perspective of the ant with nuance. The clique ending and half hearted attempt at rhyme nearly ruin the book.
June 21, 2022
A good discussion starter for the very young about kindness and thinking from someone else's perspective.
February 10, 2017
I will never step on another ant for the rest of my life and neither will you after reading this book. Or will you?
June 5, 2011
Great book for discussion in the classroom.
January 23, 2017
it was amaz I ng
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October 15, 2019Summary:
The story of Hey Little Ant, is about a young boy who comes across an ant, and wants to squish him flat, however he begins to question whether he should or not, after hearing the perspective of the little ant he is trying to squish. Throughout the story, the little boy and the any are having a debate back and forth and giving their reasons as to why he should squish the ant, and why the little ant is asking for him to save his life. The boy has to make the ultimate decision, should he or should he not squish the ant?
Evaluation:
I personally found this story to be a clever representation of opposing perspectives. The illustrations within the story were intentional and created depth to the characters and how they were feeling. I feel as if the reasoning, given by both characters were valid and students could take each side of the argument, and create their own opinion on the matter. Students learn through this particular story of the importance of backing up your reasoning, with evidence to support your case. I feel as if this is a story, that could be enjoyed mainly by lower elementary grades, and could be a teaching moment for introducing opinion writing.
Teaching Idea:
I would create a lesson using this particular story to teach opinion writing. This story is well sequenced and gives its audience valid reasons from both perspectives of the ant, and the little boy. I would begin the lesson with a read-aloud, reminding students to be mindful of each of the reasons that are being given by both the little ant, and the boy. After the read-aloud is complete, then I will ask students to help me record some of the reasons the little ant felt as though he should be saved, and some of the reasons the boy felt that he should squish the little ant. Students will be able to have a visual reminder of each side of the argument. After students record each perspective of the case, students will then be given a chance to write an opinion piece convincing their audience member as to why they think the ant should or should not be saved.
The story of Hey Little Ant, is about a young boy who comes across an ant, and wants to squish him flat, however he begins to question whether he should or not, after hearing the perspective of the little ant he is trying to squish. Throughout the story, the little boy and the any are having a debate back and forth and giving their reasons as to why he should squish the ant, and why the little ant is asking for him to save his life. The boy has to make the ultimate decision, should he or should he not squish the ant?
Evaluation:
I personally found this story to be a clever representation of opposing perspectives. The illustrations within the story were intentional and created depth to the characters and how they were feeling. I feel as if the reasoning, given by both characters were valid and students could take each side of the argument, and create their own opinion on the matter. Students learn through this particular story of the importance of backing up your reasoning, with evidence to support your case. I feel as if this is a story, that could be enjoyed mainly by lower elementary grades, and could be a teaching moment for introducing opinion writing.
Teaching Idea:
I would create a lesson using this particular story to teach opinion writing. This story is well sequenced and gives its audience valid reasons from both perspectives of the ant, and the little boy. I would begin the lesson with a read-aloud, reminding students to be mindful of each of the reasons that are being given by both the little ant, and the boy. After the read-aloud is complete, then I will ask students to help me record some of the reasons the little ant felt as though he should be saved, and some of the reasons the boy felt that he should squish the little ant. Students will be able to have a visual reminder of each side of the argument. After students record each perspective of the case, students will then be given a chance to write an opinion piece convincing their audience member as to why they think the ant should or should not be saved.
September 21, 2018
Summary: This book is a back and forth conversation between a boy and an ant who he wants to squish. The ant continually pleas in hopes of convincing the boy not to squish him. He talks about how him and the boy are more similar than he thinks and asks the boy how he would feel if they switched positions. The book ultimately leaves readers with the decision of what the boy should do, allowing students to be involved. The illustrations are also a fantastic representation of what is occurring in the story and are fun to view with how detailed they are.
Major Theme: The major theme in this book is bullying. Representing an ant as the one who is being bullied can help students better understand the concept of bullying and how hurtful it can be. It also provides reasons to why bullying is wrong and teaches students a great lesson overall.
Personal Reaction: I loved this book! I think it is such a cute book and can be easily utilized as a teaching tool when discussing bullying. It helps to see an ant and child as the two roles in a bullying situation because it emphasizes the person being bullied as feeling small but still being important.
Recommendation: I would highly recommend this book for any elementary ages. The lesson it teaches is valuable at any age and could be worked into curriculum easily. Students have the opportunity at the end of the book to discuss what they think is right and wrong in the situation. This allows teachers to take the conversation further by applying it to real life and helping students see what similarities everyone has with one another. If I was teaching, I would definitely have this book on my classroom's bookshelf!
Major Theme: The major theme in this book is bullying. Representing an ant as the one who is being bullied can help students better understand the concept of bullying and how hurtful it can be. It also provides reasons to why bullying is wrong and teaches students a great lesson overall.
Personal Reaction: I loved this book! I think it is such a cute book and can be easily utilized as a teaching tool when discussing bullying. It helps to see an ant and child as the two roles in a bullying situation because it emphasizes the person being bullied as feeling small but still being important.
Recommendation: I would highly recommend this book for any elementary ages. The lesson it teaches is valuable at any age and could be worked into curriculum easily. Students have the opportunity at the end of the book to discuss what they think is right and wrong in the situation. This allows teachers to take the conversation further by applying it to real life and helping students see what similarities everyone has with one another. If I was teaching, I would definitely have this book on my classroom's bookshelf!
December 7, 2017
1. After a boy walks up to an ant with intentions of squishing it, he reconsiders his choices. The ant pleads with the boy as to why he should let him live, sharing the similarities they have to one another. The book ends with a picture of the boys foot raised over the ant and questioning the reader as to what the boy should do.
2. This is a really cute book and can bring up many topics with students in the class. There are many cultures where squishing an ant is frowned upon, while in America we see it happen all the time. I like that the book ends with a question and makes the reader decided what should be done, after hearing the ants plea.
3. This book could be paired with a CD that can be bought separate from the book. The last page of the book shows the text in a song and the song can be heard at www.heylittleant.com along with other songs.
4. “ANT: I can see you’re big and strong, decide for yourself what’s right and wrong, if you were me and I were you, what would you want me to do?” This can be used as a mentor text and as a way to bring up a social justice issue. Students can talk about the idea of power and who holds the power in this book. It can also be used as a way to add different dialogue and bold words in their writing.
2. This is a really cute book and can bring up many topics with students in the class. There are many cultures where squishing an ant is frowned upon, while in America we see it happen all the time. I like that the book ends with a question and makes the reader decided what should be done, after hearing the ants plea.
3. This book could be paired with a CD that can be bought separate from the book. The last page of the book shows the text in a song and the song can be heard at www.heylittleant.com along with other songs.
4. “ANT: I can see you’re big and strong, decide for yourself what’s right and wrong, if you were me and I were you, what would you want me to do?” This can be used as a mentor text and as a way to bring up a social justice issue. Students can talk about the idea of power and who holds the power in this book. It can also be used as a way to add different dialogue and bold words in their writing.
May 6, 2025
Hey, Little Ant poses a simple question: “To squish, or not to squish?” That’s the moral dilemma at the heart of this clever and thought-provoking tale. When a boy spots an ant on the sidewalk, he’s ready to squish it—until the ant speaks up, asking the boy to imagine life from his tiny perspective. Through playful, rhyming verse, the ant makes a heartfelt case for his right to live, explaining that he too has responsibilities: feeding baby ants, working hard, and caring for his family. As the boy weighs the ant’s plea against the pressure from his peers, readers are drawn into a bigger conversation about empathy, respect for life, and moral decision-making. The story ends on a suspenseful note, leaving the ultimate decision in the hands of the reader—an invitation to think critically and compassionately.
With its bouncy, read-aloud-friendly rhyme and whimsical illustrations, Hey, Little Ant is an ideal book for sparking meaningful discussions in classrooms and homes alike. It’s a charming and powerful tool for teaching empathy, perspective-taking, and the importance of kindness, no matter how small the creature. Highly recommended for readers of all ages.
With its bouncy, read-aloud-friendly rhyme and whimsical illustrations, Hey, Little Ant is an ideal book for sparking meaningful discussions in classrooms and homes alike. It’s a charming and powerful tool for teaching empathy, perspective-taking, and the importance of kindness, no matter how small the creature. Highly recommended for readers of all ages.
January 28, 2017
I learned of this book from a colleague who reads it with her class each year. She uses it as a springboard for an opinion writing piece of whether the boy should squish the ant or not. She found an accompanying unit on teacherspayteachers.com. I am currently working my way through the unit. I must say, the book works remarkably well for the skill.
A boy encounters an ant and decides he shall squish it with his foot. The ant protests. There is a back-and-forth. The reader is left with a decision: does the boy squish the ant?
There are clear reasons on both sides of the argument. I think one valuable addition to the unit would be to evaluate the viewpoints. To me, it is clear that one viewpoint is stronger than the other.
This is simply told and I love that. The illustrations are wonderful! The perspective offered in them are as engaging as the story itself. I love the two "centerfolds".
I've been doing this stuff for a while; it's nice to come across some new that engages me as well as my students.
A boy encounters an ant and decides he shall squish it with his foot. The ant protests. There is a back-and-forth. The reader is left with a decision: does the boy squish the ant?
There are clear reasons on both sides of the argument. I think one valuable addition to the unit would be to evaluate the viewpoints. To me, it is clear that one viewpoint is stronger than the other.
This is simply told and I love that. The illustrations are wonderful! The perspective offered in them are as engaging as the story itself. I love the two "centerfolds".
I've been doing this stuff for a while; it's nice to come across some new that engages me as well as my students.
June 6, 2017
My four year old, five year old and I just read this book tonight, and we loved it. The book starts with a boy about to purposefully step on an ant until the ant speaks back and tries convincing the boy to reconsider. With just dialogue and no narration, it was a great book for my son and I to read aloud. He liked reading the boy's lines, and I read the parts of the ant. I expected there to be a happy ending with the boy deciding not to squish the little ant who did a pretty good job of pleading his case, but I love how instead the final page is from the voice of a narrator asking our opinion as to what the boy should do.
This book is such a great way to discuss empathy, the Golden Rule and how our actions, even little ones can impact the world or others. I also loved that the dialogue had lines that rhymed and two very clever illustrations which when you turn the book reveal the boy towering over the boy and the hypothetical situation of the ant towering over the boy ("What would you want me to do if I were you?" Highly recommend.
This book is such a great way to discuss empathy, the Golden Rule and how our actions, even little ones can impact the world or others. I also loved that the dialogue had lines that rhymed and two very clever illustrations which when you turn the book reveal the boy towering over the boy and the hypothetical situation of the ant towering over the boy ("What would you want me to do if I were you?" Highly recommend.
July 2, 2024
🔖 Crux: A parable that makes kids ( & adults ) pause and ponder over empathy, compassion and mercy. This would be helpful in initiating important conversations about kindness and consideration for all creatures big and small, and not just humans. 🔖
Original written as a song, this book alternates between the POV of a young boy and an ant, who meet on the side of the footpath. The boy is about to trample upon the boy with his foot and the ant makes an excellent case, about why he shouldn't do so. Apart from showing the boy that his mates at the ant-hill depend upon him for his valuable contribution to his community, the ant makes more than one arguments that force even the adult to stop and think. Leaving this quote here, hoping it will help you pick this one sometime in the future.
📌 Ant: I can see you're big and strong,
decide for yourself what's right and wrong,
if you were me and I were you,
what would YOU want ME to do? 📌
Original written as a song, this book alternates between the POV of a young boy and an ant, who meet on the side of the footpath. The boy is about to trample upon the boy with his foot and the ant makes an excellent case, about why he shouldn't do so. Apart from showing the boy that his mates at the ant-hill depend upon him for his valuable contribution to his community, the ant makes more than one arguments that force even the adult to stop and think. Leaving this quote here, hoping it will help you pick this one sometime in the future.
📌 Ant: I can see you're big and strong,
decide for yourself what's right and wrong,
if you were me and I were you,
what would YOU want ME to do? 📌
May 8, 2020
What would you do if the ant that you were about to step on looked up and started talking? Would you listen to him? That is what happens in this funny, thought-provoking book. "Hey, Little Ant" by Phillip and Hannah Hoose was published in 1998. It has earned a nominee for Jane Addams Children's Book Award for Picture Book in 1999.
I thought this was a really cute book to show different perspective. I think all kids have a hard time to know what someone or something is feeling when they do things. I really like that this has both the kids views and how the ant feels about to be stepped on. The illustrations by Debbie Tilley are so real like. It really helps engage the kid in the book. My kids felt like the words the author wrote lacked something but they didn't know what it was. All in all we enjoyed the story and how it really made us think of what others are thinking.
I thought this was a really cute book to show different perspective. I think all kids have a hard time to know what someone or something is feeling when they do things. I really like that this has both the kids views and how the ant feels about to be stepped on. The illustrations by Debbie Tilley are so real like. It really helps engage the kid in the book. My kids felt like the words the author wrote lacked something but they didn't know what it was. All in all we enjoyed the story and how it really made us think of what others are thinking.
August 31, 2023
This book is about a little boy who stumbles upon an ant on the sidewalk and has to decide if he wants to squish it or not. The boy and the ant have a conversation and the boy tells the ant all the reasons why he should squish him and why he is so unimportant, then the ant tries to defend himself and tells the boy that they actually are a lot alike. In the end, it asks the reader if they think the little boy should squish the ant or not.
I really like this book and thought the illustrations were cute and fun and I love the message behind the story of compassion and showing this little ant that doesn't seem important some mercy.
In the classroom, this story could show the students such a sweet message of compassion and giving everyone mercy no matter what they look like or how important or unimportant you think they are.
I really like this book and thought the illustrations were cute and fun and I love the message behind the story of compassion and showing this little ant that doesn't seem important some mercy.
In the classroom, this story could show the students such a sweet message of compassion and giving everyone mercy no matter what they look like or how important or unimportant you think they are.
March 9, 2017
Though Ants are the tiniest creatures living on land but they are certainly not the weakest, nor the ones who should be ignored by the giants beings (esp humans). This is a book about the conversation between an ant and a boy. They are arguing over whether the boy should let go of the ant or should squish it under his shoes?
Ants are also living & are alive. They have families, kids and they do everything a normal grown up living being does. They should not be ignored or killed just because they are small.
This is a perfect book for teaching kids that every living organism whether huge or tiny is important.
Its a great learning book.
Read this to your kid.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3Ujs...
Ants are also living & are alive. They have families, kids and they do everything a normal grown up living being does. They should not be ignored or killed just because they are small.
This is a perfect book for teaching kids that every living organism whether huge or tiny is important.
Its a great learning book.
Read this to your kid.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3Ujs...
November 6, 2017
Hey, Little Ant (Hardcover)
by Phillip M. Hoose
another book to add to the bully proofing series of books i have collected. Hey, Little Ant shows five ways that bullies look at their own behavior. The boy questions why he can not do what he wants, that his friends support because he is who he is. This book may make the aggressor see the other side of the coin. The Ant has a great way to explain why being squashed is not desired. It shows how the victim is not just there for the bully, but has his or her own reasons and feelings. The fact that this is presented as a song is a great idea to put the ideas into the young minds of students, i hope that it helps to show them that their actions have consequences.
by Phillip M. Hoose
another book to add to the bully proofing series of books i have collected. Hey, Little Ant shows five ways that bullies look at their own behavior. The boy questions why he can not do what he wants, that his friends support because he is who he is. This book may make the aggressor see the other side of the coin. The Ant has a great way to explain why being squashed is not desired. It shows how the victim is not just there for the bully, but has his or her own reasons and feelings. The fact that this is presented as a song is a great idea to put the ideas into the young minds of students, i hope that it helps to show them that their actions have consequences.
July 16, 2018
This book was on my school's pillars of character reading list for citizenship. It teaches readers how to see situations from another point-of-view and think about how actions may affect someone else. The little and and the little boy have a little rhyming conversation in which the ant has to convince the boy not to squish it. The artwork is cool and I like how the boy and the ant are made to be giants by using up the page in a creative way. There is music at the end so you can sing the pages like a song, which is cool. (When I sang it, it reminded me of the music from the Police Academy movies. Go figure!) The ending left me hanging, but allows readers to make their own choices. I just worry that too many readers will make the wrong one. :(
Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews