The World Small

by Kelly Anne Manuel

"The World Small" was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Two of Kelly Anne Manuel's Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited to experience their sleep time ritual with the comfort of Nature nearby. It is a remarkable combination of relaxation yet imagination igniting prose. "The World Small" offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that no matter where they are on the planet, Nature has common elements. She is always available for discovery and wonder. In the story Nature is personified as a unifying presence to our planet. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The illustrations spark curiosity as they start with a map and end with the evening sky. The story identifies common elements such as a the sky, sun, clouds and rainbows, to create continuity for any number of environments. Children who begin their sleep time ritual with "The World Small" will benefit from the rhythm of the words and the message they send. The message that how Children play and enjoy the world around them no matter their geographic location is designed to awaken curiosity and stimulate conversations on the topic. It is in Early Childhood that a Child's view of the world and their place in it is under major construction. "The World Small" is a tool in a Caregiver's toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that we are united as a global community with elements of Nature and human nature is an important message that the author feels Children's literature must reflect. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with unlimited travels into imagination and how they would like to play once they arrive there.

Genres: Childrens

26 pages, Paperback

Published August 8, 2022

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The World Small is such a sweet children's bedtime poem. My son and I enjoyed reading it, a quick lovely read.
But the best part are the illustrations. My son and I spent time looking at each page as each one had a new lovely 3-dimentional image. From clouds and rainbows to buildings to planets - they all look like paper cut outs layered over each other and very carefully arranged to even show shadows and depth.
I enjoyed that it tells the kids that everywhere around the world kids "had a similar way to play" - helping kids see that they are all similar and enjoy to play in the same ways.
Lovely book and this would be a fun one to read with kids at bed time.

[BethK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a positively delightful read! It’s best read aloud, so it’s release as an audiobook is ideal! The short rhymes along with colorful illustrations of everything from a world map, paper airplanes, a rocket, biplanes, a kayak, rainbows, snowflakes and even an ice cream bucket all engage the reader or listener. It makes the reader feel safe and comforted by all of nature – and is so engaging it can be enjoyed from anywhere – the arctic, the jungle, a desert, or even the 37th floor of a skyscraper! It’s a great storybook for children of all ages.

I read this book as as a paperback, provided by Black Chateau, a marketing and public relations firm.

[Rachel Jennetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has (possibly) the worst bedtime routine in the world, I thought this book would have been very beneficial for me in my more formative years. But for now, I will teach my cats about proper nighttime routines in this adorable kids' book!

The art style is so sweet, and I think it's a book that anyone can appreciate the message of!

*I received this book as an advanced reader. This is my honest opinion.*

[Vikki Bullock · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful book, full of colour and easy to read! Any child would enjoy reading this book and pointing at the pictures too!
The poetry flows well, the pages are attractive to children and parents will find this book easy to explain, both the story and words too!

With thanks to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty, but ultimately pretty inconsequential poetry picture book, with one verse that might work as a lullaby, and definitely as a way of honouring Mother Nature (or whatever female deity you deem appropriate). The visuals are from – it would appear – paper crafting, with a kind of plasticky pastel palette, that certainly adds distinction to the pages. But I didn't find anything to prove this was a must-buy, however rarely such purchase would bring any regret.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful and beautifully illustrated children's book about the diversity of our world and yet how similar its people are. A calming way to end the day!

My thanks to Black Chateau for allowing me to read a DRC of the book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given. Book was publised 7/28/23.

[Katrisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite thing about this book was the art. The art was simple but engaging. The poem was nice and would be a perfect read for a bedtime story. As a kindergarten teacher I would buy this for my classroom library, but wouldn't necessarily read it aloud to my class.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book with a unique format. Eye-catching pages, draw interest.
Nice to follow the pages and see the connection one right after the other.
The book focuses on the importance of everything precious. Our world, nature, and so much more. Perfect to teach our littles.

[Emily Neilsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun little book to read with your children. Mine enjoyed the pictures and the story so much that they insisted on reading it again and again.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cute while being a great learning experience for children about the world around us.
Great illustration and the story was easy to follow.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a sweet book, I love the illustration and did enjoy reading it.
I loved how it had powerful messages all children need to hear. It was done in a fun to follow and vibrant way.