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No Small Thing
When twelve-year-old Nathaniel and his two sisters, Cid and Queenie, discover an ad for a free pony in the paper, they can hardly believe their luck. The pony is theirs, as long as they can afford to take care of it. But what will their mother say? Nat knows things are hard for his mom; his dad walked out on them four years ago. But having a pony would help Nat and Cid stop bickering and it would mean so much to Queenie. When Nat’s mother lets them keep it, life is still not easy, but at the end of each day, Nat knows his pony is waiting from him. Until a fire destroys the barn... Winner of the Hackmatack Book Award, No Small Thing was also a Silver Birch Honour Book and shortlisted for the Canadian Library Assocation’s Book of the Year for Children Award.
232 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
18 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
About the author
Natale Ghent
11 books17 followersNatale Ghent has been writing stories since she was six. Her first books, written and illustrated, revolved around a family of circles: a momma circle, a papa circle and two baby circles. The momma circle wore a fur stole, distinguishing herself from the papa circle, who wore a fedora, naturally.
Natale graduated from writing about circles to writing and illustrating stories about a small fairy, and later, to stories about talking guinea pigs and eventually humans.
When Natale was very young, she wanted to be an archeologist, a ballerina, a veterinarian, a singer and a magician, but not necessarily in that order. Later in life, she realized she could be all these things and more through her writing. She says, "I never set out to be a novelist in the way that so many do these days. All I knew was that I had a voracious curiosity about life and that I loved telling stories. I simply stumbled along until writing took me by the hand and refused to let go, though I recognize now that there were many signposts guiding me along the way. I come from a long line of consummate story tellers. It just never occurred to me that I could tell stories for a living. And now I can’t imagine doing anything else."
Of NO SMALL THING she says, "The story is based on true events from my childhood. I carried it in my heart for years until it begged to be put on paper. I wrote the book for my family and for anyone, young or old, who has struggled for something they believe in. I never imagined the story would mean so much to so many children. I’m humbled by the letters and stories these children send to me."
Natale graduated from writing about circles to writing and illustrating stories about a small fairy, and later, to stories about talking guinea pigs and eventually humans.
When Natale was very young, she wanted to be an archeologist, a ballerina, a veterinarian, a singer and a magician, but not necessarily in that order. Later in life, she realized she could be all these things and more through her writing. She says, "I never set out to be a novelist in the way that so many do these days. All I knew was that I had a voracious curiosity about life and that I loved telling stories. I simply stumbled along until writing took me by the hand and refused to let go, though I recognize now that there were many signposts guiding me along the way. I come from a long line of consummate story tellers. It just never occurred to me that I could tell stories for a living. And now I can’t imagine doing anything else."
Of NO SMALL THING she says, "The story is based on true events from my childhood. I carried it in my heart for years until it begged to be put on paper. I wrote the book for my family and for anyone, young or old, who has struggled for something they believe in. I never imagined the story would mean so much to so many children. I’m humbled by the letters and stories these children send to me."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
March 29, 2012
This is one of those awesomely quiet books that, when you read it, you think are 'nice': a good read, a satisfactory story and conclusion, but nothing... sparkling. And yet, somehow the impact of the book doesn't quite mesh with that initial impression. Another book that did this to me was The Thirteenth Tale; it's quiet and unassuming, with (objectively) nothing to really keep you intrigued - and yet, somehow, it does, and you remember it for the rest of your life.
No Small Thing is like that. It is, essentially, a book about a boy from a struggling single-parent story who sees an ad in the paper: Pony, free to good home. They used to have ponies, back when Dad was around, but Queenie, his younger sister, was too little then to remember. And she wants a pony more than anything. And he wants one too.
This quiet story follows (MC) through a year of his life, showing the effects that one small act - responding to the ad, bringing home the pony - has on both his life and the lives of his family. It reminded me of the way that sometimes, even when everything else in life is rubbish, all that's needed is for one thing to go right, and that's enough. It's a beautiful story about a boy and a horse, set against the backdrop of a broken and real family that somehow connected with me deeply, and left me satisfied after what was superficially a quick, light read. This book truly is No Small Thing.
No Small Thing is like that. It is, essentially, a book about a boy from a struggling single-parent story who sees an ad in the paper: Pony, free to good home. They used to have ponies, back when Dad was around, but Queenie, his younger sister, was too little then to remember. And she wants a pony more than anything. And he wants one too.
This quiet story follows (MC) through a year of his life, showing the effects that one small act - responding to the ad, bringing home the pony - has on both his life and the lives of his family. It reminded me of the way that sometimes, even when everything else in life is rubbish, all that's needed is for one thing to go right, and that's enough. It's a beautiful story about a boy and a horse, set against the backdrop of a broken and real family that somehow connected with me deeply, and left me satisfied after what was superficially a quick, light read. This book truly is No Small Thing.
May 29, 2020
This was one of my favorite books as a kid and it was still a great joy to read it as an adult. Despite being a children's book, the characters are complex and unique. The author is also really good at bringing you in to the setting of a small Canadian town in the 1970s, despite not having a lot of pages to do it. Despite its simplicity and youthful nature, this is a beautiful story
November 8, 2012
The book i chose to review is called No Small thing by, Natale Ghent. This book has a cute story line and a great big picture, don't pass up the little things in life because they can be the biggest blessings.. twelve-year-old Nathaniel and his two sisters. Cid and Queenie are basically living at poverty level with their single mother, who makes little pay. The three kids discover an ad for a free pony. since their mother would disapprove, the kids walk to get this pony. Nat knows things are hard for his mom; his dad walked out on them four years ago. But having a pony would help Nat and Cid stop fighting and Queenie has wanted a pony for the longest time. When Nat’ s mother finds out she lets them keep it as long as they take good care of it and can afford it(Nat does the neighborhood paper route and makes just enough for food and board.), life is still not easy at school or home, but at the end of each day, Nat knows his pony is waiting from him. One day the kids walk to the barn only to find it has burnt down, luckily all of the animals are okay, but now the kids have nowhere to keep smokey, so they have no choice but to sell him. When the day comes to sell him nat couldn't handle watching his sisters cry so he runs away with the pony. He realized that this pony has brought the family closer together and made them happy, something they haven't been since their dad left them. I chose to read the book No Small Thing because it’s realistic fiction and was revolved around a pony and i have read multiple other horse stories, I tend to read ‘horse books’ because I was brought up around horses and they usually have a relatable story line for me. This was probably my favorite horse book though, because the story was very heartwarming and sometimes almost tear jerking, because of the things these kids go through to keep the pony.
September 24, 2008
I found this in the YA section of my local library on one of those rare occasions when I felt able to browse (as opposed to feeling like I'm drowning in my to-read list). Of course I was attracted by the horse on the cover... I am susceptible to these things.
Overall it was a nice story, about a boy and his sisters and single mom who are poor but luck into getting a free pony. At times I felt annoyed at how the kids treated their mom, like it was her fault they were poor. At other times I was annoyed that they still seemed to get everything they want because people are really charitable. I wanted the pony to be more of the story, but mostly it was about the family trying to make it.
Overall it was a nice story, about a boy and his sisters and single mom who are poor but luck into getting a free pony. At times I felt annoyed at how the kids treated their mom, like it was her fault they were poor. At other times I was annoyed that they still seemed to get everything they want because people are really charitable. I wanted the pony to be more of the story, but mostly it was about the family trying to make it.
October 23, 2014
At first, I only choose the book No Small Thing by: Natale Ghent just to complete my goal of reading. The second I laid my eyes on the story, I was enhanced by the book. No. Being amazed can only go so far. I was awestruck, and enchanted by the addictive, and beautifully written story line. I could never bring myself to look away from the depressing, yet romantic story that seemed to be written just for me. It changed my perspective on life I live, by showing me and alternative point of view. I would recommend this book to all people who love to read a good romance or horse book because the way the author twined her wording just so. Rapping this up, If this book had a sequel, so far I know of none, I would just have to read it!
January 2, 2014
Sweet wish-fulfillment story about three children trying to care for a pony (an incredibly gentle and loving pony they happened to get for free because he was green and uncut), despite their single mother's shoestring budget, largely by using the boy's paper route income and circumstances that allow them cheap food and board. Set in Canada in the 1970s.
September 17, 2013
I adored this novel. A wonderful horse novel for anyone dealing with a tough time in life. Accurate, heartwarming and exciting, No Small Thing is down in my books (pun intended) as one of the best horsey novels of all time. Would definitely recommend to a teenage audience.
May 17, 2019
Was really interesting to read a favourite book from high school over 10 years later! Still loved it and still made me cry.
May 10, 2018
My book is called “No Small Thing” by Natale Ghent. The lexile level of this book is 780. My book is about a family who has little money. The main character, Nathaniel, has two sisters and they all live with their mom. In the beginning of the book, Nat and his siblings see in the newspaper, that there is a horse for sale. They get the horse without telling their mom and find a barn that they can rent it in. They go visit Smokey, the horse, everyday and feed him. One day they went to the barn and see that a beam has fell of one of the other horses head. They got scared that that would happen to Smokey, but it didn’t. Then, there was a fire in the barn but someone has saved Smokey and all the other horses from the fire. Towards the end of the book, their mom tells them that they have to sell the house because it is too expensive. Then they have a whole plan on selling Smokey, but they didn’t end up having to because of the money from the house.
I think the theme of this book is to be grateful for what you have. In the book, the family faces many challenges, one including getting their electricity shut off. “‘The electric company. They turned off the power because I’m late paying the bill. I told them Friday at the latest, but they wouldn’t listen’” (pg, 121). Also, it says “There isn’t enough food on the table half the time. Not that Ma isn’t trying. She has a job as a legal secretary at this dingy office next to Woolworth’s” (pg. 15). Nat says, that there isn’t enough food on the table half the time. His mom works, like everyone else and is trying to produce enough for the family. In the end of the book, they almost have to sell the house and move to an apartment because they can’t afford it anymore. I feel bad for the mom because, she is a single parent and has three kids to pay for food, clothes, etc. These are just some reasons of why I think the theme is to be grateful for what you have.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horses or if you’re just looking for a book to read. I don’t hate horses, but I don’t obsess over them either. This was a great book that I think many people would very much enjoy.
I think the theme of this book is to be grateful for what you have. In the book, the family faces many challenges, one including getting their electricity shut off. “‘The electric company. They turned off the power because I’m late paying the bill. I told them Friday at the latest, but they wouldn’t listen’” (pg, 121). Also, it says “There isn’t enough food on the table half the time. Not that Ma isn’t trying. She has a job as a legal secretary at this dingy office next to Woolworth’s” (pg. 15). Nat says, that there isn’t enough food on the table half the time. His mom works, like everyone else and is trying to produce enough for the family. In the end of the book, they almost have to sell the house and move to an apartment because they can’t afford it anymore. I feel bad for the mom because, she is a single parent and has three kids to pay for food, clothes, etc. These are just some reasons of why I think the theme is to be grateful for what you have.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horses or if you’re just looking for a book to read. I don’t hate horses, but I don’t obsess over them either. This was a great book that I think many people would very much enjoy.
August 27, 2021
Yes, as the read date says, I read this book through in one day.
Not necessarily because the book itself was that good, but because I had the time. It's been way too long since I held a physical book in my hand. Ebooks are handy but they'll never quite cut it for me.
Thus, I had a hankering desire to just lay on my bed and read a real book. And so that's what I did. (Please not I'm a fast reader as well.)
Overall, it's a good tale of a boy doing his best to live in a world not of his choosing, with the help of a pony named Smokey. The relationships with his sibling are well portrayed and relatable.
I was surprised at the (small) amount of cussing, and think the book could have been better without it.
The ending felt a bit rushed to me. But other than that it flowed smoothly. And it was realistic, I believe, for the times portrayed.
Not necessarily because the book itself was that good, but because I had the time. It's been way too long since I held a physical book in my hand. Ebooks are handy but they'll never quite cut it for me.
Thus, I had a hankering desire to just lay on my bed and read a real book. And so that's what I did. (Please not I'm a fast reader as well.)
Overall, it's a good tale of a boy doing his best to live in a world not of his choosing, with the help of a pony named Smokey. The relationships with his sibling are well portrayed and relatable.
I was surprised at the (small) amount of cussing, and think the book could have been better without it.
The ending felt a bit rushed to me. But other than that it flowed smoothly. And it was realistic, I believe, for the times portrayed.
November 30, 2020
It is the pony that is “no small thing,” but rather a microcosmic symbol for a rite of passage and even the macrocosmic movement of the universe. “No Small Thing” is an understatement for, to use Mircea Eliade’s term, the “cosmologization” of the actions of earthly creatures in reflecting the actions of a more ultimate reality. I suppose this simple story of a family’s emotional development and transition through tragedies came to mean more to me than I had expected! The last page brought a gravitas to the narrative that I had not anticipated.
January 12, 2021
This book has complex characters, deep feelings and issues to dive into, and is a well written book. I'm a horse enthusiast and enjoyed slightly realistic expectations (I've yet to find a realistic book with accurate horsemanship that is fiction) of the equine side of this book for the timeframe it is set in. However, this is not a middle grade read as expected. It reads like an adult book in content that a middle grade reader might not be suited or interested reading. I'd put it in adult fiction with a middle grade aged protagonist category.
October 15, 2017
I recently have been rereading a lot of books I read when I was a kid. I am sure this came into my life at the peak of my obsession with horses, as they were one of my favourite animals growing up.
I really liked how the author stuck to a more realistic ending instead of a dreamlike happily ever after. And although the characters didn't get exactly what they wanted they were content with a compromise.
I really liked how the author stuck to a more realistic ending instead of a dreamlike happily ever after. And although the characters didn't get exactly what they wanted they were content with a compromise.
February 9, 2019
This book is wonderful! It is very real and raw but gives an amazing perspective from a kid struggling to deal with everything that has gone wrong in his world and his sisters’ world. It makes you look at how a family struggles to make it in a world that poverty is the normal and paying bills and keeping the electricity on are real issues. Definitely worth the read!
March 30, 2020
I liked this book it was a really cute book I thought it was going to be a scary book because of the cover to me the cover looked a little scetchy but it is not it is a really cute book. It is this little family that is pretty tight on money and they really don't really have a lot do to the money do to the money situation. They barley have enough money to pay for there electricity. And there is this deal on this pony and the kids really want it.....Well Christmas is comeing around the corner! This is a cute book it makes you really grateful for what you have. It is also cute to see how cute and loveing this family is to each other!
December 23, 2024
For me, this is one of those random books that you find at the library expecting a non-impactful, quick, easy read. Although, for some reason, you can't put it down, and after you finish it, its message is buzzing through your head for days, and it's the only thing you can think about. I loved this cute little book, and I'm not exactly sure why. ❤️ 🐎 📘
July 15, 2018
I read the whole thing, but it just got grueling. So I told my granddaughters not to bother reading it, that it was boring, but then I started telling them about it and by the end, I encouraged them to read it. So boring but worthwhile.
September 26, 2017
This book is AMAZING! It is full of everything you want in a book, hardship, sadness, happiness and horses. I would recommend this to every horse lover out there.
January 4, 2018
Super good book because it is about a horse
January 23, 2018
Sweet story. Was cosy to read.
November 26, 2019
loved it so much emotion
July 5, 2022
My absolute favourite book ever! I’ve read this book over 20 times!
March 1, 2023
4.5 star
September 16, 2023
i have not read this since i was 10yrs old but i know it is a 5 star it was then and always will be to me 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
September 21, 2024
Very sweet and tender. I am not usually a horse book person, but this one was very good.
August 31, 2021
prob the first book that made me cry as a kid
October 3, 2016
the book no small thing is instresting. i havent finished it but so far it is amazing. i like how the girls walked far to get a horse that they wanted because they had one when there dad was around. when the girls fight and talk it out that really inspires me to do the same.
April 15, 2024
This book I read as a young teen and it's stuck with me throughout my years. It's such a lovely story and for some reason I just can never forget it.
December 20, 2016
I am reviewing the book "No small things" by Natale Ghent. The book lexile level is around 780 it is rated for kids in ten to fourteen. I rated this book five stars because it really spoke to me in a way other books don't. The book is written in first person, Nathaniel and his two sisters. They find a ad in the paper for a horse and the rest is a whirlwind of events.
This book is written the way Nathaniel and his sisters see it. So you always know how and what they are thinking. The book has many lines that stuck out to me but the one that I thought was the best was " Oh great now I'm hopeful."(p.7) I liked this because I reminded me of myself and if I saw the same thing in the paper I would have the same reaction as they did. I have a horse also so I understand how much work it can be,they do all they can to keep there furry friend and I would do the same.Nathaniel and his two sisters stick together through it all and I enjoy how once in awhile there true personality's come out,I know that you will to.There are things in the book that made me sad because,when I read a book I think like this is a situation that I'm in also. The book takes place mostly over Christmas,It teaches people that family is the most wonderful gift you could ever receive.I would recommended for kids that are the ages of eleven to twelve,because this book can teach anyone the life lesson that everything in life happens for a reason,sometimes we're handed lemons but sometimes we get handed rotten ones and in this book they get both and some how they push through. Also this book is really funny and upbeat,just by the way the siblings bicker and snap at one another. Some people may not enjoy this book at all because their are some sad parts,but with those sad parts the happy parts are just around the corner.I enjoyed this book very much and I hope you do too.
This book is written the way Nathaniel and his sisters see it. So you always know how and what they are thinking. The book has many lines that stuck out to me but the one that I thought was the best was " Oh great now I'm hopeful."(p.7) I liked this because I reminded me of myself and if I saw the same thing in the paper I would have the same reaction as they did. I have a horse also so I understand how much work it can be,they do all they can to keep there furry friend and I would do the same.Nathaniel and his two sisters stick together through it all and I enjoy how once in awhile there true personality's come out,I know that you will to.There are things in the book that made me sad because,when I read a book I think like this is a situation that I'm in also. The book takes place mostly over Christmas,It teaches people that family is the most wonderful gift you could ever receive.I would recommended for kids that are the ages of eleven to twelve,because this book can teach anyone the life lesson that everything in life happens for a reason,sometimes we're handed lemons but sometimes we get handed rotten ones and in this book they get both and some how they push through. Also this book is really funny and upbeat,just by the way the siblings bicker and snap at one another. Some people may not enjoy this book at all because their are some sad parts,but with those sad parts the happy parts are just around the corner.I enjoyed this book very much and I hope you do too.
December 12, 2012
I recently finished reading this book by Natale Ghent. It was an amazing book because the story really catches you and makes you imagine that you are in it yourself; I couldn't put it down! The story was obviously made to appeal to readers with a strong love for animals and that is the only thing I found wrong with it. If you don't love animals, then you most likely won't like to read this book. I would however recommend it to many of my friends because we all have the same amount of interest in animals.
This book can easily be related to many lives including mine. Just like in the story, when I was a young girl I wanted a horse very badly and eventually my hard work paid off, I got one. The horse taught me responsibility as it did to Queenie and Nathaniel in this book. The story was very well written with many literary elements. The elements make the boook easier to understand and more interesting to read.
Nathaniel is the main character and is a very rounded one. He was expressed as a boy with a strong determination and the will to never give up. He changed all throughout the story and would often surprise the reader with actions that he took. Irony is also a common element in the story. One instance of verbal irony was when people that boarded their horses in an old barn would say, "This old barn has been standing for a hundred years and it will stand for a hundred more", but soon after, a beam in the barn fell over and killed a horse while it was in his stall. These elements were weaved in without the book getting a bad flow. This creativity from the author came together to form a well written book that is easy to understand for a variety of readers, young and old.
This book can easily be related to many lives including mine. Just like in the story, when I was a young girl I wanted a horse very badly and eventually my hard work paid off, I got one. The horse taught me responsibility as it did to Queenie and Nathaniel in this book. The story was very well written with many literary elements. The elements make the boook easier to understand and more interesting to read.
Nathaniel is the main character and is a very rounded one. He was expressed as a boy with a strong determination and the will to never give up. He changed all throughout the story and would often surprise the reader with actions that he took. Irony is also a common element in the story. One instance of verbal irony was when people that boarded their horses in an old barn would say, "This old barn has been standing for a hundred years and it will stand for a hundred more", but soon after, a beam in the barn fell over and killed a horse while it was in his stall. These elements were weaved in without the book getting a bad flow. This creativity from the author came together to form a well written book that is easy to understand for a variety of readers, young and old.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews