Ten Tiny Things

by Meg McKinlay, Kyle Hughes-Odgers (Illustrations)

Tessa and Zachary have a machine that is swift and splendiferous. Every day, it carries them from here to there and back again in cool, calm comfort. But one morning, the machine breaks down. Tessa and Zachary are forced to venture into the world beyond its metal walls—a place filled with secrets and hidden happenings.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

36 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Meg McKinlay is a children's writer and poet living in Fremantle, Western Australia.

She has published twenty-five books for young people, ranging from picture books through to young adult novels, and a collection of poetry for adults. Her work has won awards including the Prime Minister's Literary Award, the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award, and the WA Premier's Book Award, among others.

A former academic, swimming teacher, Japanese interpreter and tour guide, Meg has accidentally lived her life in accordance with the song lyrics, "If you see a strange door to your left/then drop your things and run for it"*, which is how she found herself wrangling words for a living. Meg has no plans to drop writing, though, and is always cooking up more books.

* From 'Wildflowers', by Things of Stone and Wood

Reviews

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book that makes kids question the value of 'looking up' and being in the world around them - rather than being isolated by technology.

[Christine Meunier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good message for kids. My 5 year old quite enjoyed it. Unique illustrations!

[Shannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think my two year old would appreciate this book as much as he did. I think the tiny things were very relatable to his world full of small precious fascinations.

[Jbaccon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a needed message about slowing down enough to appreciate the little things around us. After all, are not the little things what life is truly about? Is this mindfulness? It's good to be reminded we are part of the world ... not apart from it. Interesting illustrations ... beetle-like, insect-like ... a comment on human-kind as a social organism perhaps?

[Tara Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a sweet book, about going out and experiencing the world while walking to school. Rather then just sitting in a machine (car) and watching the world fly by.
I thought the illustrations were great too.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The unique illustrations in this book are adorable! A sweet book with a wonderful reminder to slow down the pace of life so you don't miss all the beautiful things that might just be whizzing past you.