Is It Larger? Is It Smaller?: A Visual Picture Book About Size and Relativity for Kids

by Tana Hoban

Tana Hoban introduces the youngest viewer to the idea of size relativity. "Hoban demonstrates once again her mastery of elements of composition, such as color, texture, and balance."--Horn Book.

Genres: Mathematics, Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Kelsie Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book a choose as a concept book because it helps teach the concept of what things are larger or smaller than other items. This book was not very attractive to me. The jacket and cover pictures are the same, and the end pages are a mustard colored yellow. Although it is not very eye appealing, I think it does a good job at aiding a teacher that may be teaching the concept of size. This book is wordless, and shows different pictures on every page. Each picture shows items that are small and large in size. One of my favorite pictures of the book included several things that were different in size, which I though would be fun to have the children point out. The picture included a small and large teddy bear, pillow, and books spread out on the floor while a child is reading.

[Libby]

Is It Larger? Is It Smaller? is a wordless concept book that is rich with opportunity in encouraging the development of a 2-3 year old child’s vocabulary and narrative skills. As a shared reading experience, the caregiver will talk with the child explaining and helping to identify the concept of large and small. The child will in turn have multiple opportunities to practice talking. Understanding of these concepts can then be carried outside the text to real life situations. Further, the concepts existing outside this book can be related to the photos, with objects being pointed out, labeled and grouped according to the label of “large” and “small”.

[Tiauna Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nonfiction book as well as a concept book. This book does not have any awards. This book is about comparing and noticing the difference between bigger objects as well as smaller objects. I gave this book because even though it does not have any words what so ever but I think it’s a great piece to start discussions with. You can ask a child which one they think is bigger and which one is smaller. It promotes the child to get involved with the book instead of just watching the teacher talk about the child and tell them about the pictures. The children get to add their input on the pictures.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great book of photographs about scenes and objects that are large and small. lets the reader infer.

[Monique Mcdonald]

Great math book for size relationship to others

[Olson Family Matters · Rating 1 out of 5]

Like the concept, but I guess I prefer actual objects to photographs for teaching larger vs. smaller

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

slightly outdated pictures. no words. can discuss each picture about which items are similar and yet smaller or larger.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. My 3 year old liked to compare the objects in the pictures as larger and smaller. There are no words so I asked "which is larger. Which is smaller"
I am looking forward to using this book in the future.

[T. Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have Mr Rogers' Neighborhood in the background, and this was the featured book. Yay for the blind child worried about his fish because he provides audio descriptions, so I was able to follow along while doing chores.

Ep: Mister Rogers Rides in a Helicopter.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoban books are classics - I love the (now) vintage feel of the photos.