Tiny Troubles: Nelli’s Purpose

by Sophie Diao

Two small plants who have big troubles and even bigger questions will charm readers in this laugh-out-loud debut picture book by the New York Times bestselling illustrator of I Am Golden , Sophie Diao. Perfect for fans of Goodnight Already!  by Jory John and  The Creature of Habit  by Jennifer E. Smith. Meet best friends Nelli and Worthi. Like all tiny succulents, Nelli and Worthi have VERY busy schedules—napping in the sun, sipping on water drops, and filling the days doing nothing. But one morning, Nelli Is there more? Have you ever heard of a  purpose ? Hmm . . . Is it a baked potato? That doesn’t sound right. So what is it? Join two curious best friends as they embark on the ultimate adventure to answer big philosophical What is purpose, and where can one find it?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published April 9, 2024

Reviews

[Janelle Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t help but to smile and chuckle throughout this book. Sophie handles the big and philosophical topic of purpose with childlike wonder and humor. The colorful and whimsical illustrations draw you into the story. I really love that the main characters don’t discover a finite answer by the end me of the story. This book begs to be series. I would love to read other books with the main characters.

[Emily Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay the only reason this book is four stars instead of three stars is because the subject matter was so cute that the kids stayed interested. I think this book is not really designed to be read aloud. I am starting to loathe comic style dialogue unless it is done with a lot of intention. I think that the character of Nelli was not distinct enough for me to be able to give her a unique voice. Although the character of worthi was easy to make a voice for. Also the humor was just tad too adult. I had to improv a lot of things to make it humorous for the kids. I think if the age of the book was more geared to a middle school audience it would have gone over a lot better. The book was all over the place and while very cute, it was not easily discernable for the k-2nd grade audience. I think it could have used some very strong editing and testing before release.

[Lenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nelli and her best friend, Worthi, are on an exhilarating quest to discover their true purpose within the vibrant pages of a captivating picture book. I am sure everyone--if not often, once in a while--questions the purpose of our existence like Nelli. This book not only makes me giggle seeing Worthi's innocent and hilarious acts, but also gives me comfort by telling me sometimes life is not necessarily need purpose. Life could be simply a beautiful walk with a good friend or a delicious baked potato.

[Megan Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiny Troubles just might be my new favorite picture book. These characters and so lovable, hilariously clueless, and adorably funny, that I'm craving 10 more books about them already. If you don't fall in love with these sweet succulents and their quirky quest to find a purpose, then I don't think we can be friends. I'm on team Nelli and Worthi forever. Cannot recommend this book enough.

[Natasha Tripplett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this story takes a big concept- like finding one’s purpose- and makes it tangible. Without ever giving one definition of the term, Diao masterfully shows the reader what it means to walk in their purpose. I loved the illustrations. They were colorful and vibrant. I wish I could visit the lush world Diao created. I highly recommend this book.

[Bo Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book with a big question, but without the intellectualization. Diao’s debut Tiny Troubles: Nelli's Purpose, is as light and charming as the characters themselves! It has a zen-like quality that makes you want to get comfortable and settle down for a while. I can’t to hear what kind of conversations that my girls and I will have about this book!

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow....this was really cute and took one of the world's greatest questions and made it digestible for younger readers. This is my first book by Sophie Diao, but it won't be my last. With fun, warm, and fuzzy illustrations, this is one to share we younger and older readers as we're all trying to find our purpose some way or another.

[Holly Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worthi and Nelli are friends and succulents out enjoying life and staying hydrated. Nelli is trying to find her purpose (aren't we all?). Worthi wants to know what a purpose is anyway. What I like most about the book is that she doesn't find her purpose, but she is on the path. This book would work well for everyone. The illustrations are bright and attention grabbing. Really well done.

[Rachel Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diao's illustrations feel so magical and immediately immerse you in this wonderful, philosophical world. These characters have an over the garden wall quality -- especially the sincerity of Greg. Such hilarious moments with so much heart -- I totally fell in love with them. Love this book!

[Dre Loves Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nelli and Worthi are in search of their purpose in this playful tale. Sophie deftly mixes humor and big questions in a delightfully sweet way. And the illustrations are just as warm and fuzzy as the characters.

[Jess Hannigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiny Troubles is a world that I want to spend ssooo much time in. It's so whimsy, so comforting, and Nell's journey is something I totally relate to. I think kids are going to adore this book and will come back to it again and again! A hugely comfy read.

[Benson Shum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiny Troubles Nelli’s Purpose by Sophie Diao is a wonderful book about friendship. Nelli and Worthi go an adventure to look for Nelli’s purpose. They run into a magical frog, a stink bug and other critters along the way. A great story about wonder and friendship!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of philosophical, this book was not really for me. But I did love the illustrations, and could put up with the sticky-sweet plot in exchange for colorful flowers filling every page.

[Nell Cross Beckerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

TINY TROUBLES: NELLI'S PURPOSE ponders the big questions we all have, and reminds us of the everyday wonders that make life worth living. Like baked potatoes.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two succulent friends ponder existential questions.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and clever little story about two friends who try and tackle one of life's biggest questions as they go about their day exploring and helping others in need.