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The Tiny Thing
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26A mole stumbles upon a tiny thing and finds his life forever changed by the power of imagination and finding self-confidence in this tender and enchanting picture book.
When shy Mole is out walking one day, he sees a tiny thing. He brings it to his burrow and immediately sets out to make it feel at home. Mole, who had never been noticed by the squirrels or included by the birds, finds an imaginary friend in the tiny thing. Soon, he feels brave enough to share songs, secrets, and stories—and even bring the tiny thing out into the world!
Sometimes, even the tiniest of encouragement is all that’s needed to branch out and make new friends.
When shy Mole is out walking one day, he sees a tiny thing. He brings it to his burrow and immediately sets out to make it feel at home. Mole, who had never been noticed by the squirrels or included by the birds, finds an imaginary friend in the tiny thing. Soon, he feels brave enough to share songs, secrets, and stories—and even bring the tiny thing out into the world!
Sometimes, even the tiniest of encouragement is all that’s needed to branch out and make new friends.
- GenresPicture Books
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.
The Tiny Thing is a gentle story about imagination, courage, and the unexpected ways a single brave decision can change your life. While the marketing highlights self-confidence and imagination, I found the message about bravery to be the heart of the story. Watching Mole choose curiosity over fear reminded me that sometimes one small step outside our comfort zone can lead to friendships, adventures, and opportunities we never imagined.
The writing is accessible and flows naturally without relying on rhyming or gimmicks. It is a slightly longer picture book, but the story moves at a comfortable pace and allows readers to become invested in Mole’s journey. It feels like a story meant to be experienced rather than rushed through.
The illustrations are absolutely stunning and were the highlight of the book for me. They carry so much of the emotion and wonder that words alone couldn’t capture. Together, the artwork and story create a warm, thoughtful reading experience that encourages children to believe in themselves, embrace their imagination, and be brave enough to take that first step.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
Who Should Read This?
* Families with young children
* Elementary classrooms
* School and public libraries
* Anyone looking for a gentle story about courage, confidence, and imagination
The Tiny Thing is a gentle story about imagination, courage, and the unexpected ways a single brave decision can change your life. While the marketing highlights self-confidence and imagination, I found the message about bravery to be the heart of the story. Watching Mole choose curiosity over fear reminded me that sometimes one small step outside our comfort zone can lead to friendships, adventures, and opportunities we never imagined.
The writing is accessible and flows naturally without relying on rhyming or gimmicks. It is a slightly longer picture book, but the story moves at a comfortable pace and allows readers to become invested in Mole’s journey. It feels like a story meant to be experienced rather than rushed through.
The illustrations are absolutely stunning and were the highlight of the book for me. They carry so much of the emotion and wonder that words alone couldn’t capture. Together, the artwork and story create a warm, thoughtful reading experience that encourages children to believe in themselves, embrace their imagination, and be brave enough to take that first step.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
Who Should Read This?
* Families with young children
* Elementary classrooms
* School and public libraries
* Anyone looking for a gentle story about courage, confidence, and imagination
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"The Tiny Thing" is a gentle, cozy story with a beautiful message about friendship, courage, and believing in yourself. The illustrations are enchanting, creating a warm, inviting world that perfectly complements Mole's quiet personality.
I especially loved the imagery of the tiny thing being a dandelion seed. It felt like the perfect symbol for hope and wishes coming true. Although Mole believes his tiny friend is giving him the confidence to step outside his comfort zone, the story reminds us that the power to make his dreams come true was within him all along. Sometimes, all it takes is a little encouragement to help us discover the confidence we already have.
The artwork is engaging, the story is charming, and the overall reading experience feels wonderfully warm and comforting. This is a lovely picture book about finding your voice, making new friends, and discovering that even the smallest things can inspire meaningful change.
Thanks so much for the ARC.
I especially loved the imagery of the tiny thing being a dandelion seed. It felt like the perfect symbol for hope and wishes coming true. Although Mole believes his tiny friend is giving him the confidence to step outside his comfort zone, the story reminds us that the power to make his dreams come true was within him all along. Sometimes, all it takes is a little encouragement to help us discover the confidence we already have.
The artwork is engaging, the story is charming, and the overall reading experience feels wonderfully warm and comforting. This is a lovely picture book about finding your voice, making new friends, and discovering that even the smallest things can inspire meaningful change.
Thanks so much for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Tiny Thing is a charming story about a mole who discovers a tiny friend, sparking newfound confidence and imagination. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and found myself eager to see how it would unfold. The illustrations are beautiful, whimsical, and full of delightful details—I found myself wanting to linger on each page and study every picture. The message is both heartwarming and engaging. I especially appreciate children's books that are just as enjoyable for adults to read as they are for children, and this one certainly fits that description.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an adorable story! I could see myself reading this book to younger students. I really enjoyed the art and the cute story about the mole and his tiny friend.
Children that are neurodivergent may see themselves in the mole. Loud noises scare the mole, but the tiny thing gave him the courage to go outside and create.
I can see a great class discussion as a result of reading this book during circle time.
Thank you for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. I can’t wait to read it to my class!
Children that are neurodivergent may see themselves in the mole. Loud noises scare the mole, but the tiny thing gave him the courage to go outside and create.
I can see a great class discussion as a result of reading this book during circle time.
Thank you for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. I can’t wait to read it to my class!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Tiny Thing is a sweet, comforting picture book with a big heart. My kids loved Mole and were completely drawn into his little adventure. His journey from feeling invisible to finding confidence is touching without feeling forced. The story is simple, the illustrations are charming, and the message about friendship, imagination, and believing in yourself comes through naturally. A lovely read that my kids asked to read again.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A sweet picture book about a mole who finds a dandelion seed (the tiny thing) and takes it home where he ends up talking to it, and showing it his daily life. Through this he learns to be more himself and how to be a friend, which ultimately results in him making friends with other animals out in the world.
--from 📚On Reading In May 2026 (Best of)
--from 📚On Reading In May 2026 (Best of)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*A special thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.*
The Tiny Thing is a sweet, cozy story about how one tiny thing can change your life. Mole's quiet bravery, courage, and creativity draw you in and keep you engaged throughout the story. The story itself is easy to follow, and the illustrations are beautful and whimsical. Overall, I really enjoyed it and I'm excited to share it with my niece and nephews.
The Tiny Thing is a sweet, cozy story about how one tiny thing can change your life. Mole's quiet bravery, courage, and creativity draw you in and keep you engaged throughout the story. The story itself is easy to follow, and the illustrations are beautful and whimsical. Overall, I really enjoyed it and I'm excited to share it with my niece and nephews.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The titular tiny thing in Ellen Tarlow’s The Tiny Thing isn’t our protagonist Mole, although he isn’t very big himself; the tiny thing is very, very tiny. Readers flip the pages trying to figure just what the tiny thing actually is, yes, but it’s also fun to see shy Mole, beautifully illustrated by Lauren Stringer, blossom, thanks to his new sidekick. I adored this picture book!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and Beach Lane Books in exchange for an honest review.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and Beach Lane Books in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advance copy from NetGalley for my honest review.
This book was so precious! I love the artwork. And the story was so sweet. My daughter lived the tiny thing. Mole was my favorite.
This book was so precious! I love the artwork. And the story was so sweet. My daughter lived the tiny thing. Mole was my favorite.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews