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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
40 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It's not easy to step beyond self-made boundaries and discover the world outside, and these pages show the magic of doing just that.
Mole is shy and keeps to himself, careful with everything he does. When he happens to pass by something very small, he can't help but take it back with him to his burrow. He dresses it up and creates a tiny friend. Before he knows it, he talks to the friend more and more often, and even begins dancing. He would have never trusted himself to do anything like that before, but the little friend offers silent encouragement. Finally, Mole even takes the little thing outside with him and continues to talk to it, building things and more...and this might lead to something he never would have guessed possible.
Mole is easy to like from the very first page. Although shy, it's clear he has a very gentle demeanor and kind heart. It's hard not to smile as he gives the tiny thing a bit of personality...something I could see listeners wanting to imitate to make their own Tiny Thing. Mole's ability to express himself grows from page to page, adding fun and a touch of humor along the way. It's heartwarming to watch. The end carries a lovely message to round everything off.
The illustrations draw in and bring across the scenes with wholesome goodness. Listeners will have no problem picking this up on their own to follow Mole's little adventure...and that of Tiny Thing. The text flows smoothly and works great for a read-aloud. It holds a steady pace despite the gentle plot and is sure to keep readers engaged, especially since the Tiny Thing holds a bit of a secret as well. This aspect only pops up in the illustrations and invites listeners to carefully watch what happens to Tiny Thing over time.
It's an adorable, calming read with tons of warmth.
Mole is shy and keeps to himself, careful with everything he does. When he happens to pass by something very small, he can't help but take it back with him to his burrow. He dresses it up and creates a tiny friend. Before he knows it, he talks to the friend more and more often, and even begins dancing. He would have never trusted himself to do anything like that before, but the little friend offers silent encouragement. Finally, Mole even takes the little thing outside with him and continues to talk to it, building things and more...and this might lead to something he never would have guessed possible.
Mole is easy to like from the very first page. Although shy, it's clear he has a very gentle demeanor and kind heart. It's hard not to smile as he gives the tiny thing a bit of personality...something I could see listeners wanting to imitate to make their own Tiny Thing. Mole's ability to express himself grows from page to page, adding fun and a touch of humor along the way. It's heartwarming to watch. The end carries a lovely message to round everything off.
The illustrations draw in and bring across the scenes with wholesome goodness. Listeners will have no problem picking this up on their own to follow Mole's little adventure...and that of Tiny Thing. The text flows smoothly and works great for a read-aloud. It holds a steady pace despite the gentle plot and is sure to keep readers engaged, especially since the Tiny Thing holds a bit of a secret as well. This aspect only pops up in the illustrations and invites listeners to carefully watch what happens to Tiny Thing over time.
It's an adorable, calming read with tons of warmth.
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 Publisher
The Tiny Thing by Ellen Tarlow is a picture book about a mole finding his voice and self-confidence.
Mole is shy and spends a lot of time by himself. However, on one of his walks, he discovers a tiny thing and brings it home. He makes the tiny thing comfortable and treats it like a beloved guest. Mole is used to not having many friends, so the tiny thing becomes his imaginary friend, whom Mole includes in his games and adventures. Soon, Mole is able to find his voice and make new friends.
The book is a cute and fun read. It teaches little ones about self-confidence, friendship, imagination, and being brave, while also showing how a little bit of encouragement can help. The illustrations have a soft, cozy vibe that, paired with the heartwarming message, creates a warm, nurturing reading experience. I think the book would be perfect for a fall reading session with little ones.
Mole is shy and spends a lot of time by himself. However, on one of his walks, he discovers a tiny thing and brings it home. He makes the tiny thing comfortable and treats it like a beloved guest. Mole is used to not having many friends, so the tiny thing becomes his imaginary friend, whom Mole includes in his games and adventures. Soon, Mole is able to find his voice and make new friends.
The book is a cute and fun read. It teaches little ones about self-confidence, friendship, imagination, and being brave, while also showing how a little bit of encouragement can help. The illustrations have a soft, cozy vibe that, paired with the heartwarming message, creates a warm, nurturing reading experience. I think the book would be perfect for a fall reading session with little ones.
September 2, 2026
5✨
This follows a little mole who discovers a tiny thing and decides to make it his friend. 🥹🤎
This story was SO cute and had such a beautiful message about confidence, friendship, and finding the courage to put yourself out there. Sofi loved this one, and I may or may not have shed a little tear too. 🥲
I think Mole is such a relatable little character. There’s a bit of him in all of us, especially in those moments when we’re feeling unsure of ourselves or just hoping to find where we belong.
The illustrations were also absolutely adorable and made the story even sweeter. This was such a special little read and definitely one we’ll be coming back to!
This follows a little mole who discovers a tiny thing and decides to make it his friend. 🥹🤎
This story was SO cute and had such a beautiful message about confidence, friendship, and finding the courage to put yourself out there. Sofi loved this one, and I may or may not have shed a little tear too. 🥲
I think Mole is such a relatable little character. There’s a bit of him in all of us, especially in those moments when we’re feeling unsure of ourselves or just hoping to find where we belong.
The illustrations were also absolutely adorable and made the story even sweeter. This was such a special little read and definitely one we’ll be coming back to!
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
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
Hooray for the power and beauty and quiet strength of tiny things! This book was so sweet and heartwarming; my kids and I loved watching Mole find his self confidence. The artwork was beautiful as well!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
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.
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.
Currently Reading
September 18, 20264 stars
9-17
Review to come.
9-17
Review to come.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for the gifted copy.
This is a sweet, quick read about finding confidence and exploring your creativity. The book’s main character is a mole, so we see his natural characteristics of enjoying solitude and a quiet life. But even introverts crave socialization. And the mole finds his own comfortable way of communicating with others. I like the message that even tiny steps on your own can encourage you to express yourself openly, in this case it is Mole’s art pieces to attract conversation. Overall, the book has a very calming effect. This would be a great story to read at bedtime or during calming transitions.
This is a sweet, quick read about finding confidence and exploring your creativity. The book’s main character is a mole, so we see his natural characteristics of enjoying solitude and a quiet life. But even introverts crave socialization. And the mole finds his own comfortable way of communicating with others. I like the message that even tiny steps on your own can encourage you to express yourself openly, in this case it is Mole’s art pieces to attract conversation. Overall, the book has a very calming effect. This would be a great story to read at bedtime or during calming transitions.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews