The Tiniest Tumbleweed

by Kathy Peach

Everyone feels small or inadequate at some point in their lives. The Tiniest Tumbleweed is a story written to help children learn more about what they can do to become their best selves, despite whatever may be making them feel small or limited. The characters are two Sonoran Desert neighbors, a tiny tumbleweed and a baby house sparrow, who are both small for their age. Guided by the loving encouragement of their parents, they learn to work within their physical limitations to grow to be the best they can be, rather than measure themselves against others. As a result, they also learn how they can help one another, providing a lesson about the synergy between living things and the boundless opportunities those relationships provide. The proven psychological concepts for building self-efficacy combined with a children’s literature writing method that helps young readers believe in limitless opportunities are what make The Tiniest Tumbleweed unique. The connection between the characters in the book, a tiny tumbleweed and a sparrow, provides a fascinating look into the real-life desert relationship between tumbleweeds and birds. Following the story, a well-researched curriculum guide captivates young readers, helping them develop a deeper respect for nature. (Kathy Peach)

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

36 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2016

Reviews

[DivaDiane SM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational

I don’t remember what prompted me to acquire this book or why I didn’t read it right away.

It’s truly lovely. Two different creatures’ achievements in the face of adversity PLUS how their existences are symbiotic and perfectly matched to help one another. A perfect metaphor for helping one another to reach one’s potential.

The illustrations are very sweet. I especially love the anthropomorphized tumbleweed. Very cute and expressive.

[Kelly Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Very good book for kids to read. I know he will read it again and again. Artwork is very beautiful.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathy Peach has penned an absolutely adorable children’s book portraying a message of how to become the best one can be. The main characters, unlike most main characters, are non-human. One is a tiny tumbleweed and the other a baby house sparrow. They are bounded together by a common trait—their small stature—that could be seen in a negative light. Despite this they bond together because they have learned to accept and live with their physical limitation. They got to this point because they were encouraged and supported by their parents. They learned to focus on doing and being their best.
Written for young children, 4-9 year olds, this delightful tale helps them to understand the concept of self-efficacy as well as interconnectedness. Set in a desert environment where survival is critical, one has to be rely on others. Hence, these two learn that together they can face the harshness of the desert. I highly recommend this book to elementary teachers who want to expose students to desert life and the concept of self-efficacy.

[Meredith]

"This book is so fun. I did like it when Tiny Tumbleweed grew, but the thing that I didn't like was that she was sad that she was smaller than her brothers and sisters. It was nice of them to tell her to keep trying and she might do it." -Joshua

[Angela Lambkin]

How to become the best you can be even if you may be tiny!

I found this to be a very inspirational ebook to encourage kids not to. feel sad if they may not be as big or strong,etc. as their brothers and sisters.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good lesson!

Sweet story of two little ones who are very different but both grow up to appreciate the other! Great resources even bulletin boards and learning activities! Enjoyable experience!

[Orgeleuse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stupendi i disegni, tenero ed incoraggiante il messaggio. Mi ha alleggerito il cuore....tranne la subliminale allusione sessista che la mia mente maliziosa non è riuscita ad ignorare.

[Monica Spence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book but...

Cute book! My daughter enjoyed it. Has a good story. The book needed to be edit for spelling and grammar errors. Other than that it was great.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiny Tumbleweed lives in the Sonoran Desert, She's smaller than her brothers and sisters, but her mother assures her that she will grow to just the right size and be strong enough to spread her seeds. At the same time, a house sparrow names Young Sparrow hatches, and he's also smaller than his siblings, but his parents encourage him to grow and fly and spread seeds. One day, Tiny Tumbleweed and Young Sparrow meet and discover their purpose.

A lovely story. The parents encourage their children and help them to accept that maybe they won't grow up to be as big as their brothers and sisters, they will be just the right size, and that is just fine for making and spreading seeds throughout the desert. Tiny Tumbleweed and Young Sparrow discover the joy of fulfilling their individual purpose.

After the story are a few fun facts about tumbleweeds and house sparrows and how they're connected to each other. My copy also came with reading, writing, and discussion prompts and project ideas for a 3rd grade classroom.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby Tumbleweed and Little Sparrow are small when they are born. Their fathers are not sure if the babies will grow up to be big and strong. Their mothers reassure them all that they will grow. Tiny Tumbleweed grows and roots herself. She's not as big as her brothers and sisters but she's okay. Little Sparrow also grows, just not as big as his siblings, but his father teaches him how to strengthen his wings and legs. One day he is out when a storm arrives. He sees Tiny Tumbleweed below him. Can he make it to her for shelter before the storm hurts him? Can she help him?

I liked this story. I loved the illustrations. They are gorgeous. I liked that Tiny Tumbleweed and Little Sparrow both grew up under similar circumstances. I also appreciated that they were able to do what they needed to do.

I liked the fun facts about tumbleweeds and sparrows at the end of the book as well as the questions about the book. This is good for toddlers and early readers. It is designed for third graders but your 4-8 year old will enjoy it.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational story with wonderful illustrations!

“The Tiniest Tumbleweed” tells a needed story and is supported by gloriously colorful illustrations. There is even teaching prompts included to help explore and celebrate.

[Koreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A darling story.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tumbleweed is tinier than her brothers and sisters. Sparrow is also tinier than her brothers and sisters. Both find each other and are able to help one another feel important.

[Thom Swennes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this book and the inner child in me said, “Go for it!” I can still remember those childhood books that opened a door for me that has, thankfully, never closed. From Dr. Zeus to fairytales by Hans Christian Anderson and the brothers Grimm, children’s stories opened a magical world that continues to enchant me still. I remember reading Aesop’s Fables and learning many of life’s most important rules and truths. This story is a little more modern, like Thomas the Steam Engine, a book I often read to my own children before they went to sleep at night. This story deals with people’s feelings of inadequately. How you can deal with them and look at it from a much broader perspective. The story ends with tidbits of trivia concerning tumbleweeds and sparrows. I look at this as a good addition to my library and my read list. I think this book with its beautiful illustrations will please more grown up children like myself.

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the few typos, this is a great children’s book. A tiny tumbleweed isn’t growing as fast as her siblings are, and all she wants is to get bigger and create seeds. A sparrow is also comparing himself to his siblings, worrying that he’s not growing, won’t be able to fly, and can’t do his job spreading seeds. The two come together in this heartfelt story about getting past limitations through patience, hard work, and cooperation.

[Jim Sibigtroth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice curriculum support materials

Very nice illustrations and the story is straightforward and easy to understand. I liked the added curriculum materials but I'm not sure I agree with their choice of third grade level - I think it could be used effectively with much younger students.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is worthy of 5 stars but the verison I have on my kindle had spelling errors and font issues.

Terrific story about empowering yourself no matter what. It is based upon science and has terrific questions at the end of the story for teachers and parents.

The illustrations are truly amazing of the tumbleweed family. I do wish the illustrations of the bird family were more realistic.

[Ollie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations and text are good. My problem is that this book is for children. There are misspelled words in the book. Granted it is the same misspelled word but to a young reader it would be confusing. On page 20 and 22 few is used instead of flew. Quiet a difference in meaning. It's also not like this is a lengthily book of so many pages that editing it would be a problem.

[Mother Melania · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the parallel then intersecting paths of Tiny Tumbleweed and Little Sparrow. I also greatly appreciated the kind tone of the book.
The illustrations are charming and vibrant.
Very nice book!

[Samantha Machin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story could be great

I enjoyed the story but feel let down but the numerous spelling mistakes.
Its a shame the story good be great. Great message.
If there were no errors I would happily give it five stars. Shame this wasn't picked up before published/released.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Story

This story is cute and the illustrations are adorable. The only thing I didn't like was the parents figure out the solution, not the tiny tumbleweed or the small sparrow. The extras are great for kids who want to know more.

[Bobby Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved t his book. Great story. Alex Lopez is truly a gifted illustrator.

[Daniele · Rating 5 out of 5]

So loved ones his

I loved this book it really put emphasis on being the best you you can be and how that will bring you purpose. I loved the fun fact and class room Ideas.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

I enjoyed reading this book to my grandchild. Cute story, wonderful characters and the illustrations are cute. Definitely enjoyed as much as my grandchild did

[Juzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Debut children's book. Adorable illustrations. Story is good.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated G. Pretty artwork.

[J Layne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Multiple typos in this children's book

[Mrs. Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story

My son (7), really enjoyed this story. These are his comments: 'The story was really cute. It doesn't matter how big or small you are,. You need to eat, exercise and eat your veggies :)'

[R Zavala · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute, sweet, predictable