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This is (Not) a Series #1
You Are Not Small
Winner of the 2015 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
Two fuzzy creatures can't agree on who is small and who is big, until a couple of surprise guests show up, settling it once and for all!
The simple text of Anna Kang and bold illustrations of New Yorker cartoonist Christopher Weyant tell an original and very funny story about size—it all depends on who's standing next to you.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2014
475 people are currently reading
3468 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 973 reviews
February 22, 2019
5 stars for this simple little book about opposites and middle grounds. Nothing overly fancy here, but there was enough silliness to amuse me and my inner child.
August 26, 2025
This is a wonderful picture book that helps teach children what is big? And what is small? And how we may not always know the difference, at all!
Woe! Did I just rhyme?!
Anyway…The message of this sweet story is that the difference between big and small may just be relative.
Because… One day you may be smaller than…or bigger than…depends on where you are or who you are next to…it is all a matter of perspective.
And…This is the wonderful teaching tool of this book. Which helps to solve the debate between the various characters.
Also…The characters are respectful to each other, even though they disagree. Another wonderful opportunity to teach kids about how we can talk to one another.
In the end…We all get to go off and be friends together and eat lunch!
Good for age 2 and above.
Woe! Did I just rhyme?!
Anyway…The message of this sweet story is that the difference between big and small may just be relative.
Because… One day you may be smaller than…or bigger than…depends on where you are or who you are next to…it is all a matter of perspective.
And…This is the wonderful teaching tool of this book. Which helps to solve the debate between the various characters.
Also…The characters are respectful to each other, even though they disagree. Another wonderful opportunity to teach kids about how we can talk to one another.
In the end…We all get to go off and be friends together and eat lunch!
Good for age 2 and above.
January 29, 2020
Small or big? Well, it depends.
What a wonderful way to teach children that nothing is absolute, that everything is relative. And also to demonstrate that no one group (large or small, majority or minority) should get to determine what's "normal", to decide who or what sets the standard by which everything else is measured.
So few words, but so much meaning.
What a wonderful way to teach children that nothing is absolute, that everything is relative. And also to demonstrate that no one group (large or small, majority or minority) should get to determine what's "normal", to decide who or what sets the standard by which everything else is measured.
So few words, but so much meaning.
August 19, 2014
There are so many books on opposites, but very few of them focus on the gray area of multi-step comparisons! What if you are big compared to one person and small compared to another? What do you count as?
I also really liked the diversity message in here: if you are part of a large group, does that mean you set the standard? Why does your group's idea of the standard need to trump another group's idea? It was a particularly compelling way to read the book for me, and I hope to find ways to have kid-level discussions about it in the near future.
I also really liked the diversity message in here: if you are part of a large group, does that mean you set the standard? Why does your group's idea of the standard need to trump another group's idea? It was a particularly compelling way to read the book for me, and I hope to find ways to have kid-level discussions about it in the near future.
August 4, 2014
Not only is this a fun book about opposites, but the illustrations are adorable. When two fuzzy creatures get into an argument about size they drag their fellow fuzzy critters into it. It appears the argument will continue for some time until the arrival of some visitors. It always delights me when such seemingly simple books reveal themes and ideas that aren't so simple. Here the seemingly simple idea of big versus small translates into a variety of size comparisons. Not only is it a delightfully funny book, but it's a great way to introduce young children to size comparisons. Highly recommended.
January 21, 2016
Who is big and who is small exactly? Well that is what young readers will discover as they read this book. Written in a way that early readers can read this independently, two characters and their friends argue about size. Funny and well done.
March 14, 2015
Very cute, funny and likeable.
November 16, 2019
Two creatures square off about their comparative sizes in this entertaining picture-book introduction to the idea of relativity and perception. As the larger one declares that the other is small, and the smaller one that it is the larger one who is big, their companions all join in the dispute. The communal shouting match is interrupted by the advent of a truly huge and truly tiny creature, demonstrating to all that everyone is both big and small, depending upon whom they are being compared to.
This debut from author Anna Kang and illustrator Christopher Weyant is absolutely adorable, highlighting the role that comparison often plays in our perceptions, and the necessity of flexibility, in arriving at our own and/or accepting others' judgments. The artwork, done in ink and watercolor by cartoonist Weyant, whose work has often appeared in The New Yorker magazine, is immensely cute, adding to the sense of fun.
This debut from author Anna Kang and illustrator Christopher Weyant is absolutely adorable, highlighting the role that comparison often plays in our perceptions, and the necessity of flexibility, in arriving at our own and/or accepting others' judgments. The artwork, done in ink and watercolor by cartoonist Weyant, whose work has often appeared in The New Yorker magazine, is immensely cute, adding to the sense of fun.
September 5, 2014
Great first read
My 5 year old just finished reading this cute little book. That was the first book he had ever read by himself! His eyes just lit up after he finished it ! Loved it!
My 5 year old just finished reading this cute little book. That was the first book he had ever read by himself! His eyes just lit up after he finished it ! Loved it!
June 19, 2025
Mic sau mare, ar trebui să fie ușor de ghicit, dar ce te faci când ambele răspunsuri sunt corecte? Așa se întreabă și două animăluțe păroase, care încep să se certe pentru că ambii au dreptate cu privire la cine e mai mare și cine e mai mic.
https://ciobanuldeazi.home.blog/2025/...
https://ciobanuldeazi.home.blog/2025/...
October 2, 2014
A plump, purplish bear-like creature is merrily blowing dandelion seeds across the opening page of this clever, humorous picture book. Enter one large, fuzzy orange-brown foot, stage right. “You are small,” says the new critter to the weed-clutching little one.
This innocent observation kicks off a spirited dialogue between the two. “I am not small. You are big,” purple critter retorts. But the larger one gestures to his pals, noting that he is one of many, all alike. Then more purple ones appear to back up their buddy as well.
Tempers flare, and the dialogue becomes an argument. (Sound familiar, parents?) There are pointed fingers, angry frowns, even insistent shouting. The size debate escalates until BOOM! A huge hairy paw crashes down, followed by diminutive pink critters with yellow parachutes. Fear not, the last line will guarantee laughs from every reader.
You Are (Not) Small is a short, simple book with text that could work as an easy reader, and illustrations that are engaging enough for the youngest picture book set. Readers of all ages will absorb the meta-message about keeping things in perspective and learning to appreciate differences without necessarily comparing them.
This is a great picture book for those who feel small or tall due to their relative ages or statures. It will spark fun conversations about the way we see ourselves and one another. The thickly-outlined, expressive animals are appealing in a Muppet-like fashion. They all share tiny round ears and large oval noses that make them appear to be related despite their differences in size. At just 91 words, this is a short and funny bedtime book choice with (not) a little kid appeal!
This innocent observation kicks off a spirited dialogue between the two. “I am not small. You are big,” purple critter retorts. But the larger one gestures to his pals, noting that he is one of many, all alike. Then more purple ones appear to back up their buddy as well.
Tempers flare, and the dialogue becomes an argument. (Sound familiar, parents?) There are pointed fingers, angry frowns, even insistent shouting. The size debate escalates until BOOM! A huge hairy paw crashes down, followed by diminutive pink critters with yellow parachutes. Fear not, the last line will guarantee laughs from every reader.
You Are (Not) Small is a short, simple book with text that could work as an easy reader, and illustrations that are engaging enough for the youngest picture book set. Readers of all ages will absorb the meta-message about keeping things in perspective and learning to appreciate differences without necessarily comparing them.
This is a great picture book for those who feel small or tall due to their relative ages or statures. It will spark fun conversations about the way we see ourselves and one another. The thickly-outlined, expressive animals are appealing in a Muppet-like fashion. They all share tiny round ears and large oval noses that make them appear to be related despite their differences in size. At just 91 words, this is a short and funny bedtime book choice with (not) a little kid appeal!
August 19, 2014
An orange bear declares to a smaller blue bear that the shorter one is “small.” The little one says that that is not true, rather the orange bear is “big.” The orange bear shows that he has other big creatures just like him and just his size, but so does the blue bear. The two groups start to argue and fight about whether they are big or small. Then another creature arrives and another one yet that help put size into perspective for everyone.
This very simple book has a great sense of humor throughout. The creatures that seem like bears to me are fuzzy and friendly. Against the white background, the bears pop on the page. With only a few lines per page, this book will be enjoyed by small children learning about concepts like big and small. The humor makes the entire lesson in size and relativity completely enjoyable and it will be a book that children will ask to be read again. There is even a great little (or big) twist at the end.
Weyant’s illustrations are a large part of the appeal of the book. The New Yorker cartoonist has created fuzzy creatures that are loveable and cute as can be, no matter what size they are. Weyant has clearly loved playing with the differences in sizes, creating characters who live large on the page.
Bold illustrations, charming characters and funny situations make this a winning picture book for the smallest (and largest) among us. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
This very simple book has a great sense of humor throughout. The creatures that seem like bears to me are fuzzy and friendly. Against the white background, the bears pop on the page. With only a few lines per page, this book will be enjoyed by small children learning about concepts like big and small. The humor makes the entire lesson in size and relativity completely enjoyable and it will be a book that children will ask to be read again. There is even a great little (or big) twist at the end.
Weyant’s illustrations are a large part of the appeal of the book. The New Yorker cartoonist has created fuzzy creatures that are loveable and cute as can be, no matter what size they are. Weyant has clearly loved playing with the differences in sizes, creating characters who live large on the page.
Bold illustrations, charming characters and funny situations make this a winning picture book for the smallest (and largest) among us. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
September 8, 2014
When two fluffy creatures start arguing over who is big and who is small, (recruiting their fluffy friends to bolster their arguments), things start to get loud, until some unexpected company arrives to put things in perspective.
Anna Kang's text is easy enough for an early reader to read alone, and paired with Christopher Weyant's bold artwork as the visual punchline, this delightful picture book is sure to be a hit at storytime.
Anna Kang's text is easy enough for an early reader to read alone, and paired with Christopher Weyant's bold artwork as the visual punchline, this delightful picture book is sure to be a hit at storytime.
October 18, 2016
This book is so simple, but so deep. Need to explain in-group/out-group dynamics? Use this book. Need to explain partisan politics? Use this book. Need to explain why I can be mean to my brother, but I will punch the first person to say something rude about him? Use this book.
It really is deserving of the Geisel award. A simple book, with simple words, and simple yet charming illustrations, teaches a lot.
It really is deserving of the Geisel award. A simple book, with simple words, and simple yet charming illustrations, teaches a lot.
September 26, 2022
داستان از اینجا شروع میشه که یه خرسی، یک خرس کوچکتر از خودش رو میبینه و بهش میگه کوچولو! و اون خرس اول بهش میگه من کوچولو نیستم تو گنده ای! و ...اخر هم یه خرس کوچکتر از این دو و یه خرس بزرگتر از این دو سروکلشون پیدا میشه
https://taaghche.com/book/85644
https://taaghche.com/book/85644
October 17, 2015
Loved this book. Will probably be taking it with me to the read aloud sessions if I get to go to the first grade classroom.
April 11, 2021
Funny, cute and a nice lesson.
October 2, 2020
This cannot be technically called a book.
It is just like those Calvin and Hobbes Comic Strips, that you can read in one glance.
But GoodRead! Loved the illustration and the mini story too !
It is just like those Calvin and Hobbes Comic Strips, that you can read in one glance.
But GoodRead! Loved the illustration and the mini story too !
October 22, 2014
Review originally posted on Children's Atheneum
Some things are about perspective. One animal may seem small to someone big, while someone small may see them as tall. When a third set of animals show up though, perceptions shift.
Reminiscent of How Joe the Bear and Sam the Mouse Got Together (I am aware that I may be the only person who is familiar with this book), this is your classic opposites book. The juxtaposition of the two sizes, the arguing, and adorable illustrations make this book very approachable with a sly message. Although this could simply be another opposites book, it also has an underlying psychological aspect of "other". We see ourselves as being the norm and quickly label those who are other as different. I think this book could really be a good jumping off point for bigger discussions, which also gives it a far wider age range than most concept books.
Some things are about perspective. One animal may seem small to someone big, while someone small may see them as tall. When a third set of animals show up though, perceptions shift.
Reminiscent of How Joe the Bear and Sam the Mouse Got Together (I am aware that I may be the only person who is familiar with this book), this is your classic opposites book. The juxtaposition of the two sizes, the arguing, and adorable illustrations make this book very approachable with a sly message. Although this could simply be another opposites book, it also has an underlying psychological aspect of "other". We see ourselves as being the norm and quickly label those who are other as different. I think this book could really be a good jumping off point for bigger discussions, which also gives it a far wider age range than most concept books.
October 1, 2018
You are (not) Small by Alex Kang, illustrated by Christopher Weyant.
This book was about two furry creatures who look at one another ant can’t seem to agree on whether one of them is big and the other is small. But as the story goes on more characters show up in the story, that help the two creatures understand who is which. This story was a winner of the 2015 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award.
I would recommend this book for either kindergarteners or first graders. This book would be great for teachers to use when trying to teach students the differences between sizes. It has the potential to teach students about opposites as well. I believe this is a book early young readers can pick up easily when learning how to read.
This book was about two furry creatures who look at one another ant can’t seem to agree on whether one of them is big and the other is small. But as the story goes on more characters show up in the story, that help the two creatures understand who is which. This story was a winner of the 2015 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award.
I would recommend this book for either kindergarteners or first graders. This book would be great for teachers to use when trying to teach students the differences between sizes. It has the potential to teach students about opposites as well. I believe this is a book early young readers can pick up easily when learning how to read.
September 9, 2014
Thank you for this book, You Are Not Small. I won it in a Goodreads
Giveaway.
My Granddaughter read it several times and thought it was really cute. She has plans to read it to the little neighborhood boys and, who knows, who else. This is a beautiful hard covered book (with dust jacket) and
large colorful illustrations. The story presents a meaningful message, and the end is just great - funny. It is an enjoyable, short read.
I congratulate the authors, husband and wife, on their first book and hope to read more.
January 22, 2015
Oh, I want to use this when we're talking math concepts of bigger and smaller as well as when we do a language lesson on small/smaller/smallest, etc. And I want to read it just for fun, because the ending tickled me. And it would make great readers' theater. Or a puppet show! Yeah, this works.
Pair this with "Duck! Rabbit!" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld to talk about perspectives.
Use to introduce ideas of opinion and persuasion to youngers! Worked perfectly for first grade, who then had to come up with three reasons to persuade me that they are not small.
Pair this with "Duck! Rabbit!" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld to talk about perspectives.
Use to introduce ideas of opinion and persuasion to youngers! Worked perfectly for first grade, who then had to come up with three reasons to persuade me that they are not small.
August 21, 2014
Two creatures can't agree on which one is big and which is small. That is until another creature arrives to solve it once and for all.
The story is told with simple text and bold illustrations which were done by Christopher Weyant.
I read this book to a 2 year old she couldn't stop giggling.
I would recommend this book for storytime classes. It was not only a funny story but it also promotes talks about what is big and what is small.
The story is told with simple text and bold illustrations which were done by Christopher Weyant.
I read this book to a 2 year old she couldn't stop giggling.
I would recommend this book for storytime classes. It was not only a funny story but it also promotes talks about what is big and what is small.
August 24, 2014
What a great children's book! The story is "small" and sweet while the illustrations are "big" and magnificent.
The book is perfect for bedtime reading and would also be great for first time readers. I bet non-readers could learn to "read" you this story.
I predict that You Are (Not) Small will become a favorite with my two and three-year-old grandkids.
Thank you Billiance Publishing for offering this book as a GoodReads giveaway.
The book is perfect for bedtime reading and would also be great for first time readers. I bet non-readers could learn to "read" you this story.
I predict that You Are (Not) Small will become a favorite with my two and three-year-old grandkids.
Thank you Billiance Publishing for offering this book as a GoodReads giveaway.
August 19, 2014
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
So cute! I especially loved the ending!
The illustrations are great!
This is a great book for size comparison, and a little bit about arguments.
I will be reading this book to my nephew, and I know he will love it!
So cute! I especially loved the ending!
The illustrations are great!
This is a great book for size comparison, and a little bit about arguments.
I will be reading this book to my nephew, and I know he will love it!
April 7, 2015
Ha, ha, ha, ha......
Very cool illustrations.
Very cool illustrations.
April 11, 2015
I found this book charming in how it covered the topic of size. Cute characters and a funny ending.
September 29, 2016
A lovely book that teaches children to consider various perspectives-- as well as the power of the word "and".
September 25, 2017
Cute
I found the book funny with great pictures. Has a good message. I would recommend. Find the similarities not the differences.
I found the book funny with great pictures. Has a good message. I would recommend. Find the similarities not the differences.
October 11, 2017
Fun book. All the groups I've read it to have paid attention to the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 973 reviews