What do you think?
Rate this book
I Am Small
A very big story about a very small girl.Mimi is so much littler than everyone, “I might as well be called Mini,” she says. Everyone is taller than her, even the family dog! Though there are advantages — like fitting into the best hiding places — to Mimi, being small is the worst. But then one day, a surprise shows up at home. A very little surprise. And Mimi begins to realize that being little is just a matter of perspective.The perfect book for any child trying to find their place in the world.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2018
1 person is currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Qin Leng
98 books43 followersQin Leng is a designer and illustrator known for her illustrations of children books. She graduated from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema and has received many awards for her animated short films and artwork.
Throughout her career, Qin has illustrated picture books, magazines and book covers with publishers around the world. Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin, written by Chieri Uegaki, was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award, and received the APALA Award for best picture book.
She lives in Toronto, with her husband and her son.
—from the author's website at https://qinillustrations.com/About
Throughout her career, Qin has illustrated picture books, magazines and book covers with publishers around the world. Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin, written by Chieri Uegaki, was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award, and received the APALA Award for best picture book.
She lives in Toronto, with her husband and her son.
—from the author's website at https://qinillustrations.com/About
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
July 7, 2018
Our main character is Mimi. Mimi might as well be called Mini for being so small.
Firsty, I'm always a sucker for water colour illustrations, especially cute ones. Secondly, I just want to steal and adopt Mimi.
Everyone is taller than Mimi, even the family dog. Mimi is ashamed of being small, and even more afraid of not being noticed.
Mimi longs to be big. I remember my grandmother always telling me how frustrating it was being so small (As an adult, she was about 4'8) and how as a child people treated her differently, almost as if she were a cute little toy and not a little person.
Even food towers over Mimi! Other people tell Mimi why being small is actually an advantage. I think this is a book about accepting yourself as is, and realising that whatever you think is wrong with you, there is always good you can find if you look at it the right way.
There is also a lot of commentary about being frustrated about something other people don't understand, which is something kids really need, I think. They get frustrated at so much that we adults just don't get.
Mimi begins to realising what isn't wrong with being small. And one day, Mimi gets a surprise - a new baby brother. Who is smaller than her!
I like Mimi's tomboy look throughout this so much. I was a tomboy and I felt like I could relate to Mimi more than I could to girls in dresses.
Conclusion
All-in-all, a solid, beautifully illustrated little book with a cute message.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Firsty, I'm always a sucker for water colour illustrations, especially cute ones. Secondly, I just want to steal and adopt Mimi.
Everyone is taller than Mimi, even the family dog. Mimi is ashamed of being small, and even more afraid of not being noticed.
Mimi longs to be big. I remember my grandmother always telling me how frustrating it was being so small (As an adult, she was about 4'8) and how as a child people treated her differently, almost as if she were a cute little toy and not a little person.
Even food towers over Mimi! Other people tell Mimi why being small is actually an advantage. I think this is a book about accepting yourself as is, and realising that whatever you think is wrong with you, there is always good you can find if you look at it the right way.
There is also a lot of commentary about being frustrated about something other people don't understand, which is something kids really need, I think. They get frustrated at so much that we adults just don't get.
Mimi begins to realising what isn't wrong with being small. And one day, Mimi gets a surprise - a new baby brother. Who is smaller than her!
I like Mimi's tomboy look throughout this so much. I was a tomboy and I felt like I could relate to Mimi more than I could to girls in dresses.
Conclusion
All-in-all, a solid, beautifully illustrated little book with a cute message.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
October 2, 2018
Mimi is very small. She's the smallest in her family -- smaller even than the dog!
Mimi sees a lot of problems with being so small, including not being able to see all of the cupcakes so that she can choose the best one.
As far as she's concerned, being small is very frustrating.
Others point out some of the good things about being small...
...and Mimi eventually realizes that it's not all bad.
I Am Small is a cute little book with lovely little illustrations that kids and adults alike will adore. I know a few kids who would really appreciate this book to show them that they're not the only ones frustrated by being so little.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with a DRC of this book.
Mimi sees a lot of problems with being so small, including not being able to see all of the cupcakes so that she can choose the best one.
As far as she's concerned, being small is very frustrating.
Others point out some of the good things about being small...
...and Mimi eventually realizes that it's not all bad.
I Am Small is a cute little book with lovely little illustrations that kids and adults alike will adore. I know a few kids who would really appreciate this book to show them that they're not the only ones frustrated by being so little.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with a DRC of this book.
July 7, 2018
A cute little book about Mimi, a little child. And when I say little, I mean little. *lol*
Mimi is the smallest in the family as well as in school
and really struggles through daily life because of it.
But it's also the general idea of being small and therefore almost invisible (therefore, deeper contemplation of Mimi's and everybody else's existence) that is addressed.
Might seem like a small thing (see what I did there?! ;P) but it is bothering Mimi and, I'm sure, many other people. Especially since it reflects many other things, of course, not just physical smallness.
However, just when Mimi is really angry and frustrated and sad, there are advantages to discover about being small as well.
I'm not going to give away all of the book and its story but suffice it to say that there are always two sides to a coin and this little book with its cute watercolour illustrations teaches young and old readers alike that it's OK to be different if you own it and that you can always find a positive side to things.
Thanks go to Netgalley for the ARC.
Mimi is the smallest in the family as well as in school
and really struggles through daily life because of it.
But it's also the general idea of being small and therefore almost invisible (therefore, deeper contemplation of Mimi's and everybody else's existence) that is addressed.
Might seem like a small thing (see what I did there?! ;P) but it is bothering Mimi and, I'm sure, many other people. Especially since it reflects many other things, of course, not just physical smallness.
However, just when Mimi is really angry and frustrated and sad, there are advantages to discover about being small as well.
I'm not going to give away all of the book and its story but suffice it to say that there are always two sides to a coin and this little book with its cute watercolour illustrations teaches young and old readers alike that it's OK to be different if you own it and that you can always find a positive side to things.
Thanks go to Netgalley for the ARC.
June 18, 2019
I Am Small is such a beautifully illustrated book in soft watercolors and pen and ink. In it we meet Mimi, so short she says she should be called, “Mini.” While she finds many drawbacks to her short stature, luckily her family and friends share the many advantages. One day, Mimi’s father says he has a surprise and, indeed, she is no longer the shortest in her family because she now has a baby brother! 5/5 for beauty and the inspiring message that our differences can often be true blessings.
Thanks to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for the review copy, in exchange for my honest opinions.
Thanks to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for the review copy, in exchange for my honest opinions.
September 11, 2023
Mimi is very small for her age and the shortest in her class.
And…
She navigates her world by looking at all the ways she is small in her life and her neighborhood.
But…
Her friends see her differently by pointing out how her small-ness really works for her.
Leng has been an illustrator, and now this is her debut book where she puts her words and pictures together gorgeously.
She creates a beautiful statement to the challenges that smaller children have to relating to the world…
And…
How when a baby comes into the family…
Maybe…
One isn’t the smallest, after all.
Whimsically illustrated, the book shares a message of self-esteem that proves size doesn’t matter. Appropriate for kids ages 3-5.
And…
She navigates her world by looking at all the ways she is small in her life and her neighborhood.
But…
Her friends see her differently by pointing out how her small-ness really works for her.
Leng has been an illustrator, and now this is her debut book where she puts her words and pictures together gorgeously.
She creates a beautiful statement to the challenges that smaller children have to relating to the world…
And…
How when a baby comes into the family…
Maybe…
One isn’t the smallest, after all.
Whimsically illustrated, the book shares a message of self-esteem that proves size doesn’t matter. Appropriate for kids ages 3-5.
October 28, 2018
A lovely book!
The watercolours are beautiful, I loved the drawings, sweet and mischievous (reminding me of the French illustrator and humorist Sempé, whom I love), and I appreciated how the little girl wasn't especially girly, dressed indifferently and having various occupations.
The text, if short, is striking, wise and funny. Mimi is discouraged to be so tiny, and if the story is about her size, the general idea is also that small children should have a place in the world, a voice:
"Being small really bugs me. When will I grow enough to take up as much place in the world as anyone else?"
Exactly the kind of book I liked to buy for my children - and still like buying for me!
(I thank Netgalley and Kids Can Press for sending me the ARC in exchange for my honest review)
The watercolours are beautiful, I loved the drawings, sweet and mischievous (reminding me of the French illustrator and humorist Sempé, whom I love), and I appreciated how the little girl wasn't especially girly, dressed indifferently and having various occupations.
The text, if short, is striking, wise and funny. Mimi is discouraged to be so tiny, and if the story is about her size, the general idea is also that small children should have a place in the world, a voice:
"Being small really bugs me. When will I grow enough to take up as much place in the world as anyone else?"
Exactly the kind of book I liked to buy for my children - and still like buying for me!
(I thank Netgalley and Kids Can Press for sending me the ARC in exchange for my honest review)
November 13, 2018
One of the hardest things about being little is being little. It makes it difficult to do things other people can. But maybe there are good things about it....and maybe others are even smaller than you....
This is a book that tackles one of the most difficult things children face, and it handles it with aplomb. The illustrations are beautiful, too.
This is a book that tackles one of the most difficult things children face, and it handles it with aplomb. The illustrations are beautiful, too.
June 25, 2018
A very sweet and adorable story about Mimi, a small girl who worries about all the things she can not do because of her small size. She eventually realizes that there are things that she can do only because she is small, so it isn't all bad. This is a beautifully-illustrated story about a child that realizes that there is good and bad in being small. This book would be good for kindergarten age children, especially when they start school and see all the "big" kids doing things they can not do. It would also be a good addition to a family library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
June 13, 2018
A very sweet and beautifully-illustrated story about a tiny little girl who begins to understand that there's nothing wrong with being small, especially when she meets her even smaller baby brother. Recommended for preschool-ish aged children expecting a little sibling.
arc received from the publisher
arc received from the publisher
March 14, 2019
This whole book just made me think about John Mulaney's bit where he says, "I am very small and I have no money. So you can imagine the kind of stress that I am under."
July 19, 2018
Mimi is so small that she is the smallest in the class. As you can see, in the illustrations below, you can see that she is smaller than her classmates, and has to be in the front when photos are taken.
She laments being small, but her friends point out what her advantages are. That she is first in line to the cafeteria. That she can hide better, at hide and seek. That she gets to be in front when class photos are taken.
And as a short person, you have to take these little things, like that, because that is what life is about..
And the book ends with her discovering that she is larger than her new baby brother. Very cute. Good book to help kids who are the shortest, as I was, and still am.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
She laments being small, but her friends point out what her advantages are. That she is first in line to the cafeteria. That she can hide better, at hide and seek. That she gets to be in front when class photos are taken.
And as a short person, you have to take these little things, like that, because that is what life is about..
And the book ends with her discovering that she is larger than her new baby brother. Very cute. Good book to help kids who are the shortest, as I was, and still am.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
March 1, 2019
Mimi is very small for her age. She’s the shortest in her class at school and the shortest in her family too. Mimi thinks about all of the problems with being the shortest, like viewing pastries in the bakery or being unable to write higher on the blackboard. Her friends see it differently. They point out that she wins at hide-and-seek, that she gets to be first in line at lunch and gets the biggest piece of cake. At home there are advantages too. Mimi can fit between Mom and Dad in their bed, she can swim in the bathtub, and she can even ride on the back of their dog! So when someone even small than Mimi joins the family, Mimi knows just what to say.
Leng has illustrated many several books for children and this is her first time authoring a book. She has created an ode to the challenges and beauty of being small that children on the small side will easily relate to. As the book progresses, Mimi’s tone about her size changes to a much more positive one, just in time for her new little brother to appear. There is a focus on self-acceptance in this picture book that will shine no matter what your size.
Leng’s illustrations are whimsical and fresh. In Mimi, she has created a wonderfully androgynous little girl grappling with her size. Leng populates her pages with small touches and details that bring her scenes to life. Just the feel of characters clothing and the play of movement on the page are special.
A book about self-esteem that proves that size doesn’t matter. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Leng has illustrated many several books for children and this is her first time authoring a book. She has created an ode to the challenges and beauty of being small that children on the small side will easily relate to. As the book progresses, Mimi’s tone about her size changes to a much more positive one, just in time for her new little brother to appear. There is a focus on self-acceptance in this picture book that will shine no matter what your size.
Leng’s illustrations are whimsical and fresh. In Mimi, she has created a wonderfully androgynous little girl grappling with her size. Leng populates her pages with small touches and details that bring her scenes to life. Just the feel of characters clothing and the play of movement on the page are special.
A book about self-esteem that proves that size doesn’t matter. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
September 16, 2018
#NetGalley #IAmSmall Available October 2, 2018
What child, or for that matter adult, hasn't occasionally felt a bit different? In I Am Small Mimi feels everyone is taller than her, she even wonders if she should have been named Mini instead of Mimi.
Throughout the first of the book, Mimi shows the reader just how small she is in comparison to others. She shares that her feet barely reach the edge of the seat on the school bus, peeking in the display case to choose a yummy dessert is fairly hard when you're short, the blackboard at school is too high, and the catch of the day at the fish market could probably swallow her in one gulp.
Even though her friends try to convince her that there are advantages to being short, Mimi isn't buying it.
"But they just don't get it! I'm frustrated because they can do a lot of stuff that I can't, because I'm so small. Isn't it obvious?"
But one day as she walks home from school with her dad he announces that there's a surprise waiting for her at home. What kid isn't delighted with that special word? Her imagination runs wild. A swimming pool? A hot-air balloon? Maybe even the biggest piece of cake in the world is waiting for her?
Let me give you a hint. The surprise is even smaller than Mimi.
A rewarding ending that can easily lead to discussions.
My Thoughts:
What Concerned Me: Nothing
What I Liked Most: The pen, ink, and watercolor drawings are a nice addition to this sweet story with a gentle message.
http://www.pickagoodbook.com/2018/09/...
What child, or for that matter adult, hasn't occasionally felt a bit different? In I Am Small Mimi feels everyone is taller than her, she even wonders if she should have been named Mini instead of Mimi.
Throughout the first of the book, Mimi shows the reader just how small she is in comparison to others. She shares that her feet barely reach the edge of the seat on the school bus, peeking in the display case to choose a yummy dessert is fairly hard when you're short, the blackboard at school is too high, and the catch of the day at the fish market could probably swallow her in one gulp.
Even though her friends try to convince her that there are advantages to being short, Mimi isn't buying it.
"But they just don't get it! I'm frustrated because they can do a lot of stuff that I can't, because I'm so small. Isn't it obvious?"
But one day as she walks home from school with her dad he announces that there's a surprise waiting for her at home. What kid isn't delighted with that special word? Her imagination runs wild. A swimming pool? A hot-air balloon? Maybe even the biggest piece of cake in the world is waiting for her?
Let me give you a hint. The surprise is even smaller than Mimi.
A rewarding ending that can easily lead to discussions.
My Thoughts:
What Concerned Me: Nothing
What I Liked Most: The pen, ink, and watercolor drawings are a nice addition to this sweet story with a gentle message.
http://www.pickagoodbook.com/2018/09/...
July 23, 2018
This book is so adorable! The illustrations are gorgeous, sort of ink sketches with a watercolor style coloring. The story is adorable, about a little girl named Mimi who is the smallest in her family, in her class, in her neighborhood... She talks about the things she doesn't like about being so small, and her friends and family point out the great advantages to being small. IN the end, Mimi is no longer the smallest person in her life because she has a new baby brother! I do wish this had ended with Mimi embracing her size; instead, it's insinuated that Mimi won't always be so small because she'll grow up, just like her older siblings. In truth, if Mimi is really that much smaller than the other kids in her class, she's likely going to be a shorty for life. I hope she learns to love that she's "mini".
December 28, 2018
I admired Qin Leng's watercolor swirls in Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen earlier this year. In Leng's author debut, I Am Small, her delicate illustrations set the stage for a relatable story that might also have been titled, Petite Mimi's Tale of Woe. Compared to young Mimi, the world is large. Too large. So she complains most of the book, and then despite friends and siblings providing pro-tiny rebuttals, it takes Mimi meeting someone even smaller than her to change her mind on the issue.
I can sympathize with Mimi, yet as I tell the 5th graders who stretch taller than me each year, "You'll be the height your supposed to be. Keep growing."
I can sympathize with Mimi, yet as I tell the 5th graders who stretch taller than me each year, "You'll be the height your supposed to be. Keep growing."
June 4, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mimi is a very small girl. In fact, she is so small, she might as well be called Mini!
Everyone seems taller and larger than her, and she can;t wait to grow up. But, slowly and surely, she realizes that there is an upside to being small. Maybe it's not so bad after all!
I AM Small is Mimi's journey on accepting herself and seeing the bright side of things. This is a short, charming story about accepting yourself. Accompanied by wonderful illustrations, I Am Small is a marvelous little book to read with your children!
Mimi is a very small girl. In fact, she is so small, she might as well be called Mini!
Everyone seems taller and larger than her, and she can;t wait to grow up. But, slowly and surely, she realizes that there is an upside to being small. Maybe it's not so bad after all!
I AM Small is Mimi's journey on accepting herself and seeing the bright side of things. This is a short, charming story about accepting yourself. Accompanied by wonderful illustrations, I Am Small is a marvelous little book to read with your children!
August 6, 2018
As soon as I saw the cover, I knew I had to read this book. The illustrations are so detailed and engaging, this could almost be a wordless book.
Mimi's height troubles are relatable for children and parents alike. I love how Mimi's character grows so that when the surprise is revealed, she is ready to embrace it and share her wisdom.
Thank you to Kids Can Press and Net Galley for letting me read this story early.
Mimi's height troubles are relatable for children and parents alike. I love how Mimi's character grows so that when the surprise is revealed, she is ready to embrace it and share her wisdom.
Thank you to Kids Can Press and Net Galley for letting me read this story early.
November 15, 2018
Sweet story paired with beautiful watercolors about the pros and cons of being small.
February 3, 2019
A young girl bemoans being small and all the hardships it causes her. Eventually she acknowledges all the advantages there are to being who she is. Finally, a new surprise in the family helps her put her size in perspective.
Of course I love this. Qin Ling's illustrations are always poignant and they wrench my heart in this lovely picture book that is all hers.
Of course I love this. Qin Ling's illustrations are always poignant and they wrench my heart in this lovely picture book that is all hers.
May 31, 2018
A book about being small, the downside and upside to it and learning to accept our self the way we are. The message is good, but not that intense either. The illustration are a bit too «pastel» tones for my liking but their still pretty. A slightly above average one!
November 19, 2018
A girl struggles with her size until she becomes a big sister.
October 5, 2018
Qin Leng, writes I am Small. A picture book about a little girl who is short in height and does not find it to be very beneficial. This is an incredible story about perspectives. Within the book you find the perspective of Mimi, her friends at school, and then through the eyes of her mom when she presents a special surprise. I love how this book can be relatable to a lot of kids who wish to be a little bit taller or unable to wait until they are older.
From the publisher: Mimi is so little, “I might as well be called Mini,” she says. Everyone is taller than her, even the family dog! She can barely reach the bottom of the blackboard at school and isn't tall enough to see all the pretty cakes in the display case at the bakery. Though her friends try to tell her there are lots of advantages to being her size --- like fitting into the best hiding places and easily scooting to the front of the cafeteria line --- to Mimi, being small is the worst. But then one day, she hears that there's a surprise waiting for her at home. A very little surprise. And Mimi is about to discover a little something about being little.
In her authorial debut, award-winning illustrator Qin Leng has crafted a delightful picture book with a fresh twist on the themes of self-acceptance, growing up, and the arrival of a new sibling. Youngest siblings and small children everywhere will find a kindred spirit in Mimi and will appreciate her change in perspective when --- for the first time --- she sees herself through the eyes of someone smaller than her. Qin Leng's simple but poignant illustrations use gentle humor to highlight how Mimi fits in her world. This is a terrific book for sparking conversations about personal development and self-esteem. It also aligns with character education lessons on self-respect and resilience.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with an Advanced Digital Copy in exchange for my honest review. I read this book as a part of my #BookaDay Reading Challenge, inspired by Donalyn Miller. My goal is to read at least one children's literature book every weekday and share my thoughts here on my blog.
From the publisher: Mimi is so little, “I might as well be called Mini,” she says. Everyone is taller than her, even the family dog! She can barely reach the bottom of the blackboard at school and isn't tall enough to see all the pretty cakes in the display case at the bakery. Though her friends try to tell her there are lots of advantages to being her size --- like fitting into the best hiding places and easily scooting to the front of the cafeteria line --- to Mimi, being small is the worst. But then one day, she hears that there's a surprise waiting for her at home. A very little surprise. And Mimi is about to discover a little something about being little.
In her authorial debut, award-winning illustrator Qin Leng has crafted a delightful picture book with a fresh twist on the themes of self-acceptance, growing up, and the arrival of a new sibling. Youngest siblings and small children everywhere will find a kindred spirit in Mimi and will appreciate her change in perspective when --- for the first time --- she sees herself through the eyes of someone smaller than her. Qin Leng's simple but poignant illustrations use gentle humor to highlight how Mimi fits in her world. This is a terrific book for sparking conversations about personal development and self-esteem. It also aligns with character education lessons on self-respect and resilience.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with an Advanced Digital Copy in exchange for my honest review. I read this book as a part of my #BookaDay Reading Challenge, inspired by Donalyn Miller. My goal is to read at least one children's literature book every weekday and share my thoughts here on my blog.
June 26, 2018
Mimi is an adorable little character that readers will fall in love with. She says she might as well be called mini because she is so tiny which makes the world around her a challenge. All her family members tower over her... even her dog Gus. Oh my!!!
She mentally runs though a list of cons regarding her minute stature: all my friends are taller than me, crowded sidewalks are scary because nobody notices me, my feet barely reach the edge of the seat on the bus which is dangerous, and at Pete's butcher shop, the sausage links are longer than me... just to cite a few. Her good friend Remy encourages her about the advantages of her size saying: you always get to be first in the cafeteria line, you always win at hide-and-seek because you can tuck away in secret places and you always get to sit in the front row for class pictures. See? Being small does have lots of advantages.
Mimi is frustrated because she wants to be like all the other kids her age and do all the things that they can do. Upon deeper reflection and all the positive encouraging things that people around her have been saying she thinks maybe she isn't that bad off after all.
One day her dad comes to pick her up from school and tells her there is a surprise waiting for her at home.
"There's a surprise at home," he tells me.
A surprise? I love surprises!
What could it be?"
Her imagination ignites as she explores many possibilities of what might be waiting for her. She never in all her wildest dreams expects that ever-so-special surprise to be so extraordinary and even life-changing for her.
This is award-winning illustrator Qin Leng's authorial debut and "I Am Small" is a winner indeed. The illustrations are full of activity, emotion and heart and they greatly enrich the text. This book touches on themes of self-acceptance, growing up, and the event of when a new sibling arrives into the family. It is a wonderful book that will ignite conversations about self-esteem and personal development. I highly, highly recommend this book.
She mentally runs though a list of cons regarding her minute stature: all my friends are taller than me, crowded sidewalks are scary because nobody notices me, my feet barely reach the edge of the seat on the bus which is dangerous, and at Pete's butcher shop, the sausage links are longer than me... just to cite a few. Her good friend Remy encourages her about the advantages of her size saying: you always get to be first in the cafeteria line, you always win at hide-and-seek because you can tuck away in secret places and you always get to sit in the front row for class pictures. See? Being small does have lots of advantages.
Mimi is frustrated because she wants to be like all the other kids her age and do all the things that they can do. Upon deeper reflection and all the positive encouraging things that people around her have been saying she thinks maybe she isn't that bad off after all.
One day her dad comes to pick her up from school and tells her there is a surprise waiting for her at home.
"There's a surprise at home," he tells me.
A surprise? I love surprises!
What could it be?"
Her imagination ignites as she explores many possibilities of what might be waiting for her. She never in all her wildest dreams expects that ever-so-special surprise to be so extraordinary and even life-changing for her.
This is award-winning illustrator Qin Leng's authorial debut and "I Am Small" is a winner indeed. The illustrations are full of activity, emotion and heart and they greatly enrich the text. This book touches on themes of self-acceptance, growing up, and the event of when a new sibling arrives into the family. It is a wonderful book that will ignite conversations about self-esteem and personal development. I highly, highly recommend this book.
October 5, 2018
Two pages into this children's picture book and you lay your eyes on a most frightening image: The kid (Mimi) is walking alone in a crowded street (from or towards school). Page 15, Mimi is in 'Olivia's Bakery' all alone (buying a cake), then Pete's butcher shop (buying sausage links) and on it goes - I have no idea why Leng has stressed so much on a child's height (no age is given for the kid, but I am assuming he is 5-6 years old), if the purpose of the book is to make a child spatially aware or think more about how long will it be before they 'grow up' and see things that adults can and do - I don't know - but it all looks and feels very reckless, dangerous and wrong and immature. More work and serious thought should have gone into the basic concept and common sense.
Also, the ease and casualness with which Mimi refers to the dessert shop owner (Olivia's bakery), the meat shop owner (Pete's butcher shop), the fish seller (Jack's fish market), etc. shows familiarity with shop owners and may have been written to show that Mimi knows these people on a first-name basis and they are all good - to me, it came across as extremely dangerous and wrong that a child is this comfortable to be on his own with strangers and that strangers are shown as 'friendly, neighborhood, harmless, warm, people'. That's not the right message to send to children or caretakers or parents. You have to be careful and you cannot leave kids alone.
No child should be left alone to roam the streets or shops unattended, unchaperoned. Mimi is even playing with a kid all by herself with not an adult in sight! One should not scare kids into being afraid of others but adventure and independence and natural curiosity of children is lost in this book because of the author's choice to show Mimi as a solitary figure in a big wide world and Mimi's lonely fixation with 'smallness'.
By the end, you find out that Mimi is actually a girl. And her parents just had a baby ('Meet Max your little brother') -probably the reason Mimi is alone for the entirety of the book.
Also, the ease and casualness with which Mimi refers to the dessert shop owner (Olivia's bakery), the meat shop owner (Pete's butcher shop), the fish seller (Jack's fish market), etc. shows familiarity with shop owners and may have been written to show that Mimi knows these people on a first-name basis and they are all good - to me, it came across as extremely dangerous and wrong that a child is this comfortable to be on his own with strangers and that strangers are shown as 'friendly, neighborhood, harmless, warm, people'. That's not the right message to send to children or caretakers or parents. You have to be careful and you cannot leave kids alone.
No child should be left alone to roam the streets or shops unattended, unchaperoned. Mimi is even playing with a kid all by herself with not an adult in sight! One should not scare kids into being afraid of others but adventure and independence and natural curiosity of children is lost in this book because of the author's choice to show Mimi as a solitary figure in a big wide world and Mimi's lonely fixation with 'smallness'.
By the end, you find out that Mimi is actually a girl. And her parents just had a baby ('Meet Max your little brother') -probably the reason Mimi is alone for the entirety of the book.
September 26, 2018
Mimi is tired of being small. She has a long list of woes about it. Her friends and family try to point out some perks of her small size, but Mimi still wishes she were bigger. But when she meets someone smaller than herself and realizes she used to be that size, she feels a little bit better.
I sympathize with Mimi. I remember needing to use my hands along with my feet to make it up the school bus steps when I started kindergarten. And I was almost always the shortest in my class. Of course, now I live in Asia and I’m pretty average size for over here so my smaller size now comes in handy when I want to buy clothes or just easily walk around. (My 6’3” husband has it a little bit more challenging.) All that to say, I can say from experience that it does take a while to get to the place where you are ok with being shorter than most others. I resigned myself to being short-ish as a teen, but I didn’t really appreciate it until I was an adult living overseas. I like that Mimi’s friends try to cheer her up and point out the positives, but as is often the case with human nature, Mimi has to figure out some things by herself. This is a cute story with soft and delicate illustrations that fit the topic. It’s a good read for kids unhappy with their stature, kids with a new sibling on the way, or kids who just like stories of kids with realistic issues.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I sympathize with Mimi. I remember needing to use my hands along with my feet to make it up the school bus steps when I started kindergarten. And I was almost always the shortest in my class. Of course, now I live in Asia and I’m pretty average size for over here so my smaller size now comes in handy when I want to buy clothes or just easily walk around. (My 6’3” husband has it a little bit more challenging.) All that to say, I can say from experience that it does take a while to get to the place where you are ok with being shorter than most others. I resigned myself to being short-ish as a teen, but I didn’t really appreciate it until I was an adult living overseas. I like that Mimi’s friends try to cheer her up and point out the positives, but as is often the case with human nature, Mimi has to figure out some things by herself. This is a cute story with soft and delicate illustrations that fit the topic. It’s a good read for kids unhappy with their stature, kids with a new sibling on the way, or kids who just like stories of kids with realistic issues.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2018
I am Small by Qin Leng . PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press. 2018. $17.00. 9781525301155
BUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW
Mimi is a very short child. She spends half the book bemoaning all of the reasons why being short isn’t great. Such as not being able to see all the choices at the bakery. Then her friends remind her of all the reasons why its fun and beneficial to be short. Such as getting to be in front for class pictures. At the end of the story she is no longer the shortest one in her family. Features soft water color illustrations.
The cover appeal of this book for young readers is not great, showing a depressed looking child sitting on a step holding a branch. I am not sure that it would get much circulation. I liked that it showed a flip side of a perspective and it could help young readers do the same. Might be used by a teacher for an activity on pro’s and con’s. The illustrations are small and watery though –not easily shared with a group.
Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW
Mimi is a very short child. She spends half the book bemoaning all of the reasons why being short isn’t great. Such as not being able to see all the choices at the bakery. Then her friends remind her of all the reasons why its fun and beneficial to be short. Such as getting to be in front for class pictures. At the end of the story she is no longer the shortest one in her family. Features soft water color illustrations.
The cover appeal of this book for young readers is not great, showing a depressed looking child sitting on a step holding a branch. I am not sure that it would get much circulation. I liked that it showed a flip side of a perspective and it could help young readers do the same. Might be used by a teacher for an activity on pro’s and con’s. The illustrations are small and watery though –not easily shared with a group.
Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
October 22, 2018
💛 Have you or your children ever struggled to feel good about a particular personality trait or physical characteristic? 💛
This charming picture book tells us about Mimi and her frustration with being small. I love the gentle illustrations that perfectly complement the plot and help us see life from Mimi’s perspective. I also appreciate how we get to hear her vent as she models using her words to show what is upsetting her. 👧🏽
What I especially love are the secondary characters who are constantly building Mimi up and pointing out the positive aspects of her smallness without making her feel bad for being frustrated. This is a fantastic book for discussing feelings, relationships, body image, and more!
And the sweet ending will likely bring a smile to your face as it did to mine. ☺️
I was thrilled to receive this book from @kidscanpress for a review! They publish some beautiful picture books! (As always, all opinions are my own). 📚
I AM SMALL was released just this month and is written and illustrated by the award-winning Qin Leng. 📖
.
This charming picture book tells us about Mimi and her frustration with being small. I love the gentle illustrations that perfectly complement the plot and help us see life from Mimi’s perspective. I also appreciate how we get to hear her vent as she models using her words to show what is upsetting her. 👧🏽
What I especially love are the secondary characters who are constantly building Mimi up and pointing out the positive aspects of her smallness without making her feel bad for being frustrated. This is a fantastic book for discussing feelings, relationships, body image, and more!
And the sweet ending will likely bring a smile to your face as it did to mine. ☺️
I was thrilled to receive this book from @kidscanpress for a review! They publish some beautiful picture books! (As always, all opinions are my own). 📚
I AM SMALL was released just this month and is written and illustrated by the award-winning Qin Leng. 📖
.
November 12, 2018
I Am Small by Qin Leng
Publisher: Kids Can Press
ISBN: 9781525301155
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Kids Can Press for the ebook ARC of I Am Small by Qin Leng in exchange for an honest review.
Mimi is so little, “I might as well be called Mini.” she says. Everyone is taller than her, even the family dog! She can barely reach the blackboard at school and isn’t tall enough to sell all the pretty cakes in the display case at the bakery.
Though her friends try and telll her that there is lots of advantage to her size - - like fitting into the best hiding places, and easily scooting to the front of the cafeteria line - - to Mimi, being small is the worst. But then one day there’s a surprise waiting for her at home. A very little surprise. And Mimi is about to discover something about being little.
I give this book a rating of 4 stars. I read it to my 4 year old daughter. She really enjoyed the book.
The watercolour illustrations are really nice. The only thing was at first I thought Mimi was a boy. I thought that the story was simple and delightful!
Publisher: Kids Can Press
ISBN: 9781525301155
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Kids Can Press for the ebook ARC of I Am Small by Qin Leng in exchange for an honest review.
Mimi is so little, “I might as well be called Mini.” she says. Everyone is taller than her, even the family dog! She can barely reach the blackboard at school and isn’t tall enough to sell all the pretty cakes in the display case at the bakery.
Though her friends try and telll her that there is lots of advantage to her size - - like fitting into the best hiding places, and easily scooting to the front of the cafeteria line - - to Mimi, being small is the worst. But then one day there’s a surprise waiting for her at home. A very little surprise. And Mimi is about to discover something about being little.
I give this book a rating of 4 stars. I read it to my 4 year old daughter. She really enjoyed the book.
The watercolour illustrations are really nice. The only thing was at first I thought Mimi was a boy. I thought that the story was simple and delightful!
April 14, 2023
Mimi is very small for her age. It's very hard on her because she can't do a lot of things that her friends can do. Even when they remind her of all of her advantages --like having a lot of secret places, winning at hide-and-seek, or always being in the front of the school group portrait--, she still feels frustrated. She manages to see some positive pros, but really, her friends don't get it. Until the day when a surprise awaits her at home that will completely change her point of view.
It is a great book for kids who feel frustrated, angry or jealous of others because of their sizes. The book talks about all the pros and cons of being small from the kid's perspective, and emphasizes a lot on her feelings. The happy ending is a pleasant and very nice twist. A great narration translated from French, and lovely watercolor illustrations.
Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Read and reviewed: 2018-11-15
It is a great book for kids who feel frustrated, angry or jealous of others because of their sizes. The book talks about all the pros and cons of being small from the kid's perspective, and emphasizes a lot on her feelings. The happy ending is a pleasant and very nice twist. A great narration translated from French, and lovely watercolor illustrations.
Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Read and reviewed: 2018-11-15
February 12, 2019
Sometimes it's tough to be a little kid, especially when it seems like everyone around you is bigger than you are and able to do so many more things. And when you're little it also seems like it takes forever to grow into the things you want to do. The little girl in this cute picture book wishes she weren't so small - she bounces around on the school bus, she has a difficult time writing on the chalkboard at school, and even the family dog is taller than she is. But as she considers her circumstances, she comes to realize that she does have some advantages over those around her that are some much larger and there's even a nice surprise waiting for her one day that means she's no longer the smallest in the family. The sweet story and the wonderful illustrations make this a book that lots of young readers will be able to relate to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews