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Too-Small Tyson
Celebrate diversity, math, and the power of storytelling!
Tyson is the youngest-smaller than his four older brothers and always trying to keep up. But when the family's pet gerbil, Swish, goes missing, it's Tyson to the rescue! Tyson uses his knowledge of doubles, triples, and sizes to figure out a clever way to reach his beloved pet. A playful exploration of proportional thinking, featuring an author letter about the ubiquitous nature of math.
Tyson is the youngest-smaller than his four older brothers and always trying to keep up. But when the family's pet gerbil, Swish, goes missing, it's Tyson to the rescue! Tyson uses his knowledge of doubles, triples, and sizes to figure out a clever way to reach his beloved pet. A playful exploration of proportional thinking, featuring an author letter about the ubiquitous nature of math.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
JaNay Brown-Wood
49 books78 followersJaNay Brown-Wood, PhD is an award-winning children’s author, educator, and scholar. Her first book Imani’s Moon won the NAESP Children’s Book of the Year Award, and her second book Grandma’s Tiny House: A Counting Story received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and won the CELI Read Aloud Book Award. She has several poems published including Falling Leaves in the poetry anthology Thanku: Poems of Gratitude (Lerner/Millbrook, 2019) a Chicago Public Library’s Best Informational Books for 2019, an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, and a Notable Children’s Book for the Global Society. She has more than seven forthcoming books including Shhh! The Baby’s Asleep (Charlesbridge, forthcoming 2021), Where in the Garden a four-book series (Peachtree, forthcoming 2021, 2022, 2023) and Jam, Too (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House, forthcoming 2023). She is represented by the fabulous Karen Grencik of Red Fox Literary. Learn more about her here at www.janaybrownwood.com or follow her on Twitter @janaybrownwood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 7, 2022
Children must not be made self-conscious with senseless comparisons and reminding them how small and frail they are. Let them grow up and let them become confident of who they are.
This book is such a good representation of all these things.
Tyson is the youngest yet he can be his best helpful wherever he can. He feels doubtful at times regarding how useless he is compared to his older siblings. But the older ones are kind and loving making him see and feel how helpful and important he is.
The book brought me so much joy!
I love the illustrations and the way the writing has been minimally fit perfectly on each page.
Thank you, Charlesbridge, for the advance reading copy.
This book is such a good representation of all these things.
Tyson is the youngest yet he can be his best helpful wherever he can. He feels doubtful at times regarding how useless he is compared to his older siblings. But the older ones are kind and loving making him see and feel how helpful and important he is.
The book brought me so much joy!
I love the illustrations and the way the writing has been minimally fit perfectly on each page.
Thank you, Charlesbridge, for the advance reading copy.
July 28, 2022
This book is part of the story telling math series where children are taught math concepts that will help them as they age and move along in school. Tyson is the youngest of 4 and as such he is smaller, slower, and not able to do as much as his older brothers. But with a bit of thinking and ingenuity, he discovers that he can help out. The help needed? Find the missing hamster and get him back into his cage.
February 8, 2024
As the title Too-Small Tyson foreshadows, Tyson is the youngest and the smallest of four older brothers. In fact, his nickname is even Li’l Man and his brothers never accept his offers to help with things around the house, even a chore like cleaning out the cage of the family pet gerbil Swish’s cage. When Swish is found missing from his cage, Tyson might just be the perfect person to help, and in more ways than one! Read to find out how Tyson applies knowledge of proportions as he tries different combinations of small, medium and large tubes from the cage to rescue Swish!
Too-Small Tyson was a book featured on The Brown Bookshelf blog in the post “The Season of Black Boy Books – Best of 2022”. It had a guest post by Vanesse J. Lloyd-Sgambati, Founder of The African American Children’s Project, which presented a compilation of books that were written by Black authors and centered on Black male lead characters. This particular title piqued my interest because it is part of a series called Storytelling Math and I liked that it combined diversity (I don’t have many books that feature African Americans as a main character)and mathematical thinking (not my strong suit) in one book, and a picture book at that! I was curious to see how a rather complex sounding mathematical concept such as proportional thinking would be dealt with in a picture book intended for readers age 3-6. Having read the book, I agree that this book lends itself well to be used with the youngest of readers and I think this series would be a great tool for teachers to show the interconnection of math and the solving of real-world problems. Because each book in the series highlights one specific mathematical thinking skill of which there are many covered by other titles (e.g. spatial sense/geometry, sorting and classifying, patterns, measurement, volume/capacity/area, division and fractions), I can see myself using this series during math integration time to help my students visualize or better understand the math concepts that a given unit in Illustrative Math curriculum will cover. Not being so mathematically inclined or interested in math myself, I appreciated how the book took a complex math concept and made it relatable to students’ lives.
This book, as I think many in the series are, is also available in Spanish (Tyson, el pequeñito / Too-Small Tyson). The book contains an Author’s Note and a section called “Exploring the Math” that helps to explain the mathematical skill in an easy to understand way for kids, parents and teachers. There’s even some suggested hands-on activities to extend children’s thinking in the Try This! section and a website is provided for more activities. I think it’s admirable how this author tries to help bring adults and children together to explore every day math in the world around them, all while showcasing and celebrating everyday black characters living their lives. This book definitely attains the author’s goal of writing books that in her own words “mirror the experiences of many Black children all across the country...doing everything” including math.
Too-Small Tyson was a book featured on The Brown Bookshelf blog in the post “The Season of Black Boy Books – Best of 2022”. It had a guest post by Vanesse J. Lloyd-Sgambati, Founder of The African American Children’s Project, which presented a compilation of books that were written by Black authors and centered on Black male lead characters. This particular title piqued my interest because it is part of a series called Storytelling Math and I liked that it combined diversity (I don’t have many books that feature African Americans as a main character)and mathematical thinking (not my strong suit) in one book, and a picture book at that! I was curious to see how a rather complex sounding mathematical concept such as proportional thinking would be dealt with in a picture book intended for readers age 3-6. Having read the book, I agree that this book lends itself well to be used with the youngest of readers and I think this series would be a great tool for teachers to show the interconnection of math and the solving of real-world problems. Because each book in the series highlights one specific mathematical thinking skill of which there are many covered by other titles (e.g. spatial sense/geometry, sorting and classifying, patterns, measurement, volume/capacity/area, division and fractions), I can see myself using this series during math integration time to help my students visualize or better understand the math concepts that a given unit in Illustrative Math curriculum will cover. Not being so mathematically inclined or interested in math myself, I appreciated how the book took a complex math concept and made it relatable to students’ lives.
This book, as I think many in the series are, is also available in Spanish (Tyson, el pequeñito / Too-Small Tyson). The book contains an Author’s Note and a section called “Exploring the Math” that helps to explain the mathematical skill in an easy to understand way for kids, parents and teachers. There’s even some suggested hands-on activities to extend children’s thinking in the Try This! section and a website is provided for more activities. I think it’s admirable how this author tries to help bring adults and children together to explore every day math in the world around them, all while showcasing and celebrating everyday black characters living their lives. This book definitely attains the author’s goal of writing books that in her own words “mirror the experiences of many Black children all across the country...doing everything” including math.
October 30, 2022
Tyson is the youngest of four brothers, and while his brothers love him, they sometimes forget that he's getting bigger now and can do a lot more than he used too. When the family's pet gerbil goes missing, it may be that Tyson's unique gifts and abilities are exactly what's needed to save the day.
This is a great story about family, resilience, and problem solving. There's also a sneaky math lesson about relative sizes. It features a Black family completely incidentally, which is rare. It's so important for kids to see themselves represented on the page, so this would definitely be a priority for me to get into the classroom.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
This is a great story about family, resilience, and problem solving. There's also a sneaky math lesson about relative sizes. It features a Black family completely incidentally, which is rare. It's so important for kids to see themselves represented on the page, so this would definitely be a priority for me to get into the classroom.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
April 7, 2022
This is a very cute story for any children who have faced issues because they are smaller. My daughter is very small and also we like to teach her that all people are different! This is perfect for a diversity unit in your library!
Thank you to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 27, 2022
This is a delightful book that is very relatable to kids. Tyson is the youngest of four brothers and of course that makes him the smallest sibling.
The family gerbil, Swish, goes missing and the hunt is on to retrieve him and put him safely back in his cage. Of course Tyson wants to be part of the rescue team but is dismissed from participating in the mission because his brothers once again think he is too small to engage in the search.
Tyson saves the day by using his math skills. He uses his knowledge of doubling up, tripling up and using different sized tubes from Swish's cage (and a luring slice of juicy apple) to create a pathway that connects him to his beloved pet and manages to bring him to safety.
The wonderful illustrations are colourful, engaging and enrich the message of the story. I love the fact that the smallest brother is the one who cleverly solves the problem proving that no matter what your size you are valuable and capable of contributing great helpful ideas too!
FYI:
Storytelling Math celebrates children using math in their daily adventures as they play, build, and discover the world around them. Joyful stories and hands-on activities make it easy for kids and their grown-ups to explore everyday math together. Developed in collaboration with math experts at STEM education non-profit TERC, under a grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation.
This book would be a wonderful asset in a classroom setting and in an elementary school library. I highly recommend it!
The family gerbil, Swish, goes missing and the hunt is on to retrieve him and put him safely back in his cage. Of course Tyson wants to be part of the rescue team but is dismissed from participating in the mission because his brothers once again think he is too small to engage in the search.
Tyson saves the day by using his math skills. He uses his knowledge of doubling up, tripling up and using different sized tubes from Swish's cage (and a luring slice of juicy apple) to create a pathway that connects him to his beloved pet and manages to bring him to safety.
The wonderful illustrations are colourful, engaging and enrich the message of the story. I love the fact that the smallest brother is the one who cleverly solves the problem proving that no matter what your size you are valuable and capable of contributing great helpful ideas too!
FYI:
Storytelling Math celebrates children using math in their daily adventures as they play, build, and discover the world around them. Joyful stories and hands-on activities make it easy for kids and their grown-ups to explore everyday math together. Developed in collaboration with math experts at STEM education non-profit TERC, under a grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation.
This book would be a wonderful asset in a classroom setting and in an elementary school library. I highly recommend it!
May 1, 2022
Tyson is the youngest and smallest boy in a family of boys. He has to work harder to keep up, but his brothers don't think he's big enough to help with anything.
When Swish, the family gerbil is missing, the bigger boys tire of looking and give up. Tyson won't stop until his best friend is safe again. Swish is in a tight spot, but only Tyson thinks of a creative way to get the job done.
And, Tyson uses his understanding of math (simple measurement and fractions, in the form of multiple length gerbil tubes) to solve the problem.
This colorful and fun book has wonderful illustrations and a less-tall perspective of Tyson's life. Several lessons are learned, and we don't know for sure who gets the best reward! I smiled all the way through!
5/5 Stars
(I especially liked looking at Swish and the tennis shoes.)
Thanks to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for the preview of this ebook picture book pdf; the review is voluntary.
#TooSmallTyson #Charlesbridge #NetGalley
#ChildrensFiction
#ChildrensPictureBook
#ChildrensFictionFamilyPet
#ChildrensFictionandMath
#SwishtheGerbil
#TysonandSwish
When Swish, the family gerbil is missing, the bigger boys tire of looking and give up. Tyson won't stop until his best friend is safe again. Swish is in a tight spot, but only Tyson thinks of a creative way to get the job done.
And, Tyson uses his understanding of math (simple measurement and fractions, in the form of multiple length gerbil tubes) to solve the problem.
This colorful and fun book has wonderful illustrations and a less-tall perspective of Tyson's life. Several lessons are learned, and we don't know for sure who gets the best reward! I smiled all the way through!
5/5 Stars
(I especially liked looking at Swish and the tennis shoes.)
Thanks to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for the preview of this ebook picture book pdf; the review is voluntary.
#TooSmallTyson #Charlesbridge #NetGalley
#ChildrensFiction
#ChildrensPictureBook
#ChildrensFictionFamilyPet
#ChildrensFictionandMath
#SwishtheGerbil
#TysonandSwish
July 7, 2022
Tyson is the youngest in a household of four older brothers. Being the youngest means that he is also the smallest. His brothers think that Tyson is too small to be very helpful. One day, Tyson's pet gerbil, Swish, goes missing while the cage was being cleaned. The brothers go on a gerbil hunt, but it is Tyson who eventually finds Swish, but no one can reach Swish. While the brothers go play, Tyson problem solves how to reach Swish. The brothers all realize that even though Tyson is the youngest and the smallest, he is the perfect size to help out..
I loved this story book. The illustrations were amazing. I like that Tyson used used his math skills to solve the problem with Swish. There is also an Exploring Math page which provides additional information on proportional thinking and activities that can be used in the classroom or the home. The author does include a note about the importance of representation and diversity for all readers and I do plan on adding this book to my classroom library.
I loved this story book. The illustrations were amazing. I like that Tyson used used his math skills to solve the problem with Swish. There is also an Exploring Math page which provides additional information on proportional thinking and activities that can be used in the classroom or the home. The author does include a note about the importance of representation and diversity for all readers and I do plan on adding this book to my classroom library.
November 3, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital review copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This cute story includes math, family and mathematical problem solving as Tyson figures out how to capture his pet hamster that has gotten loose in the house. It's a fun read aloud and children will have fun participating as you read along with Tyson's ideas for getting his gerbil back in its cage. He uses proportional thinking and some tubes to get his gerbil from under the bed. Loved the fact that it goes beyond the simple concept of counting as the main focus of a math infused book and pushes kids into concepts that will help them become even stronger mathematical thinkers.
I also loved that the main character is a Black boy with four brothers and that they are doing everyday things and living life. No one makes fun of Tyson for being the youngest or smallest, he just tries to figure out how to get things done without his brothers help so that he can be independent too.
This cute story includes math, family and mathematical problem solving as Tyson figures out how to capture his pet hamster that has gotten loose in the house. It's a fun read aloud and children will have fun participating as you read along with Tyson's ideas for getting his gerbil back in its cage. He uses proportional thinking and some tubes to get his gerbil from under the bed. Loved the fact that it goes beyond the simple concept of counting as the main focus of a math infused book and pushes kids into concepts that will help them become even stronger mathematical thinkers.
I also loved that the main character is a Black boy with four brothers and that they are doing everyday things and living life. No one makes fun of Tyson for being the youngest or smallest, he just tries to figure out how to get things done without his brothers help so that he can be independent too.
April 14, 2022
This beautiful picture book tells the story of a lost gerbil and a small youngest sibling who uses his problem solving and other math skills to help find his furry friend. Using size and shape as part of problem solving, this book shows readers that there are real life applications for the math concepts they are learning at school. I also love that the character is Black and that some young readers will be able to see themselves in the story. It is also a bit of an underdog story because the smallest sibling is the one with the biggest ideas and the best strategies for solving the problem. All great growth mindset lessons for sure!
I would recommend this book to parents and teachers of children in the 5-9 age range. As a grade 3 teacher I could see this book in my class library, and would definitely recommend it to other teachers in my school in the k-grade3 range. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I would recommend this book to parents and teachers of children in the 5-9 age range. As a grade 3 teacher I could see this book in my class library, and would definitely recommend it to other teachers in my school in the k-grade3 range. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!
May 11, 2022
Too-Small Tyson is a wonderful picture book celebrating the underdog. Tyson is the youngest and smallest of five brothers. He is often told he is too small to do things that the older brothers can do. When the family pet gerbil goes missing it is Tyson who comes to the rescue! Using proportional thinking and math Tyson discovers he is the perfect size after all. The colorful and captivating illustrations will ensure this story entertains readers while demonstrating the positives of math.
Special thanks to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Special thanks to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 10, 2022
Representation: 10
Story: 10
Illustration: 10
I am a big fan of JaNay Brown-Wood books. Her stories are relatable, wholesome, and empowering. I simply adore the inclusivity message she shares while representing Black children and families.
The way math was included in this book was excellent. I am a big fan of math and always try to instill this love by sharing fun ways to use it daily. Too-Small Tyson is a perfect resource.
** Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review. **
Story: 10
Illustration: 10
I am a big fan of JaNay Brown-Wood books. Her stories are relatable, wholesome, and empowering. I simply adore the inclusivity message she shares while representing Black children and families.
The way math was included in this book was excellent. I am a big fan of math and always try to instill this love by sharing fun ways to use it daily. Too-Small Tyson is a perfect resource.
** Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review. **
July 15, 2022
**Thank you to Charlesbridge Publishing in connection with School Library Journal's Picture Book Palooza for the review copy. This in no way changed my opinion**
This was a fun way to show kids how you can combine things of different sizes to make the same size object. Tyson uses the tubes in his gerbil's cage to connect and rescue his gerbil, Swish, from under the bed. I liked that the author included a note about Black joy and that she wanted to create a book where Black characters are just existing. There are also notes about the math involved. It was cute. Recommended.
This was a fun way to show kids how you can combine things of different sizes to make the same size object. Tyson uses the tubes in his gerbil's cage to connect and rescue his gerbil, Swish, from under the bed. I liked that the author included a note about Black joy and that she wanted to create a book where Black characters are just existing. There are also notes about the math involved. It was cute. Recommended.
August 12, 2022
The publisher's blurb really covers the story, but it's not my tiny daughter measuring for baking with her father this time. Good marks for affirmation as well as applying maths to real life!
The illustrations by Anastasia Williams are simple, delightful, colorful, vibrant, and imaginative.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age and also for ESL readers.
I really want to get one for my local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you!
The illustrations by Anastasia Williams are simple, delightful, colorful, vibrant, and imaginative.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age and also for ESL readers.
I really want to get one for my local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you!
October 10, 2022
JaNay Brown-Wood delivers an excellent story that many children can relate to: being the smallest in the family and not respected. Tyson takes this challenge head on, always asking to help and never giving up. The wonderful twist in this story is the addition of math and spacial thinking skills demonstrated when Tyson is trying to reach his lost gerbil. On top of that, the book comes with extension activities and discussion prompts. A great read for affirming that no matter your characteristics, you are perfect the way you are, and for showcasing math skills.
July 16, 2022
I received an electronic ARC from Charlesbridge through Edelweiss+.
Part of the Story Telling Math series.
Tyson is the youngest of five brothers and is often considered too small to help with projects. He proves them wrong when he uses math to figure out how to get their gerbil from under his bed. After that, he is included and appreciated for his own skills and size.
Brown-Wood shows readers how math fits into our lives in ways we don't think about.
Part of the Story Telling Math series.
Tyson is the youngest of five brothers and is often considered too small to help with projects. He proves them wrong when he uses math to figure out how to get their gerbil from under his bed. After that, he is included and appreciated for his own skills and size.
Brown-Wood shows readers how math fits into our lives in ways we don't think about.
October 9, 2022
I loved this picture book. It shows that everyone has something to contribute to their family. Tyson may be the smallest and the youngest but he uses his problem solving skills to figure out any obstacles he encounters. A great combination of brains and heart! I enjoyed the protective spirit of his older brothers too, a great example of a beautiful family unit.
October 19, 2022
Tyson is the youngest, therefore the smallest, member of the family. He usually doesn't get included in activities, since his height "incapacitated" him. But there are, though, things only Tyson can do. The book reminds us again not to exclude people, because it might make them feel unworthy. We should remind them that there are things only them can do.
January 20, 2023
Lots of size comparisons in general, and then some proportional thinking with the tubes (three mediums make a long, two shorts make a medium).
I liked the mix of narration and dialogue bubbles here! Needing the tubes before Squish could be tempted to come out with apple seems like a stretch to get the proportional reasoning in, though.
I liked the mix of narration and dialogue bubbles here! Needing the tubes before Squish could be tempted to come out with apple seems like a stretch to get the proportional reasoning in, though.
April 3, 2023
This Storytelling Math series does a great job showing realistic scenarios that incorporate math concepts beyond counting 1-10 and adding. Tyson is the smallest of 5 brothers and is usually left out of everything, but his problem-solving using proportional thinking (didn't know this term until now...) helps find and rescue the missing pet gerbil.
June 1, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Charlesbridge for a free digital copy.
I liked this math book with a practical application. Kids will get a picture of small, medium, and large and the benefits and uses of every size!
I liked this math book with a practical application. Kids will get a picture of small, medium, and large and the benefits and uses of every size!
October 18, 2022
Too-Small Tyson is not too small to use math to figure out how to rescue his best friend- Swish the gerbal. Tyson’s brothers realize that he has what it takes to help out, even though he is the youngest. Teaches the math concept of proportional thinking.
January 13, 2023
Great, except I think the math part of the story wasn't vital in the first place because they could have probably lured the gerbil out with an apple without using the tubes. If I were a kid, that would probably be my takeaway.
March 15, 2023
An adorable read about a boy being "too small" but being very smart and helpful with solving problems. It's nice to read to kids letting them know that they can be useful no matter how small they are. It was also nice introducing my kids to spanish.
October 10, 2023
A diverse book that shows kids in regular families overcoming challenges and thinking mathematically.
Read as a nomination in the Fiction Picture Book book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
Read as a nomination in the Fiction Picture Book book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
April 8, 2022
I love it when books involve math in real life situations. We enjoyed reading this book. This book will add diversity to any bookshelf.
April 13, 2022
Really like this addition to the Storytelling Math series. Highly recommend. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this ahead of publication.
Want to Read
May 2, 2022Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 6, 2022
I received an eARC courtesy of Charlesbridge Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
December 14, 2022
Great inclusion of early math topics and a wonderful story about how we can all find our place no matter what our size is!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews