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Being Small (Isn't So Bad After All): A Story About Embracing our Differences
Being small is the worst!No one ever picks me for their sports team and my feet hurt from standing on my tiptoes all the time. There can't be anything good about being small...right?Being Small is a picture book about a little girl who is scared to go to school because she's the shortest kid in the class. She talks about all of the reasons that being short is a challenge, but her mother presents to her funny and unique advantages that only she has because of her height, instilling self-confidence in her.This book is a must-read for any child who has ever fallen behind the curve on the growth chart.
- GenresChildrensPicture Books
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2021
30 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Lori Orlinsky
5 books36 followersLori Orlinsky is a multi award-winning, best-selling children's book author who lives in Chicago. Lori is certified by the CDC in Bullying Prevention and Response Training and is an ambassador for the PACER's National Bullying Center. At 5"1, she wishes her book Being Small (Isn't So Bad After All) was around while she was growing up. Other books by Lori include The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache, Balloons for Tiger and The Adventures of Lefty & Righty: The Windy City.
Lori is available for author visits and wants to connect with you, so be sure to visit her on Facebook and Instagram: @loriorlinskyauthor and visit her website, loriorlinskyauthor.com.
Lori is available for author visits and wants to connect with you, so be sure to visit her on Facebook and Instagram: @loriorlinskyauthor and visit her website, loriorlinskyauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 26, 2021
Such a lovely book. Beautiful illustrations. A story for all, kids and adults.
July 22, 2019
My sincere thanks to Laura Mossa of Beagles and Books for sending her copy of this book to me so that I could enjoy it with my youngest daughter (who is constantly worried about being so small and sounding so small). Right after it arrived, I sat down and read it with my youngest two children (my 5 y/o and my 8 y/o), who both enjoyed it! Written in rhyming text, we meet a young girl who doesn’t want to to go school because she’s so small. She complains about all the ways her life is miserable due to her height (can’t go on “big kid” rides, is the last picked in sports, etc.) while her mother counters her complaints with all the wonderful things about being small (great at limbo, get to be in the front of all group photos, can squeeze into tight spaces, etc.). In the end, she’s happy to go to school now that she has a new perspective and can enjoy the benefits of her height. This is a great story of overcoming the-grass-is-greener syndrome and the message will ring true for so many young readers in the younger grades!
AWARDS: Mom’s Choice Award Winner
I love the brightly-colored illustrations showcasing sweet faces of childhood wonderings. And the font is cute and inviting for young eyes — something I often look for in children’s books.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
AWARDS: Mom’s Choice Award Winner
I love the brightly-colored illustrations showcasing sweet faces of childhood wonderings. And the font is cute and inviting for young eyes — something I often look for in children’s books.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
October 18, 2019
Cute!
This is a super cute rhyming story about a young girl. The story is sweet and the illustrations are beautiful.
This is a super cute rhyming story about a young girl. The story is sweet and the illustrations are beautiful.
May 8, 2019
We all can relate to the little girl in this story. Once kids are in school, more often than not, they’re comparing themselves to their peers and struggle with the differences. Height being a major one!
The story starts out with a little girl hiding under her covers, saying she’s too sick for school, and tries convincing her mother she should just stay home. The truth comes to light; she’s embarrassed about how short she is and how she can’t do everything everyone else can do. Mama swoops in, showing her every little which way her height makes her very special.
When I was growing up, I was always the tallest kid in class. Taller than all the other girls, and even the boys. While now things have leveled out and I feel just fine being on the taller side, growing up was rough. I was bullied and made fun of, and unfortunately that kicked my confidence to the cub and I felt like a big floppy monster. In reality, I was a string bean of kid that just needed to be steered in the right mindset.
I often turned to my books to escape when I was young, and really wish I’d had one like this to read. A book with vibrant pages, letting me know that my differences were actually great blessings!? Heck yes.
Lori Orlinsky’s wonderfully crafted book should be on every child’s shelf, and in every classroom and daycare library, ready to work magic.
The story starts out with a little girl hiding under her covers, saying she’s too sick for school, and tries convincing her mother she should just stay home. The truth comes to light; she’s embarrassed about how short she is and how she can’t do everything everyone else can do. Mama swoops in, showing her every little which way her height makes her very special.
When I was growing up, I was always the tallest kid in class. Taller than all the other girls, and even the boys. While now things have leveled out and I feel just fine being on the taller side, growing up was rough. I was bullied and made fun of, and unfortunately that kicked my confidence to the cub and I felt like a big floppy monster. In reality, I was a string bean of kid that just needed to be steered in the right mindset.
I often turned to my books to escape when I was young, and really wish I’d had one like this to read. A book with vibrant pages, letting me know that my differences were actually great blessings!? Heck yes.
Lori Orlinsky’s wonderfully crafted book should be on every child’s shelf, and in every classroom and daycare library, ready to work magic.
March 13, 2021
I was granted a complimentary review copy of Being Small (Isn't So Bad After All) by the author Lori Orlinsky via Rock Star Book Tours in exchange for an honest review as part of my participation on the blog tour. Thank you Lori Orlinsky and Rock Star Book Tours for the opportunity! This has not swayed my opinion on this title. My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
Being Small (Isn't So Bad After All) is a cute story about a little girl in pre-K who doesn't want to go to school today because of all the ways being the shortest kid in class isn't so great. Mom to the rescue! Her mom points out all the things about being small that are actually awesome.
As a fellow short lady (5'4) who was frequently the shortest kid in the class (even the year I was on the older side of a split grade class) I definitely could have used a book like this when I was a kid. It's a cute spirit lifter for the vertically challenged who may be feeling down about their stature, regardless of age, but especially for those little school-aged kids. The illustrations are adorable and very interesting to look at, too.
My own daughter is on track to be quit tall (taking after her father's side) but friends of ours have a tiny little thing going into Kindergarten next year, so I'll be sure to recommend this book if their daughter needs the confidence boost.
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I read this title for a blog tour! To read the rest of the post and gain easy access to the rest of the tour, visit: https://www.westveilpublishing.com/?p...
Being Small (Isn't So Bad After All) is a cute story about a little girl in pre-K who doesn't want to go to school today because of all the ways being the shortest kid in class isn't so great. Mom to the rescue! Her mom points out all the things about being small that are actually awesome.
As a fellow short lady (5'4) who was frequently the shortest kid in the class (even the year I was on the older side of a split grade class) I definitely could have used a book like this when I was a kid. It's a cute spirit lifter for the vertically challenged who may be feeling down about their stature, regardless of age, but especially for those little school-aged kids. The illustrations are adorable and very interesting to look at, too.
My own daughter is on track to be quit tall (taking after her father's side) but friends of ours have a tiny little thing going into Kindergarten next year, so I'll be sure to recommend this book if their daughter needs the confidence boost.
--
I read this title for a blog tour! To read the rest of the post and gain easy access to the rest of the tour, visit: https://www.westveilpublishing.com/?p...
May 9, 2019
Great book about looking at things from a different perspective. The little girl in the story doesn’t want to go to school because she is smaller than everyone in her class and isn’t able to do all the things that the taller kids can do. Her mother explains that there are other things she can do because she is small! Always 2 sides to a coin!
October 20, 2020
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This is such a cute and inspirational story that boosts confidence in children. I recommended this book to my friend’s children and they also loved it.
As children start growing up and discover the world, they also start to notice flaws in themselves to fit in. The girl feels insecure because she is shorter than others her age. She doesn’t want others to judge and make fun of her. However, the author beautifully spins the tale to change her perspective. Moreover, each page is told in the form of a poem that made the tale adorable.
Similarly, the illustrations by Vanessa Alexandre makes the story stand out in a beautiful way. Each page has striking colors and charming illustrations that make the story memorable. They are simple and easy to look at, but the characters look so adorable with their big eyes and smiling faces.
Also, this is one of those stories which I feel a person of any age would enjoy and relate to. As a person who has always been tall, I used to have the exact opposite issue of when people used to push me to the back of the line and for class photos. It’s refreshing to see a children’s tale address such topics.
I hope the author continues to release similar stories and make this into a series. I would love to read such stories to my loved ones for people who are tall, fat, skinny, or face other concerns. Overall, this is an adorable book that I would recommend to anyone who feels like their child lacks confidence in their appearance.
October 8, 2020
Being Small is such a sweet little book. I love picture books and have actually been reading a lot more of them lately. I don’t know if I’m searching for something from childhood now that the world seems to be going to hell, but they are zero pressure and sometimes, I need like five minutes to decompress.
This story is about Hayley, a girl who fakes sick because she doesn’t want to go to school. She’s the shortest in her class and doesn’t like that everyone is taller than her. It means being picked last for sports and not being able to reach everything. It means her pants are too long (welcome to my world, love) and that she can’t do all the things other kids in her class can do.
Luckily, she has an awesome mom who tells her all the things she can do because she’s short. She can fit in small spaces, doesn’t have to duck under low-hanging branches, and she’s in the front row during class pictures (that would be a negative for me but whatever lol).
I’m honestly shocked I didn’t start crying while reading this because children being sad is one of my kryptonites, but the mom came in quickly to give Hayley a confidence boost and reassure her, so I didn’t even have a chance to start sobbing over a picture book (don’t even get me started about the time I read a Jane Austen picture book…)
The art/illustrations are also really detailed and CUTE AF!!
Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All) by Lori Olinsky and illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre is such a fun, sweet book and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a break or for any short kids (or adults) that need a reminder that they’re awesome! I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars!
It’s out now!
Thank you to StoryOrigin and Mascot Books Inc. for the free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This story is about Hayley, a girl who fakes sick because she doesn’t want to go to school. She’s the shortest in her class and doesn’t like that everyone is taller than her. It means being picked last for sports and not being able to reach everything. It means her pants are too long (welcome to my world, love) and that she can’t do all the things other kids in her class can do.
Luckily, she has an awesome mom who tells her all the things she can do because she’s short. She can fit in small spaces, doesn’t have to duck under low-hanging branches, and she’s in the front row during class pictures (that would be a negative for me but whatever lol).
I’m honestly shocked I didn’t start crying while reading this because children being sad is one of my kryptonites, but the mom came in quickly to give Hayley a confidence boost and reassure her, so I didn’t even have a chance to start sobbing over a picture book (don’t even get me started about the time I read a Jane Austen picture book…)
The art/illustrations are also really detailed and CUTE AF!!
Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All) by Lori Olinsky and illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre is such a fun, sweet book and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a break or for any short kids (or adults) that need a reminder that they’re awesome! I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars!
It’s out now!
Thank you to StoryOrigin and Mascot Books Inc. for the free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 7, 2020
Rating: 5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: super cute, quick read; as a former short kid (and a still-short adult), I LOVE the message this sends out; the pictures are absolutely adorable; two huge Penguin flippers up for this!
Huge thanks to Lori Orlinsky, Mascot Books, Inc., and Rockstar Book Tours for sending a copy of this title my way in exchange for a review! This in NO way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
This was a SUPER cute, super quick little read. As a former short kid who used to get made fun of for being short (and a still-short adult who sometimes still gets made fun of for it), I really loved the positive and uplifting message that this book sends to those who perhaps are not as tall as their classmates, and feel self-conscious about it.
The rhyme scheme is easy to read, and just the perfect amount of "sing-song" needed for such a delightful children's book to be successful. The adorable pictures that go along with the story brought vibrancy and life to the journey, and gave readers some fun backdrops to look at while listening/reading.
I had a TON of fun reading this, and would definitely recommend to those who have tiny humans in their households or families--especially if those tiny humans are a little more on the "tiny" side than they like. This message is clear: it is OKAY to be short! Sometimes, it's better even than being tall.
Quick Reasons: super cute, quick read; as a former short kid (and a still-short adult), I LOVE the message this sends out; the pictures are absolutely adorable; two huge Penguin flippers up for this!
Huge thanks to Lori Orlinsky, Mascot Books, Inc., and Rockstar Book Tours for sending a copy of this title my way in exchange for a review! This in NO way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
This was a SUPER cute, super quick little read. As a former short kid who used to get made fun of for being short (and a still-short adult who sometimes still gets made fun of for it), I really loved the positive and uplifting message that this book sends to those who perhaps are not as tall as their classmates, and feel self-conscious about it.
The rhyme scheme is easy to read, and just the perfect amount of "sing-song" needed for such a delightful children's book to be successful. The adorable pictures that go along with the story brought vibrancy and life to the journey, and gave readers some fun backdrops to look at while listening/reading.
I had a TON of fun reading this, and would definitely recommend to those who have tiny humans in their households or families--especially if those tiny humans are a little more on the "tiny" side than they like. This message is clear: it is OKAY to be short! Sometimes, it's better even than being tall.
September 13, 2019
I really enjoyed getting my hands on this one, thanks to my youngest daughter, who is also one of the 'small' ones in life.
This little girl doesn't want to go to school. Although she thinks she might not feel good enough to go, it turns out that she's upset about being so small. She recounts her troubles to her mother, who then flips everything upside down. And maybe being small isn't as negative as the little girl thinks.
The text is simple and flows in rhyme (some times smoother than others). The words are placed in such a way, which not only makes it clear what the girl fears, but also will bring smiles to young listeners faces. The humor is light but just right to make this a meaningful and enjoyable read. The situations are ones listeners will identify with, and the mother's side of things is also easy to agree with and understand. It's a cute back and forth with a message that's clear.
The illustrations are sweet and bring across the atmosphere nicely. Each situation is easy to understand (even for those who are simply flipping through the pages), and will probably draw a comment or two before the tale is done.
Kids who are on the small side will especially enjoy this book and are sure to see themselves in at least a few of the scenes.
I received a complimentary copy and found this book so cute and important that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
This little girl doesn't want to go to school. Although she thinks she might not feel good enough to go, it turns out that she's upset about being so small. She recounts her troubles to her mother, who then flips everything upside down. And maybe being small isn't as negative as the little girl thinks.
The text is simple and flows in rhyme (some times smoother than others). The words are placed in such a way, which not only makes it clear what the girl fears, but also will bring smiles to young listeners faces. The humor is light but just right to make this a meaningful and enjoyable read. The situations are ones listeners will identify with, and the mother's side of things is also easy to agree with and understand. It's a cute back and forth with a message that's clear.
The illustrations are sweet and bring across the atmosphere nicely. Each situation is easy to understand (even for those who are simply flipping through the pages), and will probably draw a comment or two before the tale is done.
Kids who are on the small side will especially enjoy this book and are sure to see themselves in at least a few of the scenes.
I received a complimentary copy and found this book so cute and important that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
November 2, 2020
Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All) is definitely an adorable feel good read for all children regardless of how small. It’s even great for those short adults, like myself… ha! More than that it teaches the important of not being afraid of who you are and all you have to offer.
I am only 5’1″ as an adult and always grew up on the small side, so I related to this book so much. When I was young, I didn’t love being small, but as I got older I realized all the amazing things that came with being short and small. I adore how this book emphasizes that and how to be happy with who you are.
My one year-old son is on the smaller side (only 14th percentile!) and I cannot wait to show him this book some day and all the amazing benefits that can come from being small. The author took a “small concept” and made it into something large. Plus, there’s adorable illustrations and great rhyming words too! Definitely work a pick up.
Find this review at Jotted by Jena
I am only 5’1″ as an adult and always grew up on the small side, so I related to this book so much. When I was young, I didn’t love being small, but as I got older I realized all the amazing things that came with being short and small. I adore how this book emphasizes that and how to be happy with who you are.
My one year-old son is on the smaller side (only 14th percentile!) and I cannot wait to show him this book some day and all the amazing benefits that can come from being small. The author took a “small concept” and made it into something large. Plus, there’s adorable illustrations and great rhyming words too! Definitely work a pick up.
Find this review at Jotted by Jena
October 19, 2020
Being Small is a cute children's book that showcases a little girl who is adamant about staying home being she's too short to have any fun. Or so she believes. She lists all the reasons why being short is the worst, but then her mom counters with reasons why being short is just fine. Eventually, the little girl realizes her mom is right, and she's finally okay with being small.
I found this story to be a quick, easy read. Little kids will find the rhyming scheme fun to follow along with. The illustrations are cute, and I'm sure young readers will possibly relate to being unhappy with being on the smaller side.
I, myself, have never been short (even as a kid, I was a tall, lanky noodle), but my twin sister has been short all her life (she's 5 foot exactly, and I'm almost 5'8"), so while I can't relate personally, I understand the struggle.
Being Small is a book I'd recommend to parents of young readers. It's cute and fun, and it appeals to all ages.
5 stars!
I found this story to be a quick, easy read. Little kids will find the rhyming scheme fun to follow along with. The illustrations are cute, and I'm sure young readers will possibly relate to being unhappy with being on the smaller side.
I, myself, have never been short (even as a kid, I was a tall, lanky noodle), but my twin sister has been short all her life (she's 5 foot exactly, and I'm almost 5'8"), so while I can't relate personally, I understand the struggle.
Being Small is a book I'd recommend to parents of young readers. It's cute and fun, and it appeals to all ages.
5 stars!
August 28, 2019
Lori Geller Orlinsky gives a great example of how a little girl realizes, through her mother, that she has several advantages to being short and not to focus on all of the disadvantages in "Being Small (Isn't So Bad After All)." The story provides a great balance between the pros and cons of being short and shows how a loving mother can be a positive influence on a young child. I really enjoyed the rhyme scheme to the story that also makes reading the story out load fun to sing. Vanessa Alexandre also did an amazing job on the illustrations to enhance the story even more. I highly recommend this story for young children aged 2 to 6 years old.
October 23, 2020
A great rhyming book for kids to boost their self esteem despite being different in some way. In this story it starts with the little girl pretending she’s sick so she won’t have to go to school. What it really is, is that she is tired of being shorter/ smaller than others. But when her mom discovers her still in bed, she feels her and knows she isn’t sick. That is when the truth spills out of all the things the little girl cannot do. But her mother points out all the perks and benefits of being small and the little girl realizes that being small isn’t so bad after all. A very cute book I would definitely recommend with great illustrations.
October 23, 2020
We loved this book! Five out of five shiny stars for this one. With the amount of bullying going on with our younger generation, we’ve got to teach our children. We have to teach them how to overcome others negative opinions and make sure we are never on the giving end of those negative words. This book is about a girl who is small and gets picked on for it. Her mother explains to her why being small is way cool! It’s a great example at lifting our children up out of a bad place by turning their thoughts towards the positive! Great story paired with gorgeous illustrations. This book needs to be in every childs home!
May 11, 2019
I really liked this book. The worries of a short girl are so real and relevant, being left out because she doesn't conform to the standards is unfortunately too often seen. But soon she realizes, with the help of her mother, that being different is not at all a bad thing. Being different can be frustrating, but it could also be an advantage...it's all a matter of how she looks at it.
The illustrations are the cutest!
The illustrations are the cutest!
August 23, 2020
Lori Orlinksy gives us a glimpse into her childhood and how she was small in stature. Sharing how she learned to overcome her views about being small. Learning to embrace the cons of her size. There are positive experiences and lessons that children can learn from . Accepting that everyone is special no matter their size. I loved the rhythm pattern and illustrations that where enchanting. I would highly recommend this book for children ages 2-9 years.
I give this book 5+ stars!!!
I give this book 5+ stars!!!
October 27, 2020
Being Small is a well-written picture book about a little girl who doesn't want to go to school because she is picked on because she is small. She is called names and picked last for sports. Her mother teaches her that there is nothing wrong with being short, and that there are many advantages. It is a good book for kids about being different. The audience would be the preschool and early elementary reader.
November 12, 2020
The book “Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All)” sends out a very positive point about focusing on the positive side of things. Wise Mom encourages her small daughter to look at the things she can do, or the benefits of being small. The rhyme is bouncy and playful, and I love that the illustrations hint about the text so kids can make predictions. It’s a sweet story with a big message.
Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book! Opinions shared are mine.
Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book! Opinions shared are mine.
May 24, 2019
This is an amazing book for every little kid who might see themselves as different .It is so important to be able to view yourself in a different light , specially if you are small. If your child is smaller than their age (as mine is at this time) you WANT to pick this one up and boost their confidence multifold.
August 13, 2019
This is a story about a little girl who finds it difficult to be the smallest kid in the classroom. But her mother finds the advantages of it. I love this book. I had the same issue growing up, so I can relate to it. It is a cute story with a moral on it. I love the illustration too.
I am commanding this book for kids ages 4-7.
I am commanding this book for kids ages 4-7.
April 30, 2019
This is a great story about a little girl who doesn’t want to go to school because she’s so short. The rhymes are really nice and flow quite easily. My five year old loved it and even asked for me to read it again straight away!
April 30, 2019
This story is about a girl who is worried about being to short but her mother shows her being short is a good thing too. I love the illustrations and the message in the story is educational and will help kids who are feeling down about their height.
June 4, 2019
I liked the book's message that being small isn't all bad. Small people can do some things better than big people can. But the book is written in rhyme. Writing in rhyme is difficult to do and do well. The rhyme and rhythm are off in several places, which takes away from the message of the text.
September 4, 2019
This children's book is a very fun and Smart Way of trying to get kids to realize that being a small ain't so bad after all and they can do and enjoy things that big people can't. Too thumbs up!!!
September 21, 2019
A cute quick children’s book for our fellow shorties out there. ❤️
December 23, 2019
Book about being small! It also rhymes throughout it all.
Definitely a good book about being behind in growing.
Definitely a good book about being behind in growing.
February 18, 2020
Cute picture book helping a young girl see the advantages she has because she is small.
May 27, 2019
Free for honest review!
I loved this little book. The pictures and illustrations were just so adorable we well constructed it showed you exactually what you were reading.
The ryhming was just so cute and funny. Enough to make any child laugh and feel uplifted when feeling down or insignificant.
Which is a major point for this book, differences should be made to be fantastic not looked down upon (no pun intended). individuality is wonderful!
I think this will be a wonderful point for both adults and children reading this book.
I loved this little book. The pictures and illustrations were just so adorable we well constructed it showed you exactually what you were reading.
The ryhming was just so cute and funny. Enough to make any child laugh and feel uplifted when feeling down or insignificant.
Which is a major point for this book, differences should be made to be fantastic not looked down upon (no pun intended). individuality is wonderful!
I think this will be a wonderful point for both adults and children reading this book.
May 10, 2019
Wonderful story !! Celebrating the difference and overcoming any obstacles no matter how small!! To be proud of who you are!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews