Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:
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The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade
Author Justin Roberts
Illustrator Christian Robinson
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2014
Fiction
Suitable for: Ages 3-5
Theme/Topic: Bullying, Teasing, Excluding Others, Rhyme
Opening Spread: Hardly anyone noticed young Sally McCabe.
Brief Synopsis: From the jacket flap: Hardly anyone noticed young Sally McCabe. She was the smallest girl in the smallest grade. But Sally notices everything— from the twenty-seven keys on the janitor’s ring to the bullying happening on the playground.
One day, Sally has had enough and decides to make herself heard. And when she takes a chance and stands up to the bullies, she finds that one small girl can make a big difference.
Links to Resources:Â A bullying lesson plan.
Why I like this book: I love the work of Christian Robinson and grabbed this one from the library display. The art for this book was done in colored pencils. The art pulls the reader through to the third spread where the meat of the story begins. The story is serious. The book is a great reminder of how to pay “super extra special attention” to those around you. In our digital and “connected” world, it’s easy to be distracted and miss what’s happening around us. I’m guilty of it too.
For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.
Meg Miller
Looks like a great book Stacy! I love the illos, I’ll have to check it out. Thanks!
stacy
The illos are awesome.
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Yes! I pulled all the Christian Robinson books from the library one day and studied them. His art is amazing. If you want an “original” he sells cool cards on his website: http://www.redcapcards.com/artist_details/christian-robinson
stacy
Wow. I didn’t catch that while looking at his website. I agree his art is amazing. Those cards are super cool too!
carol munro
You might like THE INVISIBLE BOY by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton.
stacy
I will look for that one Carol.
Wendy Greenley
I will definitely check this one out! I had been toying with a couple small girl ideas–because I was the smallest in my grade, and not just in K.
stacy
Do check it out Wendy! I’m sure there is room for another small girl story. From the comments today, several people remember being the smallest girl.
Sue Wang
Great topic, cute art (love color pencils). And empowering the seemingly smaller girl!
stacy
Very empowering Sue. A good reminder for adults too.
Romelle
Thanks for the review, Stacy! I just added this one to my Goodreads so I can keep track of all the books I want to read. I’m always interested in the different techniques writers approach bullying.
stacy
I wish I used Goodreads. I probably should do that. I just add everything to my library list until the book becomes available. This one I found on display at the library.
Heather Dent
I LOVE colored pencil illustrations! They are so beautiful. I will have to check this one out.
stacy
They are very nice like all of Christian Robinson’s work.
Patricia Tilton
I was always one of the small girls in my class. So I can relate. I love that she finds a way to find her voice. Like the different bullying theme.
stacy
The moment she finds her voice is a very unique one.
Jilanne Hoffmann
oooohhhhh, Christian Robinson, the illustrator for “Josephine” and so many more lovely books! He’s wonderful!
I love how the smallest can still have a big voice. It’s now on my reading list. Thanks!
stacy
Yes. I love Christian Robinson’s books. His work is wonderful.
Teresa Robeson
I haven’t read it yet and I’m already rooting for Sally! Sounds like an empowering book; wish it was around when my boys were little.
stacy
It is empowering. There’s a great scene in the school cafeteria. Since my mom Sally was a lunchroom lady, I should share it with her.
Rosi Hollinbeck
This sounds like a terrific book. I just ordered it from my library and can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the review.
stacy
Hope you enjoy it Rosi.
Julie Rowan-Zoch
Lurv this book! (cuz I was the third smallest!)
stacy
I don’t remember being small or big. I was a twin. 🙂
Damon Dean
Sounds like a great book…putting it on my library list.
stacy
Hope you enjoy it.
rhythm
I love the cover! It shows lots of promise for the inside. And what a great title! I know all about those smallish kids. I’ve helped many a small fry when they were feeling overwhelmed. I’ll have to look for this book! Thanks!
stacy
Ah, I realized I had a typo in the Title of the blog post. I have corrected it now. Thanks for helping out those small fry kiddos Rhythm.
Tiffa
This looks like a great book! Thank you so much for the recommendation!
stacy
It’s a good one Tiffa. Hope you enjoy it.