The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade

Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:

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: 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.

30 Comments

Meg Miller on January 30, 2015 at 5:12 am

Looks like a great book Stacy! I love the illos, I’ll have to check it out. Thanks!
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- stacy on February 2, 2015 at 12:47 am
  
  The illos are awesome.
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Cathy Ballou Mealey on January 30, 2015 at 5:58 am

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
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- stacy on January 30, 2015 at 11:44 pm
  
  Wow. I didn’t catch that while looking at his website. I agree his art is amazing. Those cards are super cool too!
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carol munro on January 30, 2015 at 7:20 am

You might like THE INVISIBLE BOY by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton.
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- stacy on January 30, 2015 at 11:41 pm
  
  I will look for that one Carol.
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Wendy Greenley on January 30, 2015 at 7:32 am

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.
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- stacy on January 30, 2015 at 11:41 pm
  
  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.
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Sue Wang on January 30, 2015 at 8:37 am

Great topic, cute art (love color pencils). And empowering the seemingly smaller girl!
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- stacy on January 30, 2015 at 11:40 pm
  
  Very empowering Sue. A good reminder for adults too.
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Romelle on January 30, 2015 at 9:03 am

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.
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- stacy on January 30, 2015 at 11:39 pm
  
  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.
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Heather Dent on January 30, 2015 at 9:35 am

I LOVE colored pencil illustrations! They are so beautiful. I will have to check this one out.
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- stacy on January 30, 2015 at 11:39 pm
  
  They are very nice like all of Christian Robinson’s work.
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Patricia Tilton on January 30, 2015 at 9:52 am

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.
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- stacy on January 30, 2015 at 11:38 pm
  
  The moment she finds her voice is a very unique one.
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Jilanne Hoffmann on January 30, 2015 at 10:46 am

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!
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- stacy on January 30, 2015 at 11:37 pm
  
  Yes. I love Christian Robinson’s books. His work is wonderful.
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Teresa Robeson on January 30, 2015 at 10:55 am

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.
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- stacy on January 30, 2015 at 11:34 pm
  
  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.
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Rosi Hollinbeck on January 30, 2015 at 12:05 pm

This sounds like a terrific book. I just ordered it from my library and can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the review.
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- stacy on January 30, 2015 at 11:33 pm
  
  Hope you enjoy it Rosi.
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Julie Rowan-Zoch on January 30, 2015 at 4:43 pm

Lurv this book! (cuz I was the third smallest!)
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- stacy on January 30, 2015 at 11:33 pm
  
  I don’t remember being small or big. I was a twin. 🙂
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Damon Dean on January 30, 2015 at 8:17 pm

Sounds like a great book…putting it on my library list.
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- stacy on January 30, 2015 at 11:32 pm
  
  Hope you enjoy it.
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rhythm on January 31, 2015 at 4:38 pm

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!
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- stacy on February 2, 2015 at 12:47 am
  
  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.
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Tiffa on January 31, 2015 at 11:21 pm

This looks like a great book! Thank you so much for the recommendation!
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- stacy on February 2, 2015 at 12:46 am
  
  It’s a good one Tiffa. Hope you enjoy it.
  Reply