Super Small

April 1, 2023

K-Gr 3-A super cute, illuminating graphic nonfiction concoction for young readers, with bubbly verse by Stone and light-hearted illustrations by "Binky the Space Cat" creator Spires. Each animal herein is assigned an introductory poem focusing on a character trait like strength, voracious hunger, or glamorous beauty. In the margins, each animal is also afforded a paneled comic of bite-sized fun facts. Some stand-out stars include the immortal jellyfish, the gear-legged high jumping plant hopper, and the tardigrade, which can survive in outer space. A panoply of aquatic animals, birds, and reptiles join their ranks. Some poems are rhymed and metered, others more impressionistic, but all are crafted to be read aloud and most rely heavily on a youthful sense of humor. The illustrations have an instant glossy appeal: all round-edged and smooth pastels, with bobbly cartoon eyes on insects and felines alike. The book wraps up with the message that small kids can be super-special too, a framing device that may please or puzzle readers depending on their level of devotion to animal facts as an end in themselves. VERDICT A brief catalogue of minor masterpieces of nature, eager to prove its worth with sugary-sweet illustrations and giggle-grabbing verse, this is a gentle introduction, rather than a comprehensive compilation, of the strengths of tremendous tiny creatures.-Emilia Packard

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 1, 2023
Rhymed introductions to 15 mighty mites. From the bee hummingbird, which can fly backward and upside down, to wood frogs, which survive winter's cold as "frogsicles," and axolotls able to regenerate major body parts, the focus in this poetry collection is on superpowers in tiny packages. Stone sings the praises of each in brisk free or rhymed verse; of the hardy tardigrade, she states, "And bear in mind, although it's wee, / it's tougher that you'll ever be. / Freezing cold or boiling hot-- / too much to bear? This bear thinks not." The author adds a few quick side notes in amplification, while Spires gives these peewee powerhouses confident looks to match the breezy tone and adds clever touches, like posing the Barbados threadsnake next to a (larger) spaghetti noodle and the aforementioned hummingbird near an actual bee. A Black-presenting child soaring in a homemade hot air balloon brings up the rear with a reassuring message: " 'You're just a kid, ' is their excuse. / 'Too super small to be of use.' / But I know this isn't true. / There's lots of stuff that I can do." The author leaves off with a final, direct challenge: "What is YOUR superpower?" (This book was reviewed digitally.) Small wonders. (Informational picture book/poetry. 6-8)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.