You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang, illustrated by Christopher Weyant
Published by:Two Lions/Amazon Publishing
Release date: August 2014
Ages: 2-6
Pages: 32
From the publisher:
Two fuzzy creatures can’t agree on who is small and who is big, until a couple of surprise guests show up, settling it once and for all!
The simple text of Anna Kang and bold illustrations of New Yorker cartoonist Christopher Weyant tell an original and very funny story about size—it all depends on who’s standing next to you.
My thoughts:
We received this book a month ago. Which means, for the last month, I’ve been biting my tongue, trying not to say too much, because I knew I had this blog tour stop coming up.
You Are (Not) Small was an insta-hit in our house. The book arrived in the afternoon mail, we opened it right after naps. We read it once. Got to the end. And read it again. Both the 2yo and the 5yo, one on either side of me, demanding another read.
First, I love the play on perspective. I have a 5yo who, compared to her peers, is “small.” But if you ask her, she’ll tell you she’s “big”. She’s five, after all. Five year olds are big kids. “Small” is her 2yo brother, nevermind that he’s only a few inches shorter and a few pounds lighter. This books takes the idea of big and small and turns it on its head, with an ending that had my preschooler both thinking and giggling.
The text is simple, another reason this book was perfect for both my children. My youngest may not have understood the message about perspective, but he followed the simple plot. My oldest, who is just learning to read, recognized several of the words, and was able to read parts independently, something that’s hugely satisfying for an almost-kindergartener. Pair this with bright, bold illustrations and plenty of white space, and both kids were captivated.
I asked Anna and Christopher to share a little bit about themselves by answer a few questions. Here are their responses:
ANNA:
You Are the best at recalling random and useless facts; nagging (according to my daughter).
You Are (Not) a fan of wet socks; shopping.
You Are happiest when reading.
You Are (Not) afraid to try new foods.
CHRIS:
You Are the best at being able to identifying any actor just by their voice in commercials and radio.
You Are (Not) a fan of chalk.
You Are happiest when drawing or being with my kids. Or even better, drawing with my kids.
You Are (Not) afraid to try fixing stuff (even though I may make it worse).
Thank you, Anna and Chris, for taking the time to visit!
Want to know more?
Christopher Weyant’s work has been published worldwide in books, newspapers, magazines, and online. His cartoons are in permanent collection at The Whitney Museum of American Art and The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City. Anna Kang received her MFA from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. YOU ARE (NOT) SMALL is their first children’s book; they are currently at work on a sequel. They live with their children in New Jersey.
Be sure to visit all the stops on their blog tour!
Mon, Jul 28
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Cracking the Cover
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Tues, Jul 29
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As They Grow Up
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Wed, July 30
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Susan Heim on Parenting
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Thurs, July 31
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5 Minutes for Books
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Fri, Aug 1
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Kid Lit Frenzy
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Mon, Aug 4
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Geo Librarian
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Tues, Aug 5
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Just a Little Creativity
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Wed, Aug 6
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Children’s Book Review
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Thurs, Aug 7
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Children’s Book Review
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And now…
GIVEAWAY!
Two Lions/Amazon has offered to give away one (1) copy of You Are (Not) Small to a lucky reader. To enter:
1. Fill out the form below
2. One (1) entry per household
3. U.S Residents only, please.
4. Giveaway closes at 11:59pm on Friday, August 22nd.
Good luck!
Congratulations, Courtney W.!
Disclosure
Great giveaway, thanks!