A Small Thing . . . but Big - Hardcover

Johnston, Tony

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1626722560 ISBN 13: 9781626722569

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 2016

Synopsis

Lizzie and her mom go to the park. That's where Lizzie meets an elderly man and his companion, Cecile, a dog about her size.

But Lizzie is afraid of dogs, so she'll have to rely on her new friend to help her take things one step at a time.

Getting over your fears may seem like a small thing . . . but it sure can feel big.

About this title

About the Author:

Tony Johnston is the award-winning author of more than a hundred beloved children's books. She lives with her family in San Marino, California, where she grew up.

Hadley Hooper works as an editorial illustrator for numerous magazines and newspapers. In 2011 she illustrated Here Come the Girl Scouts! by Shana Corey. The Iridescence of Birds was her second picture book and first for Roaring Brook Press. She lives in Denver, Colorado.

From School Library Journal:

PreS-Gr 2—What could be a more carefree experience than a trip to the park with one's mother? After exploring, however, Lizzie finds herself face-to-face with a dog—and she freezes. The gentleman at the other end of the leash "timidly" responds to some of her nervous questions and then encourages her to pat Cecile. This "small thing, but big [step]" gradually leads to other brave acts, from holding the leash to walking the dog by herself. Johnston's poetic dialogue is perfectly paced to indicate the paradoxical desire and discomfort experienced by both main characters, as well as their giddy joy upon reaching out ("'She is quite adoring being with you,' the old man said shyly."). Lizzie notes: "How springingly she walks," imitating the dog's movements. By the story's conclusion, the introverted man and child are "aglow." Hooper's relief printmaking and digital designs employ a summery palette with blocks of color, object groupings, and wrought iron grillwork to create depth against spacious white backgrounds. She makes strategic use of the gutters to produce mirror images of girl and dog, each with big grins; short black lines define one head with loose pigtails and another with perky ears. Classical statuary directs attention and adds symbolic meaning; other park encounters reinforce the theme. Hooper establishes a friendly rapport between Lizzie's mother and the gentleman from the beginning to allay stranger concerns. VERDICT This intergenerational tale of kindred spirits facing fears and finding friendship is certain to inspire courage in readers. A sublime read-aloud for small group sharing.—Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library

About this edition

• Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1626722560
• ISBN 13: 9781626722569
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Hooper Hadley