Tuesday 26 August 2014

You are (not) Small by Anna Kang and Chris Weyant (Hodder Children's Books)


You are (not) small

Written by Anna Kang

Illustrated by Chris Weyant

Published by Hodder Children's Books

Size matters and yet it does not. Small is one person's big. Big is one person's small, and Anna Kang's brilliant children's book looks at both sides of the size war. A tiny bear squares up to a big one. "You are small!" says big bear. "You are big" says little bear, and thus begins a story exploring all shapes and sizes with humour and hilarity.

Anna Kang might be described as small in her adopted homeland. Petite in stature, she obviously knows what it's like to be hobbit-esque (believe me, this is something I know only too well myself, being a fairly short five-six or thereabouts). She weaves her experiences into a superb tale.

Anna's partner Chris Weyant provides bold and colourful illustrations to compliment the rib-tickling tale that will become a snuggle-down read-aloud classic with your littlest ones (or even your 6 year olds, who will love helping out and reading along). I read all the big bear's lines and Charlotte read all the small bear's lines in this as we read it together, making it even more fun.

Does size really matter? Only when it comes to chocolate sundaes, we reckon.

Charlotte's best bit: There's such a brilliant pay-off at the end of the book which we won't spoil but it gave us both a snorting giggling moment. Love it!

Daddy's Favourite bit: A joyful celebration of all shapes and sizes (and heights!)

(Kindly sent to us for review by Hodder Children's Books)