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moggmogg's review
5.0
Beautiful picture book of a boy walking through the city --talking (we find out later) to his lost cat. Inference; Prediction; Narrator
starnosedmole's review
Great art but the twist to this book is sad and could upset sensitive kiddos.
couchnest's review
4.0
Touching picture book about a small child giving advice to his lost cat in the big city.
erine's review
3.0
I struggled with the lack of clarity. Apparently it was the child narrating, speaking to their lost cat. But I didn’t catch on until the narrator tells the reader (cat) that they can go sit on a park bench, and “Sometimes my friend is there. If you see her, say hi. You could sit on her lap and she will pet you.” I found that creepy and had to read the whole thing three times before I could fully understand the story.
Basically, Small, it’s not you, it’s me. The illustrations hit the mark, but the text was so... whimsically difficult. I probably would have been more satisfied if I had known about the cat from the get-go. But neither the endpapers nor the title page had even the slightest clue.
As a book presented by someone in the know to another person who has lost their pet, this might be relatable, or even comforting. But I was merely confounded.
Upon reflection, a bonus star for a nonspecifically gendered main character. Which is a rarity, and yet, so delightful when it does occur.
Basically, Small, it’s not you, it’s me. The illustrations hit the mark, but the text was so... whimsically difficult. I probably would have been more satisfied if I had known about the cat from the get-go. But neither the endpapers nor the title page had even the slightest clue.
As a book presented by someone in the know to another person who has lost their pet, this might be relatable, or even comforting. But I was merely confounded.
Upon reflection, a bonus star for a nonspecifically gendered main character. Which is a rarity, and yet, so delightful when it does occur.
ozshark's review
5.0
Lovely picture book that takes you in a different direction than you expect. Kids will identify with many parts of this book (although Australian kids won't identify with the snow setting so much), but look out for when it clicks with them what is happening!
alicebennett's review
5.0
A book about feeling isolated and alone in a big place. A child narrates their life in the city, illustrated with pictures that show the things around them, the people and the weather.
I like how the reader is never shown the child's face directly, it is always turned away or covered by something to illustrate how they have learnt to be constantly on the move and camouflage themselves to stay safe.
I would ask lots of questions about why the child is on their own, what has happened, are they homeless? We could look at the lives of homeless people and consider their feelings. We could look at this book in conjunction with 'The Little Match Girl' and write diary entries or poetry from the perspective of a runaway or homeless child; focusing on loneliness and the absence of parents.
I like how the reader is never shown the child's face directly, it is always turned away or covered by something to illustrate how they have learnt to be constantly on the move and camouflage themselves to stay safe.
I would ask lots of questions about why the child is on their own, what has happened, are they homeless? We could look at the lives of homeless people and consider their feelings. We could look at this book in conjunction with 'The Little Match Girl' and write diary entries or poetry from the perspective of a runaway or homeless child; focusing on loneliness and the absence of parents.
iseefeelings's review
5.0
Three years living far from home, I know deeply what it's like to feel small in the city. I hadn't known the book was both written and illustrated by a local artist until I saw the old Toronto streetcars and familiar scenes of the city; then for a moment, I could see myself captured in those vignettes: tiny, gloomy and kind of lost.
For the days like these when I’m tired and depressed, all I want is to go home.
”But I know you, you will be alright.”
Those words came as a sign.
My eyes were red – as if I was heard by a stranger without me even muttering a word –
and I feel like being embraced. I guess that's what a great picture book should do as well: come at the right time and leave you in love and warmth.
For the days like these when I’m tired and depressed, all I want is to go home.
”But I know you, you will be alright.”
Those words came as a sign.
My eyes were red – as if I was heard by a stranger without me even muttering a word –
and I feel like being embraced. I guess that's what a great picture book should do as well: come at the right time and leave you in love and warmth.
leahtd's review
Beautiful book, but even though there is not much text, probably better for older kids who would see the missing cat sign and get it.
ash_thelibrarian_reads's review
4.0
The illustrations in this book are wonderful and the story is both sweet and sad, but in a book for small children I am not a fan of the ambiguous ending. Not knowing what the outcome actually was is quite heartbreaking. Overall, a wonderful book.
tabby2920's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This one almost made me cry! But had such a lovely and touching message at the end.