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pangobooks's review
challenging
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
wiestli's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
jenlouisegallant's review
3.0
Very cute children's book that gives an insight into the lives of a girl and her family in Nigeria.
zoes_human's review
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
miszjeanie's review
5.0
Absolutely delightful chapter book! Full review to come ❤️
04/03/2021
Too Small Tola is a short, engaging collection of three stories about a young Nigerian girl, Tola. This chapter book depicts life in the city of Lagos, as well as the challenges of being a smaller child. Readers who appreciate an international appeal and enjoy books about bullying and grandparent and sibling relationships will enjoy this one. Bonus points for fans of illustrated stories, as this one is well illustrated.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to Candlewick Press for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
04/03/2021
Too Small Tola is a short, engaging collection of three stories about a young Nigerian girl, Tola. This chapter book depicts life in the city of Lagos, as well as the challenges of being a smaller child. Readers who appreciate an international appeal and enjoy books about bullying and grandparent and sibling relationships will enjoy this one. Bonus points for fans of illustrated stories, as this one is well illustrated.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to Candlewick Press for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
iammandyellen's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mat_tobin's review
5.0
Tola and her relations might have become my new favourite family in children's literature. Tola, her older siblings, Moji and Dapo, along with the formidable Grandmummy, all live in Lagos, Nigeria. Their home resides in a crumbling block of flats and comprises of a single room, with bedrooms separated by a curtain. Most of the clothes and furniture are hand-me-downs whilst daddy is away in the UK earning enough money to send back so that they can afford the rent.
But none of this affects Tola. Just like her Grandmummy, she is never overwhelmed by the bigger world out there and rises to the challenge be it helping her grandmother with the weekly shopping, collecting huge cannisters of water before school or helping measure the Lagos residents for their Eid and Easter costumes. Lagos thrums with life and humour in this new series by Atinuke and glimpses are brought to life by Iwu's ink drawings.
The first in the series, this collection of three short stories is pitched perfectly for a class read in Y2 or even Summer Y1 and beyond. It would make for a fantastic independent read for those who have become confident and would do well in helping readers see that Africa is much more than a continent with mud huts and intermittent meetings with wild animals.
But none of this affects Tola. Just like her Grandmummy, she is never overwhelmed by the bigger world out there and rises to the challenge be it helping her grandmother with the weekly shopping, collecting huge cannisters of water before school or helping measure the Lagos residents for their Eid and Easter costumes. Lagos thrums with life and humour in this new series by Atinuke and glimpses are brought to life by Iwu's ink drawings.
The first in the series, this collection of three short stories is pitched perfectly for a class read in Y2 or even Summer Y1 and beyond. It would make for a fantastic independent read for those who have become confident and would do well in helping readers see that Africa is much more than a continent with mud huts and intermittent meetings with wild animals.
maggie_wultz's review
5.0
I read this with my 5 year old daughter. She loved Tola and all her adventures! This book was a cool way to learn about Nigerian culture which I, and my 5 year old, were not familiar with. I will definitely be sharing the sequels with her as well!