I Don’t Want to be Small

This book will appeal to many children in EYFS and Key Stage 1. Often in these years, children are growing at different rates which sometimes leaves some children inevitably smaller than others. Children will quickly identify with the hero of the narrative. This book captures that feeling so well and does so with great humour that will appeal to young readers. The use of rhyme brings the story to life and enables the listener to be carried along. It also makes it a fabulous read aloud that children will be able to predict and join in with as they become familiar with it. The illustrations capture the child’s expressions so well: expressions that range from frustration and anger to happiness.

The simple message of the book about friendship and the uniqueness and specialness of each of us, is one that children can’t hear enough. The illustrations offer plenty to explore beyond the story itself and add a further dimension to the story. There is ample opportunity to pause and discuss the feelings of the character, particularly when his teddy bear is stuck on the branch that is too high for him to reach, as well as giving children the chance to reflect on his ‘schemes’ to ‘grow tall quick’! This is a great accompaniment to the author’s (Laura Ellen Anderson) book in the same vein, ‘I don’t want curly hair’. This is a delightful story for young children.