Not So Small

Miller (What Can You Do with a Rock?) reminds readers that no one is ever too small to speak up in this invitation to community involvement. The world may seem like one in which “Big things get noticed. Tall buildings. Loud voices. Wide walls,” but the text urges kids to pay attention, instead, to nature, where “One snowflake starts a storm. And dandelion fuzz can cause a BIG SNEEZE.” Escobar’s (Digging for Words) digital vignettes bubble with optimistic energy, showing hopeful-faced kids of various abilities and skin tones building up organizing steam for an array of causes. The movement builds step by step, involving speaking with a friend “Or four. Or four hundred,” writing “Postcards. Letters. Or articles,” and other actions, images of which build to a stirring rally scene, where a stream of children and adults hold up signs for Black Lives Matter, climate action, peace, and women’s rights. The book largely centers an urban setting—individuals gather on apartment balconies, fire escapes, stoops, and a rooftop—but even readers in the far reaches of exurbia should find inspiration and encouragement to take that first small step “ To friendship. Truth. And fairness.” Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Amy Kitcherside, Pickled Ink. (May)