Thinking Big: The Story of a Young Dwarf

Kuklin has produced the first photo-essay to profile the life of an achondroplastic dwarf, and she's done an inspiring job. Eight-year-old Jaime is neither ashamed nor professionally cute. She proudly exclaims, ""Hi, this is your lucky day. You've just met your first dwarf.'' Kuklin looks at ways Jaime is the same as other youngsters (she likes to have her hair curled, and reads to her little brother), and ways she is different (she is double-jointed and less bothered by the cold than average-size people). Jaime's problems being teased and needing special medical care aren't ignored; guidance from her gentle family and from Little People of America helps. There's an epilogue for adults; readers of all ages and sizes will be intrigued and enlightened. The book is special in every sense. (69)