[Review Copy Courtesy of My Public Library]
In 2009, Cece Bell, author and artist of the acclaimed and wonderful graphic novel, “El Deafo,” created Itty Bitty, an elegantly simple and charming picture book. It has now been released as a board book and it is perfectly suited as such.
Itty Bitty is a little dog that finds a huge bone and turns it into a house for himself, but soon finds that the house is too big and empty for him! He decides to go shopping and heads off to a furniture store. At the store he finds the perfect tiny furniture for his home and buys a couple of pieces. He puts all of his new furniture inside and now it feels like home for him.
It’s a very short story; but between the perfect pacing, the repetition of the phrase “Itty Bitty” and the colorful and enchanting illustrations, it will easily have young ones enthralled. Little ones will ask for you to read Itty Bitty over and over again and will loves to finish the sentences.
It’s a pleasure to read aloud, is full of only happy good things, and has a clear sense of beginning, middle, and end. It’s a lovely book to read when you’re exhausted but the kids want you to read to them anyway. It is really spot on for that three to five age group, but even older children will find the story engaging. Little ones will identify with Itty Bitty’s size and feel empowered that even though he is small, he can be self-sufficient.
Itty Bitty is adorably illustrated and there’s a satisfaction in watching Itty Bitty create a sense of home and coziness. A wonderful book to read when you want to share a short story with little conflict and lots of coziness. A wonderful book to read right before bedtime to encourage little ones to snuggle in.
Recommended Ages 3 to 7. Candlewick Press. September 2017. 24 pages. ISBN: 978-0763693138 Fiction.
This book is nominated for a Cybils Award in Board Books. Have you nominated a book yet? You have until October 15th, 2017. I hope you will! Click here to learn more.
Where to Get it:
- [Affiliate Link]: Amazon.com
- [My Favorite Bookstore]: Addendum Books
- [Library]: Worldcat.org
Author/Artist Websites:
- Author and Artist: Cece Bell
More Reviews:
Where Obtained: I received a review copy from my fantastic library. No other compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
FTC Disclosures: Some of the links in the post above are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase something, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Which goes to fund my family’s picture book habit. It’s a vicious cycle, but we manage. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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