Too Small Tola
(Too Small Tola #1)

In this winning trio of stories, Atinuke (Catch That Chicken!) introduces readers to counting whiz Tola, who lives with her family in "a run-down block of apartments in the megacity of Lagos, in the country of Nigeria." Tola shares a small apartment with her brainy older sister Moji, her soccer star older brother Dapo, and her industrious ("very-very bossy") grandmother, who is raising the children while their father works abroad. Though "everybody calls her Too Small Tola, which makes her feel too-too small," Tola is eager to prove herself. Detailed grayscale illustrations by Iwu accompany the text, enlivening the characters alongside Atinuke's quick conversational text. Though class dynamics are prominent in Tola's life, the stories continually affirm the value of community care: when a neighbor runs out of diapers, Tola brings back more from the market, despite her already heavy basket; when an injury jeopardizes the neighborhood tailor's work during the Eid festival and Easter celebrations, Tola and Dapo travel through the city to collect measurements. Evoking all five senses to render contemporary Nigeria, the creators celebrate the beauty of daily life through Tola's joy, wonder, and perseverance. Ages 7-9. (Mar.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-4--To everyone's surprise, Tola is not too small to do big things. Living in Nigeria with her grandmother and siblings, Moji and Dapo, is not always easy for Tola. The family's apartment is small and in need of a makeover, not to mention that the electricity and water situation is unpredictable. But through it all, young Tola shows she can be a big influence. When Grandmommy needs her help at the market, Tola is skeptical but is able to carry the goods home safely. The day the water runs short, Tola is not too small to figure out how to confront the local bullies, the Ododi boys, who are causing trouble by the water pump. Most of all, she proves to be a lifesaver as she stands in for Mr. Abdul, the tailor, by taking his customer's measurements while his broken leg mends. Throughout the story we see evidence of Tola's tight-knit and diverse community. VERDICT An appropriate and enjoyable beginning chapter book for young readers who are transitioning from picture books.--Martha Rico, Yselta I.S.D., TX

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.