The Little Guys

PreS-Gr 2--The little guys are mighty, mostly because there are many of them and they work well together. In their determination to prove that they can fend for themselves, they are sometimes discourteous to those with whom they share the forest. Pillaging dens and conquering large animals, the little guys think they have it all, but do they really? Set in a forest teeming with wildlife, this picture book features tiny cartoon creatures with acorn caps who wreak havoc wherever they go while making their collective stronger. There are several messages here: little ones can achieve a lot, much can be accomplished through teamwork, and, most important, a community is bolstered through sharing and kindness. Brosgol's artwork is lively, with detailed facial expressions. The action moves quickly, and the buildup is exciting. Young readers will easily identify the problems in the story and will be contented by the climax and solution. While there is power in numbers, it is better to use that strength for good rather than selfish gain. VERDICT A terrific and engaging read-aloud for early elementary students, and a great discussion starter.--Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"What a fantastic message: not just teamwork, but actual community." —New York Times

"[A] pointed exploration of the notion that collective action just becomes mob rule without a moral foundation." —Booklist, starred review

" There are several messages here: little ones can achieve a lot, much can be accomplished through teamwork, and, most important, a community is bolstered through sharing and kindness . . . A terrific and engaging read-aloud for early elementary students, and a great discussion starter." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Brosgol introduces an unexpected idea and adds a clever, collaborative resolution . . . Expertly paced and very funny." —Publishers Weekly

"With its action-filled double-page spreads . . . expert comedic timing; and the oddly endearing Little Guys, the story is well suited for read-alouds." —Horn Book, starred review

"Brisk and clever . . . Oddly charming." —Kirkus Reviews

"There's a lesson for listeners that being little and adorable and resourceful doesn't give you carte blanche to rule the world, but it's okay if the audience is giggling too hard to catch it." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Caldecott Honor book Leave Me Alone!:

"Funny is hard; Brosgol makes it look easy." —NPR, Best Books of 2016

"Both classic and ultracontemporary . . . especially for children who like to shout along." —The New York Times Book Review

"So well-executed, it feels almost unfair that this is Brosgol's first foray into picture books." —The Huffington Post, Best Picture Books of 2016

"Hilariously mingles elements both folkloric and intergalactic." —The Wall Street Journal

"Brosgol is a master." —School Library Journal, starred review

"The fizzy collision of old-fashioned fairy tale elements with space-age physics is delightful." —Publisher's Weekly, starred review

"Repetition and patterned storytelling ground the out-of-this-world elements for a thoroughly entertaining adventure." —Horn Book

"Brosgol infuses her fairy tale-like story with a hefty dose of humor, thanks to her fantastic page turns and comedic timing . . . As cozy as a new sweater." —Booklist

"With clever trips to the moon and through worm holes, Vera Brosgol brings a fresh new perspective to the world of children's books." —Dan Santat, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

"A cranky, funny, skillful, gentle, beautiful beautiful book." —Jon Klassen, I Want My Hat Back