Not Little
Dot may be the smallest person in her family, and even in her class at school. Even her name is small! But despite Dot’s size, she is not little. In fact, she often has to prove that there is more than meets the eye when others assume she is younger than she really is. When Sam joins her class, Dot is surprised to see that he is even smaller than her. One day, when another classmate is being unkind to Sam, Dot discovers one part of herself that definitely is not little…her VOICE. Readers will be drawn into this story of spirit, courage and friendship. With its relatable text and color-pencil illustrations, Not Little is a big yes.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Adults can support children as they walk through the book again, this time as a “feelings detective.” How might Dot be feeling in some of the illustrations? How are others around her feeling? What clues help them decide? At the end of the story, ask children to think about why Sam said that Dot was the biggest person he ever knew, even though she didn’t grow.
Dot provides adults with a peek into a child’s perspective as she describes her need to feel independent, respected, and recognized. Even from a very young age, adults can support children in becoming independent readers. Before reading, adults can involve children in deciding where they want to read, and what book they would like to select. Engaging in interactive reading allows both the adult and child to participate in the experience, including turning pages, asking questions, and predicting what might happen next. Young children can use the illustrations to tell their story in their own words. Dot’s experience might also prompt children to share a time when they felt “little,” or other times when they felt “big.”