Harvey is small but on his birthday his mum buys him a pair of stilts and a very long pair of trousers and ships him off to Madam Bogbrush's School for Gifted Giants. Although he's terrified, he goes and must hide who he really is from his classmates, especially when he discovers that the first school rule is that people will be stomped into a sandwich if they are small. And, as if that isn't bad enough, a school inspector arrives who seems hell-bent on closing the school. But can Harvey and his classmates save the school and can Harvey make them accept him for who he really is (without being stomped on)?
Small is a funny book that will make readers chuckle from the very beginning, from Harvey trying to learn how to walk on his stilts, to the comments the inspector writes during her inspection, and the silliness will go down well with readers of all ages. However, hidden in amongst the humour are some very powerful messages: that of friendship and being accepted for who you are; for not needing to hide your true self and about finding friends where you may least expect to. One of the most powerful messages though, is Harvey's realisation that he is not responsible for the break-up of his parents' relationship. He begins to understand that his parents are happier apart and isn't anybody's fault. It's a very powerful message for children in a similar situation to read.
With wonderful illustrations from Rory Walker which help to enhance the story, Small is a book that will appeal to children from Year 3 upwards.
Due for release on the 16th June, I'm grateful to Everything With Words publishing for my early copy of Small.
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