Review Detail

SMALL WORLD is a gorgeous celebration of growing up and following your dreams. When Nanda was born, her world was very small. As she got bigger and older, her world continues to grow, including more people and ideas. When she grows up, she goes to the moon, and now the Earth seems small. With beautiful, geometric illustrations and an ultimate message of achieving your dreams, this is a lovely and lyrical book that celebrates science.

What I loved: The writing in the book has a beautiful flow and rhythm, akin to THE WONDERFUL THINGS YOU WILL BE, and tells a magnificent story. I love how Nanda is female (and non-white) and follows her interest in science throughout her life. The illustrations are elegant and detailed, including things like posters of other female astronauts in Nanda's room. All of this combines into a truly beautiful story.

Final verdict: Great for young children of all ages and easily enjoyable by adult readers too, SMALL WORLD is a gorgeous portrayal of following your dreams. In the context of growing experience, Nanda's world keeps expanding and the reader can watch her grow, learn, and reach her goals. Elegant, lyrical, and seemingly magical, this is a fantastic read for children of all ages.