  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 08/01/2016 PreS-Gr 2—What could be a more carefree experience than a trip to the park with one's mother? After exploring, however, Lizzie finds herself face-to-face with a dog—and she freezes. The gentleman at the other end of the leash "timidly" responds to some of her nervous questions and then encourages her to pat Cecile. This "small thing, but big [step]" gradually leads to other brave acts, from holding the leash to walking the dog by herself. Johnston's poetic dialogue is perfectly paced to indicate the paradoxical desire and discomfort experienced by both main characters, as well as their giddy joy upon reaching out ("'She is quite adoring being with you,' the old man said shyly."). Lizzie notes: "How springingly she walks," imitating the dog's movements. By the story's conclusion, the introverted man and child are "aglow." Hooper's relief printmaking and digital designs employ a summery palette with blocks of color, object groupings, and wrought iron grillwork to create depth against spacious white backgrounds. She makes strategic use of the gutters to produce mirror images of girl and dog, each with big grins; short black lines define one head with loose pigtails and another with perky ears. Classical statuary directs attention and adds symbolic meaning; other park encounters reinforce the theme. Hooper establishes a friendly rapport between Lizzie's mother and the gentleman from the beginning to allay stranger concerns. VERDICT This intergenerational tale of kindred spirits facing fears and finding friendship is certain to inspire courage in readers. A sublime read-aloud for small group sharing.—Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 10/01/2016 *Starred Review* At the park, Lizzie is intrigued by Cecile, a dog accompanied by an old gentleman, but she’s a little fearful, too. “‘Does she bite?’ asked Lizzie anxiously. / ‘Only her food,’ said the old man.” With his encouragement, she pats the dog. After more timid questions and reassuring answers, Lizzie finds the courage to walk alongside them for a little while and, later, to walk Cecile on her own. Watching events unfold from a little distance, Lizzie’s mom gives her daughter a bit of independence but stays reassuringly within sight. Each time Lizzie tries something new, the man or the narrator repeats the title phrase: “A small thing, but big.” Afterward, Lizzie tells the man, “Before today, I was very afraid of dogs,” and he responds by confessing a fear of his own, one that may surprise children. Few writers can match Johnston’s sense of language, audience, and storytelling in a picture book, and this quiet, precise text is one of her best. The illustrator of Patricia MacLachlan’s The Iridescence of Birds (2014), Hooper uses “relief printmaking and digital techniques” to capture the sense and spirit of Lizzie’s story within a setting that’s full of light and air. A buoyant book just right for reading aloud. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. Loading...
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