Little Shrew

By Akiko Miyakoshi

Book Overview

A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2024

Multi-award-winning and internationally bestselling author-illustrator Akiko Miyakoshi returns with a beguiling, quietly magical appreciation of life's little pleasures.

Little Shrew is diligent in all parts of life. He's a hard worker and follows a strict schedule from morning to night. But even a life that runs like clockwork can be filled with unexpected pockets of joy, such as solving a puzzle for the very first time, enjoying the scent of freshly baked bread, seeing the vast beauty of a shimmering blue ocean or delighting in a visit with friends.

This collection of three short stories - perfect for emerging readers - is illustrated in Miyakoshi's signature soft monochrome palette with pops of color. The charming tales celebrate enduring friendships, dreams for the future and the little pleasures that make everyday life more meaningful.

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2024

A Kids' Indie Next List pick

Starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, The Horn Book, Publishers Weekly

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1525313037
• ISBN13: 9781525313035
• Release Date: June 2024
• Publisher: Kids Can Press
• Length: 72 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.3" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Anthropomorphic masterpiece

What a delight, this shrew playing Rubik's cube, trading away a scarf and cooking soup for companions. This book is singular in its approach to expressing the curious details of an everyday life. Wistfully, I relate, as my son is devouring the story.