Member Reviews
I love books that can be read to children as a story but integrates math and problem solving using size and shape. Many students can identify with Tyson and it will be a great book to use in class!
An adorable read about a boy being "too small" but being very smart and helpful with solving problems. It's nice to read to kids letting them know that they can be useful no matter how small they are.
This cute story includes math, family and mathematical problem solving as Tyson figures out how to capture his pet hamster that has gotten loose in the house. It's a fun read aloud and children will have fun participating as you read along with Tyson's ideas for getting his gerbil back in its cage. He uses proportional thinking and some tubes to get his gerbil from under the bed. Loved the fact that it goes beyond the simple concept of counting as the main focus of a math infused book and pushes kids into concepts that will help them become even stronger mathematical thinkers.
I also loved that the main character is a Black boy with four brothers and that they are doing everyday things and living life. No one makes fun of Tyson for being the youngest or smallest, he just tries to figure out how to get things done without his brothers help so that he can be independent too.
Tyson is the youngest of four brothers, and while his brothers love him, they sometimes forget that he's getting bigger now and can do a lot more than he used too. When the family's pet gerbil goes missing, it may be that Tyson's unique gifts and abilities are exactly what's needed to save the day.
This is a great story about family, resilience, and problem solving. There's also a sneaky math lesson about relative sizes. It features a Black family completely incidentally, which is rare. It's so important for kids to see themselves represented on the page, so this would definitely be a priority for me to get into the classroom.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Tyson is the youngest, therefore the smallest, member of the family. He usually doesn't get included in activities, since his height "incapacitated" him. But there are, though, things only Tyson can do. The book reminds us again not to exclude people, because it might make them feel unworthy. We should remind them that there are things only them can do.
JaNay Brown-Wood delivers an excellent story that many children can relate to: being the smallest in the family and not respected. Tyson takes this challenge head on, always asking to help and never giving up. The wonderful twist in this story is the addition of math and spacial thinking skills demonstrated when Tyson is trying to reach his lost gerbil. On top of that, the book comes with extension activities and discussion prompts. A great read for affirming that no matter your characteristics, you are perfect the way you are, and for showcasing math skills.
I loved this picture book. It shows that everyone has something to contribute to their family. Tyson may be the smallest and the youngest but he uses his problem solving skills to figure out any obstacles he encounters. A great combination of brains and heart! I enjoyed the protective spirit of his older brothers too, a great example of a beautiful family unit.
The publisher's blurb really covers the story, but it's not my tiny daughter measuring for baking with her father this time. Good marks for affirmation as well as applying maths to real life!
The illustrations by Anastasia Williams are simple, delightful, colorful, vibrant, and imaginative.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age and also for ESL readers.
I really want to get one for my local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you!
Children must not be made self-conscious with senseless comparisons and reminding them how small and frail they are. Let them grow up and let them become confident of who they are.
This book is such a good representation of all these things.
Tyson is the youngest yet he can be his best helpful wherever he can. He feels doubtful at times regarding how useless he is compared to his older siblings. But the older ones are kind and loving making him see and feel how helpful and important he is.
The book brought me so much joy!
I love the illustrations and the way the writing has been minimally fit perfectly on each page.
Thank you, Charlesbridge, for the advance reading copy.
This book is part of the story telling math series where children are taught math concepts that will help them as they age and move along in school. Tyson is the youngest of 4 and as such he is smaller, slower, and not able to do as much as his older brothers. But with a bit of thinking and ingenuity, he discovers that he can help out. The help needed? Find the missing hamster and get him back into his cage.
Tyson is the youngest in a household of four older brothers. Being the youngest means that he is also the smallest. His brothers think that Tyson is too small to be very helpful. One day, Tyson's pet gerbil, Swish, goes missing while the cage was being cleaned. The brothers go on a gerbil hunt, but it is Tyson who eventually finds Swish, but no one can reach Swish. While the brothers go play, Tyson problem solves how to reach Swish. The brothers all realize that even though Tyson is the youngest and the smallest, he is the perfect size to help out..
I loved this story book. The illustrations were amazing. I like that Tyson used used his math skills to solve the problem with Swish. There is also an Exploring Math page which provides additional information on proportional thinking and activities that can be used in the classroom or the home. The author does include a note about the importance of representation and diversity for all readers and I do plan on adding this book to my classroom library.
This book was okay. Tyson is too small to do anything but learns that he is perfect for some things.
Representation: 10
Story: 10
Illustration: 10
I am a big fan of JaNay Brown-Wood books. Her stories are relatable, wholesome, and empowering. I simply adore the inclusivity message she shares while representing Black children and families.
The way math was included in this book was excellent. I am a big fan of math and always try to instill this love by sharing fun ways to use it daily. Too-Small Tyson is a perfect resource.
** Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review. **
Thanks to Netgalley and Charlesbridge for a free digital copy.
I liked this math book with a practical application. Kids will get a picture of small, medium, and large and the benefits and uses of every size!
Too-Small Tyson is a cute adorable book about a small boy Tyson who is smaller than his big brothers who has to come to the rescue after their pet goes missing. I absolutely loved the plot , the illustrations and the themes highlighted in the book. I recommend this book to all young readers and parents. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Too-Small Tyson is a wonderful picture book celebrating the underdog. Tyson is the youngest and smallest of five brothers. He is often told he is too small to do things that the older brothers can do. When the family pet gerbil goes missing it is Tyson who comes to the rescue! Using proportional thinking and math Tyson discovers he is the perfect size after all. The colorful and captivating illustrations will ensure this story entertains readers while demonstrating the positives of math.
Special thanks to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Tyson is the youngest and smallest boy in a family of boys. He has to work harder to keep up, but his brothers don't think he's big enough to help with anything.
When Swish, the family gerbil is missing, the bigger boys tire of looking and give up. Tyson won't stop until his best friend is safe again. Swish is in a tight spot, but only Tyson thinks of a creative way to get the job done.
And, Tyson uses his understanding of math (simple measurement and fractions, in the form of multiple length gerbil tubes) to solve the problem.
This colorful and fun book has wonderful illustrations and a less-tall perspective of Tyson's life. Several lessons are learned, and we don't know for sure who gets the best reward! I smiled all the way through!
5/5 Stars
(I especially liked looking at Swish and the tennis shoes.)
Thanks to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for the preview of this ebook picture book pdf; the review is voluntary.
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This is a delightful book that is very relatable to kids. Tyson is the youngest of four brothers and of course that makes him the smallest sibling.
The family gerbil, Swish, goes missing and the hunt is on to retrieve him and put him safely back in his cage. Of course Tyson wants to be part of the rescue team but is dismissed from participating in the mission because his brothers once again think he is too small to engage in the search.
Tyson saves the day by using his math skills. He uses his knowledge of doubling up, tripling up and using different sized tubes from Swish's cage (and a luring slice of juicy apple) to create a pathway that connects him to his beloved pet and manages to bring him to safety.
The wonderful illustrations are colourful, engaging and enrich the message of the story. I love the fact that the smallest brother is the one who cleverly solves the problem proving that no matter what your size you are valuable and capable of contributing great helpful ideas too!
FYI:
Storytelling Math celebrates children using math in their daily adventures as they play, build, and discover the world around them. Joyful stories and hands-on activities make it easy for kids and their grown-ups to explore everyday math together. Developed in collaboration with math experts at STEM education non-profit TERC, under a grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation.
This book would be a wonderful asset in a classroom setting and in an elementary school library. I highly recommend it!
This was an adorable story. I read this with my son. He enjoyed this as he's been the small one in our family for some time. I enjoyed that even though he was small there is always something he can do to help! And so glad they found the gerbil!
Another good installment in the series! This one teaches equivalency and relational measuring, as Tyson learns that two mediums might make a large. I didn't care much for the story itself. I find there are better ways to catch a gerbil. However, the math was all there.