The Smallest Spot of a Dot explains how our genes make us who we are. They make is similar and unique. It is a relatable story about science and inclusion.

Introducing "Gene", this rhyming tale explains what makes us all different. This short book introduces young readers to DNA and what makes us the same, and the smallest spot that makes each of us unique. With bright illustrations and simple text, the 'dots' can be seen throughout the book, gradually twisting together to form a double helix. The diverse cast of characters all look different, recognising that 0.1% that makes us different but the text explains how we are all similar and should be kind and accepting of others because of all we have in common.
This would be a great book for introducing the concept of genetics to young readers, but could also be used for PSHE lessons about similarities and differences

A beautiful children's story about genetics. The illustrations are gorgeous, illustrating a truly wide range of children in the world. A picture book to read to children for fun, for fostering great relationships with the wider world, or for science and the introduction of genetics.

Children's Book Review
The Smallest Spot of a Dot
Written by: Linsey Davis & Michael Tyler
Illustrated by: Lucy Fleming
Published: January 2023

Thank you to NetGalley and ZonderKidz for my digital copy of the book for review. It was a pleasure.

Synopsis: ”Only .1% of our genes make us uniquely who we are. We are 99.9% identical, alike, the same—equal. This book is 100% about that truth.”
Using fun rhymes and colorful illustrations, this book talks about what we all share in common. While we are all different to a degree, we share more similarities than we think.
I adored all the illustrations and colors in this story. The mix of people represented was amazing. I also loved how this book talked about the fact that we really aren't that different in a way that's easy for kids to understand and could go a long way to not only promoting an interest in DNA and science, but maybe also to preventing bullying. I think there are even some adults that could benefit from this book.
This would be a fantastic book for families, to have in schools, or even perfect as a "just because" gift.
Check for it on Amazon or wherever you buy your books.

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#childrensbooks #kidsbooks #thesmallestspotofadot #DNA #learning #sweetstories #antibullying #wearentthatdifferent #getalong #bekind

The concept of genes is presented to kids as "dots" and it's explained that each of these dots contain DNA and make us who we are. The text is in rhyme and is filled with a sense of wonder about how different we all are and what makes us special. Everyone is celebrated and the illustrations are wonderfully diverse so lots of different kids can see themselves on the page. This is a happy, affirming book that offers a nice introduction to genetics while rejoicing in how simultaneously similar and unique we all are. It would be a great classroom read for early elementary.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

A wonderful little book for children to explain genetics and inheritance using a simple and easy-to-understand simile of coloured dots.
Some have criticised the book for being over-simplified, or not mis-explaining genetics, but they seem to forget this is an introduction for children. They need to be able to relate tot he subject, and it is after all the nature of metaphors and similes that they are inexact.
I found it delightful and anything that removes ignorance and helps children to not be 'afraid' of differences gets a huge thumbs up.
I couldn't give it a better review than by saying it is on my 'gift list for children'.

I had high hopes for this. It seemed like a cute little book that my 8 and 12 year old kids would be into since they enjoy science and we were recently discussing DNA. Sadly they were more confused than anything in discussing the what DNA really means and does. I think they are too old an audience for this book and the way the information is presented in rhyming structure.

This review is based on an ARC obtained through NetGalley.

Knowing that we are truly all the same beneath the surface is easy to talk about, but to help children understand the concept by beautiful illustrations and by taking us down to the tiniest of matter isn't easily done. This book exceeds anything I could have asked for. Despite receiving an e-ARC from Zonderkidz, NetGalley and the author, I will be adding this to my personal library and my own gifting list. I loved this book. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! What a creative way to explain DNA and genes to children!
I also really liked and respected that the author showed much diversity within the illustrations. Not only were there children of different nationalities, but also disabilities and religious differences were shown as well.
Overall, I felt this was a very good book that promotes diversity as well as our similarities as humans and why we should be kind to each other. Very well done.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Review will be posted on my instagram lizzies_little_library_

This picture book has charming, diverse illustrations and energetic text, and it introduces the concept of DNA to children, using the metaphor of tiny dots to help children understand the complex idea of genetics. The book explains that even though we are all different and unique, we also share the vast majority of our genetic code with our fellow humans, even when they look and act very different.

The book starts out strong, but it gets a little confusing as it continues, and the author includes so many different implications of the core idea that the book starts to feel muddled. For example, we should take care of the environment, but since she doesn't provide more context about how this fits with the theme, it seems like a checklist item to cross off instead of a worthwhile addition.

Although this book is from a Christian publisher, there is no mention of God or faith. Secular readers who are interested in this title shouldn't avoid it because of the Christian publishing house name, but Christians will be disappointed if they are expecting the book to talk about God's creative design or love for humanity in all its diversity. The inspirational elements are solely based in human relationships and connection, without any sense of the divine.

This beautifully illustrated book takes the concept of DNA and how we are all different for to a level that younger children (ages 5+) will be more likely to understand. The book explains that we all have the same set of dots inside of us that make us human except for just one dot that makes us all unique.

As a high school science teacher I can confirm that the concept of DNA is complex, even for older kids, but this book does a good job of describing why sharing traits connects us all but the tiny part of our DNA that is different makes us each unique and special.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz Piblishee for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Smallest Spot of a Dot is good for learning directional words. The dots represent the genes that we are made of but this concept may be too big for the intended audience of younger readers. The book explains how and why we are different from each other.

A very simple, easy to understand look at genes for young children. It takes a very complex topic and brings it to a level that kids will interact and engage with. The illustrations are simple and flow well together. The text is simple, yet describes in age appropriate terms what a gene is and how it makes us similar and different at the same time. The message of we are almost all the same on the inside is a very important message

In a few places the text is stilted, but not enough to ruin the impact of the book. A first purchase for libraries.

What a great resource for any classroom/elementary library. Well written with vibrant and engaging pictures!

What a nice book. This book is a good resource for someone looking to discuss appearances and individuality with children. The book discusses DNA using the metaphor of 'dots'. What's nice about the book is that it represents lots of different cultures, identities and genders. It tells us how we are different yet equal and that we should always remember to treat each other with kindness.

I received an electronic ARC from Zonderkidz through NetGalley.
Davis explains how genes work in a way younger readers will understand. She shares about the small dots inside each person and how they make each of us unique. I appreciate that she also shares how much everyone is alike too. Our dots are mostly the same with a few that give us our own traits. The illustrations capture the individuality of each character and how they interact with each other. A wonderful book for families to share.

OMG, these illustrations are too cute for words! I love this idea that we are made of the same stuff inside but it all magically makes us different. What an important message for kiddos who feel different or 'other.' And so so important for the people making them feel like that!

I wasn't expecting this book to be a child-sized introduction to genetics, but was pleasantly surprised to find that it was! The intro may hook fans of Press Here, but the message is less about the dots and more about our simultaneous individuality and shared humanity. Explaining shared DNA and unique genetic identities to children is a tall order, but this book attempts to do so in a way that seems both age-appropriate and not entirely unscientific, which I appreciate! We'll definitely add this to our collection come January.

Despite being from a Christian publisher, THE SMALLEST SPOT OF A DOT is free from religious subtext and has the theme that individuality/diversity is to be valued and respected. The rhyming and pace of this book are well-done for a toddler through kindergarten audience. However, Davis brings the concept of DNA and genetics into the mix in a way that comes off as clunky and odd. This one is a mixed bag for me, as it shows the human race to be.

Thank you NetGalley and Linsey Davis. We read this one for story time last night and let me give you the compliments from the 1st grader first. She loved that the book rhymed, that she had to find the dot, all the friends playing and how different they are and that you mentioned freckles since she has a ton. Now from a Mom perspective, this book is so cute story wise and the illustrations are phenomenal. I love how it shows everyone is different but similar. This is one I will add to her teachers bookshelf once it releases.