Small in the City

It can be a little scary to be small in a big city, but this child has some good advice for a very special friend in need.

A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book of the Year!

It can be a little scary to be small in a big city, but it helps to know you're not alone.

When you're small in the city, people don't see you, and loud sounds can scare you, and knowing what to do is sometimes hard. But this little kid knows what it's like, and knows the neighborhood. And a little friendly advice can go a long way.

Alleys can be good shortcuts, but some are too dark.

Or, there are lots of good hiding places in the city, like under a mulberry bush or up a walnut tree.

And, if the city gets to be too much, you're always welcome home, where it's safe and quiet.

In the first book that he has both written and illustrated, award-winning artist Sydney Smith spins a quiet, contemplative tale about seeing a big world through little eyes.

Winner of the Governor General's Literary Award

A New York Times Best Children's Book of 2019
A Wall Street Journal Best Children's Book of the Year
An NPR Best Kids Book of the Year
A Washington Post Best Children's Book of the Year
A Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Best Picture Book of the Year

Named a Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews,School Library Journal, the Horn Book, Shelf Awareness, and many more!
A 2019 Booklist Editors' Choice
A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book