Reviews
February 25, 2016 The Tiniest Tumbleweed by Kathy Peach "Tiny Tumbleweed is small for her age. So is her Sonoran Desert neighbor, Baby Sparrow. Guided by the loving encouragement of their parents, the two desert dwellers learn to work within their own physical limitations and together discover the joy of becoming the best they can be, rather than measuring themselves against others." First time author Kathy Peach's story about two sweet little desert creatures is sure to bring a smile to you and your child's face. This endearing book was designed to help children think big thoughts about what they can do to be the best version of themselves, regardless of their surroundings and circumstances. It shows kids that they do not have to be like everyone else. That who they are is pretty wonderful already. ? The Tiniest Tumbleweed is a great book for helping to increase a child's self esteem and celebrate their uniqueness. The illustrations in The Tiniest Tumbleweed are simple, yet sweet and adorable. The book comes with a curriculum guide as well as some tips about the characters themselves. My son and I enjoyed reading The Tiniest Tumbleweed together and it is often the go to book at bedtime. http://maplemousemama.com/three-adorable-books-for-children-parents-will-love-them-too/ - Suzanne - MapleMouseMama Blog, "In The Tiniest Tumbleweed , Kathy Peach, has created a unique and touching children's book about individuality and perseverance. Her story, told through the desert characters of Tumbleweed and Sparrow, beautifully captures a child's view of feeling different. Using clear language and beautiful illustrations, Ms. Peach illuminates each creature's unique struggle and the importance of working hard to achieve one's full potential. Ms. Peach's book is relatable for young ages and adults alike. Her story teaches a valuable lesson in diversity, self-esteem, persistence and believing in yourself. On a broader level, Ms. Peach's book can be used to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity among children. The Tiniest Tumbleweed is a vital tool for parents, caregivers, educators and counselors. As a school psychologist, I would recommend this book as a treasured resource for helping all children celebrate their own uniqueness, overcome personal challenges, increase self-esteem and become their very best selves." -- Danielle Craaybeek, Ed.S, NCSP , Nationally Certified School Psychologist, "An adorable, and informative, story about two youngsters who learn to work within their physical limitations to be the best they can - and help others along the way." The Tiniest Tumbleweed ~ By: Kathy Peach ~ Illustrated by: Alex Lopez Publisher: Little Five Star ~ Publication Date: January 2016 ISBN: 978-1589852266 ~ Reviewed by: Holly Connors ~ Review Date: 11/3/2015, A small tumbleweed and a small sparrow - are they too small? In The Tiniest Tumbleweed young readers will watch as these two little creatures grow and learn that they are the right size to do what they need to do - in other words, they are perfect. The story opens with Mother Tumbleweed announcing "She's here," to Father Tumbleweed. Upon inspection, Father notes that the new arrival is quite small. But mother knows best and she assures her husband that their baby will grow just fine. Not far away, a baby sparrow pops out of his egg. His father notes that the new arrival is rather small. Again, the mother knows best and she insists, "He will grow." The Tiniest Tumbleweed follows these two babies as they mature. And they do grow, just not as much as their siblings. Would the little tumbleweed ever be able to grow big and strong and make seeds like other tumbleweeds? And what about the sparrow? How would he ever grow big enough to fly and spread seeds like his brothers and sisters? Author Kathy Peach has found a delightful way to teach youngsters about coping with physical limitations and how everyone, no matter their limitations, can be useful to others. Tumbleweed and Sparrow are not as big as their siblings and by the middle of the story, it's apparent that they never will be. How does one deal with being different? With having limitations that keep you from doing what you want to do? Eventually Tumbleweed and Sparrow come together and learn that they are a 'perfect fit' for each other. Young readers will see that while they may not fit the 'norm,' (whatever that may be), there is always a reason and purpose - you just have to find it. The author drives her point home by having the text go back and forth between the two characters' lives, showing how they were both dealing with being 'different.' First the tumbleweed, then the sparrow, back and forth. In many places, the text centering on the sparrow closely mirrored that of the tumbleweed, driving home the point that they were both dealing with being smaller. As with all Five Star publications, there are several pages of additional information in the back of the book. These include 'Fun Facts' (and even adults will likely learn a few things about tumbleweeds!) and a curriculum guide. - Holly Connors, Feathered Quill - http://www.featheredquill.com/reviews/childrens/peach.shtml, "In The Tiniest Tumbleweed , Kathy Peach provides a story that will ignite the imagination of children and equip teachers and parents with a tool that will encourage a child to become all that they were created to be. Positive life principles are communicated with love and compassion. Thank you, Kathy, for following your dreams so that others may dream as well." -- Pastor Jeff Royce , The Oasis, Chandler, Arizona, "An adorable, and informative, story about two youngsters who learn to work within their physical limitations to be the best they can - and help others along the way." The Tiniest Tumbleweed ~ By: Kathy Peach ~ Illustrated by: Alex Lopez Publisher: Little Five Star ~ Publication Date: January 2016 ISBN: 978-1589852266 ~ Reviewed by: Holly Connors ~ Review Date: 11/3/2015, A small tumbleweed and a small sparrow - are they too small? In The Tiniest Tumbleweed young readers will watch as these two little creatures grow and learn that they are the right size to do what they need to do - in other words, they are perfect. The story opens with Mother Tumbleweed announcing "She's here," to Father Tumbleweed. Upon inspection, Father notes that the new arrival is quite small. But mother knows best and she assures her husband that their baby will grow just fine. Not far away, a baby sparrow pops out of his egg. His father notes that the new arrival is rather small. Again, the mother knows best and she insists, "He will grow." The Tiniest Tumbleweed follows these two babies as they mature. And they do grow, just not as much as their siblings. Would the little tumbleweed ever be able to grow big and strong and make seeds like other tumbleweeds? And what about the sparrow? How would he ever grow big enough to fly and spread seeds like his brothers and sisters? Author Kathy Peach has found a delightful way to teach youngsters about coping with physical limitations and how everyone, no matter their limitations, can be useful to others. Tumbleweed and Sparrow are not as big as their siblings and by the middle of the story, it's apparent that they never will be. How does one deal with being different? With having limitations that keep you from doing what you want to do? Eventually Tumbleweed and Sparrow come together and learn that they are a 'perfect fit' for each other. Young readers will see that while they may not fit the 'norm,' (whatever that may be), there is always a reason and purpose - you just have to find it. The author drives her point home by having the text go back and forth between the two characters' lives, showing how they were both dealing with being 'different.' First the tumbleweed, then the sparrow, back and forth. In many places, the text centering on the sparrow closely mirrored that of the tumbleweed, driving home the point that they were both dealing with being smaller. As with all Five Star publications, there are several pages of additional information in the back of the book. These include 'Fun Facts' (and even adults will likely learn a few things about tumbleweeds!) and a curriculum guide., "As parents, The Tiniest Tumbleweed struck a chord with us. The story conveys a very important message to children and their parents that our limitations are determined only by our own perception of what we can or cannot do. One of the most incredible experiences as a parent is to witness your child realize her potential...and to see her realize that her potential is so much more (and different) than she ever imagined. This is a tender story with a powerful human message...a message of love, of purpose, and of fulfillment of spirit...from which children and parents alike will learn and find inspiration." -- Houston Akin, esq., " The Tiniest Tumbleweed is a heart-warming children's story about learning to achieve your dreams by goal-setting and hard work. Kathy Peach did a wonderful job of bringing this story to life by creating charming characters, using rich language, and establishing a storyline children will relate to about celebrating your true self. Included in the back of the book are a fun facts page and a very helpful curriculum guide for teachers to help support learning inside and outside of the classroom. I look forward to sharing this book with students in the library. I believe The Tiniest Tumbleweed will be a book children will want to read over and over. It will be a favorite for years to come." -- Lisa Krebs , Elementary School Librarian, Book Nook: The Tiniest Tumbleweed Everyone feels small or inadequate at some point in their lives. The Tiniest Tumbleweed , a children's book by first-time author Kathy Peach, is a story strategically constructed to help children think big thoughts about what they can do to become their best selves, in spite of their circumstances. It is the story of two Sonoran Desert characters, a tiny tumbleweed and a baby house sparrow. Both Tiny Tumbleweed and Baby Sparrow enter their worlds with similar challenges--they worry they are too small to accomplish the things bigger tumbleweeds and birds do, like making seeds and flying. I got to review the book, and my favorite part of it was the wise expression from Mother Tumbleweed: "You will be as big and strong as YOU will be, and that is just fine, just fine indeed." As the little ones try things, they help each other, becoming useful, and encouraging young readers to work within their own abilities to help others. As a teacher, I also liked the back part of the book, which had some great middle elementary lesson plans about the book that brought in several different elements of the story and some interdisciplinary questions. http://motherhood-moment.blogspot.com/2015/12/book-nook-tiniest-tumbleweed.html - Bekah - Motherhood Moment Blog, "Kathy Peach has the passion and the know-how to communicate effectively to children. Her vibrant personality bubbles up throughout the delightful story of The Tiniest Tumbleweed ." -- Conrad J. Storad , award-winning author of more than 50 children's science books, " A small tumbleweed and a small sparrow - are they too small? In The Tiniest Tumbleweed young readers will watch as these two little creatures grow and learn that they are the right size to do what they need to do - in other words, they are perfect. The story opens with Mother Tumbleweed announcing 'She's here,' to Father Tumbleweed. Upon inspection, Father notes that the new arrival is quite small. But mother knows best and she assures her husband that their baby will grow just fine. Not far away, a baby sparrow pops out of his egg. His father notes that the new arrival is rather small. Again, the mother knows best and she insists, 'He will grow.' The Tiniest Tumbleweed follows these two babies as they mature. And they do grow, just not as much as their siblings. Would the little tumbleweed ever be able to grow big and strong and make seeds like other tumbleweeds? And what about the sparrow? How would he ever grow big enough to fly and spread seeds like his brothers and sisters? Author Kathy Peach has found a delightful way to teach youngsters about coping with physical limitations and how everyone, no matter their limitations, can be useful to others. Tumbleweed and Sparrow are not as big as their siblings and by the middle of the story, it's apparent that they never will be. How does one deal with being different? With having limitations that keep you from doing what you want to do? Eventually Tumbleweed and Sparrow come together and learn that they are a 'perfect fit' for each other. Young readers will see that while they may not fit the 'norm,' (whatever that may be), there is always a reason and purpose - you just have to find it. The author drives her point home by having the text go back and forth between the two characters' lives, showing how they were both dealing with being 'different.' First the tumbleweed, then the sparrow, back and forth. In many places, the text centering on the sparrow closely mirrored that of the tumbleweed, driving home the point that they were both dealing with being smaller. As with all Five Star publications, there are several pages of additional information in the back of the book. These include 'Fun Facts' (and even adults will likely learn a few things about tumbleweeds!) and a curriculum guide." -- Holly Connors , Feathered Quill, "It's hard to believe that 'The Tiniest Tumbleweed' is Kathy Peach's first book. Her writing style and voice speak volumes about her invested careers as a mother, grandmother, and educator. She understands children. She understands children's mind. And she understands what children need to know so that they can become who they were created to be, just like tiny tumbleweed and baby sparrow. Peach has juxtaposed authentic, lovable characters with the often-harsh backdrop of the desert to create a literal learning and growing environment through which children and adults of all ages can visualize their own progress against adversity and trials to become all they can become. Teachers and parents will love Peach's age-appropriate sentence structure and vocabulary as well as her resounding message that we don't need to compare ourselves to other people (or tumbleweeds, or sparrows), and children will love her rich characters, the charming illustrations, and the knowledge that they, too, can become who they were created to be." -- Dr. Richard W. Andreasen, " The Tiniest Tumbleweed fills the hearts of readers both young and old with its touching story. Peach manages to create engaging narrative that piques readers' interest prior to providing accessible informational text about the tumbleweeds and sparrows. This delightfully inspiring and informative children's book also includes thoughtful instructional ideas for classroom teachers that address multiple standards." -- Dr. Lindsey Moses , Assistant Professor of Literacy in the Division of Teacher Preparation, Arizona State University, December 13, 2015 My boys are both avid readers and love to get new books. We got this book and they couldn't wait to read it. This book is super cute and fun to read. The illustrations are colorful and well drawn. The story and the pictures kept my boys interest over and over. The story has a really important lesson in it also. My 10 year old is autistic and struggles with quite a few things in daily life. He is our pride and joy and we tell him all the time how great he is at everything he tries to do. He absolutely loves this story about how you don't have to be perfect to be amazing. Every child should read this book and realize how great they are no matter what limitations they may have! - See more at: http://www.jennsreviewblog.com/2015/12/the-tiniest-tumbleweed-review.html#sthash.36sQlire.dpuf Review My boys are both avid readers and love to get new books. We got this book and they couldn't wait to read it. This book is super cute and fun to read. The illustrations are colorful and well drawn. The story and the pictures kept my boys interest over and over. The story has a really important lesson in it also. My 10 year old is autistic and struggles with quite a few things in daily life. He is our pride and joy and we tell him all the time how great he is at everything he tries to do. He absolutely loves this story about how you don't have to be perfect to be amazing. Every child should read this book and realize how great they are no matter what limitations they may have! - See more at: http://www.jennsreviewblog.com/2015/12/the-tiniest-tumbleweed-review.html#sthash.36sQlire.dpu Review My boys are both avid readers and love to get new books. We got this book and they couldn't wait to read it. This book is super cute and fun to read. The illustrations are colorful and well drawn. The story and the pictures kept my boys interest over and over. The story has a really important lesson in it also. My 10 year old is autistic and struggles with quite a few things in daily life. He is our pride and joy and we tell him all the time how great he is at everything he tries to do. He absolutely loves this story about how you don't have to be perfect to be amazing. Every child should read this book and realize how great they are no matter what limitations they may have! - See more at: http://www.jennsreviewblog.com/2015/12/the-tiniest-tumbleweed-review.html#sthash.36sQlire.dpuf Review My boys are both avid readers and love to get new books. We got this book and they couldn't wait to read it. This book is super cute and fun to read. The illustrations are colorful and well drawn. The story and the pictures kept my boys interest over and over. The story has a really important lesson in it also. My 10 year old is autistic and struggles with quite a few things in daily life. He is our pride and joy and we tell him all the time how great he is at everything he tries to do. He absolutely loves this story about how you don't have to be perfect to be amazing. Every child should read this book and realize how great they are no matter what limitations they may have! - See more at: http://www.jennsreviewblog.com/2015/12/the-tiniest-tumbleweed-review.html#sthash.36sQlire.d - Jen - Jen's Review Blog, " The Tiniest Tumbleweed is a heart-warming story of parental love and support, self-determination, collaboration, and individual differences. The author and illustrator share a wonderful world in which each individual celebrates their uniqueness and finds their way in the world with the support and encouragement of sometimes unexpected friends. This beautiful, encouraging story will inspire the very young and the very old as we all seek to find a sense of meaning, accomplishment, community, and joy in our lives." -- Kathleen Lynne Lane, Ph.D., BCBA-D
