Too Small Tola

Category: Book
By (author): Atinuke
Illustrated By: Iwu, Onyinye
Subject:  JUVENILE FICTION / Age 7-10
  JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Multigenerational
  JUVENILE FICTION / Lifestyles / City & Town Life
  JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Africa
Publisher: Candlewick
Published: March 2021
Format: Book-hardcover
Pages: 96
Size: 7.75in x 5.25in
Our Price:
$ 21.99
Availability:
Available to order

Additional Notes

From The Publisher*Three delightful tales from a renowned Nigerian storyteller introduce a chapter-book heroine who is every bit as mighty as she is small.

In a trio of droll stories, award-winning author and storyteller Atinuke debuts an endearing and enduring character with plenty to prove. Tola lives in an apartment in the busy city of Lagos, Nigeria, with her sister, Moji, who is very clever; her brother, Dapo, who is very fast; and Grandmommy, who is very bossy. Tola may be small, but she's strong enough to carry a basket brimming with groceries home from the market, and she's clever enough to count out Grandmommy's change. When the faucets in the apartment break, it's Tola who brings water from the well. And when Mr. Abdul, the tailor, has an accident and needs help taking his customers' measurements, only Tola can save the day. Atinuke's trademark wit and charm are on full display, accompanied by delightful illustrations by Onyinye Iwu. Too Small Tola evokes the urban bustle and rich blending of cultures in Lagos through the eyes of a little girl with an outsize will-and an even bigger heart.
Review Quote*A young girl learns that she doesn't have to be big to make a difference... This collection of stories is perfect for transitioning readers, with its manageable chapters, clear, plain language, simple sentence structures, wry sense of humor, and realistic illustrations of the diverse Nigerian cast... An enjoyable, endearing collection.
-Kirkus (Starred Review)

Tola, a young girl who lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with her Grandmommy, brother and sister, shares what her life is like in this #OwnVoices early chapter book...Atinuke's use of Nigerian words throughout, accompanied by Onyinye Iwu's illustrations, immerse readers in Nigerian culture...Atinuke uses child-friendly, entertaining dialogue and incorporates accessible themes such as bullying and helping others in need. Her inclusion of rounded and well-developed secondary characters also helps Tola recognize that strength might not necessarily come from the muscles, but the heart.
-Shelf Awareness Pro
Biographical NoteAtinuke was born in Nigeria and spent her childhood in both Africa and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the Anna Hibiscus series and Africa, Amazing Africa; Baby Goes to Market; B Is for Baby; and Catch That Chicken! Atinuke lives in Wales.

Onyinye Iwu was born in Italy to Nigerian parents and moved to England when she was thirteen. She is a designer, illustrator, and educator. Too Small Tola is her first book for children. She lives in London.