Super Small: Miniature Marvels of the Natural World

Super Small: Miniature Marvels of the Natural World by Tiffany Stone and Ashley Spires is a super fun non fiction expository literature book that will make any reader want to learn more about these mighty miracles.

I immediately fell in love with Tiffany Stone’s writing in this book. Not only did I learn a ton about teeny tiny creatures but she created such a fun and engaging narrative around each one with a Shel Silverstein-sequel poem to teach readers about each one. Each tiny creature had its own feature, on or two page spreads with a poem and a little comic on the side about their superpower . From front to back, this book is highly engaging and readers will be totally enthralled.

I personally love the combination of poetry and science coming together to inspire readers. What a completely unique way to reimagine presenting information. This book will engage young readers to learn more about tiny creatures and it will inspire older readers to come at their own presentations in a different and innovative way. Tiffany Stone’s rhyming poems do not miss a beat. When she rhymes, those rhymes are on point, nothing is forced so the words just glide off the tongue. I also really appreciate that each animal is presented with a different kind of poem. They don’t all rhyme but they are all super engaging. The question at the end of the book to connect the topic of animals to a reader’s own personal feelings is amazing and allows us to reflect on our own superpowers!

Ashley Spires’ illustrations are SO CUTE! While I usually like my non fiction titles to have more realistic drawings of the animals, that would not have been the right approach with this innovative title. The illustrations pair perfectly with the lighthearted and fun tone of the writing and keep readers engaged. Shout out to the designer Sarah Gillingham Studio for the unique way the information is presented.