Shrinking Violet - by Laurel Snyder (Hardcover)

About the Book

Young Violet shrinks and grows depending on how she feels, drawing from her inner strength to become bigger when fear makes her small.

Book Synopsis

"Simply gorgeous in every way." --Shannon Hale, New York Times bestselling author

An inspiring modern fairy tale about a brave girl who shrinks and grows depending on how she feels, showing how all of us--no matter our size--are so much bigger than our fears. From Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winning author Laurel Snyder and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator LeUyen Pham.

Violet knows what it's like to be afraid: when you're afraid, you feel helpless and small. But when Violet is afraid, she doesn't just feel small--she actually shrinks! It's tough to stop feeling frightened when you're only a few centimeters tall. But when Violet's best friend is in danger, she'll have to learn to deal with her fear in a new way--and save the day in the process.

Shrinking Violet is a beautifully illustrated story about fear and bravery for anyone who has ever felt scared and small. Readers will root for Violet as she finds her voice, stands up for her friend, and, most importantly, discovers the tremendous power of her own inner strength.

BIG FEELINGS: Feeling small and afraid is a universally relatable experience. The shrinking metaphor at the core of Violet's story will resonate deeply with young readers and demonstrate that being (or feeling!) small isn't a weakness--it's normal and completely okay.

EMPOWERING HEROINE: Violet is a strong female character who solves her own problems by learning to control and ultimately accept her feelings. Her story will feel familiar and wonderfully relatable to kids, and Violet is a positive role model in whom all young readers (especially girls!) can see themselves represented.

ALL-STAR CREATORS: Author Laurel Snyder, Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner, and illustrator LeUyen Pham, Caldecott Honoree, are children's literature superstars with many bestsellers to their names. They're also real-life friends! This is the first project they've collaborated on, and they've combined their all-star talent to make a truly special story.

Perfect for:

• Young readers experiencing worry or anxiety about scary things happening around them or in the world
• Parents and caregivers looking for books that will help assure kids that it's okay to be afraid sometimes
• Readers seeking stories that have a classic fairy tale feel
• Gift-givers seeking a beautifully illustrated and deeply moving story

Review Quotes

"Simply gorgeous in every way. A heartfelt story about staying kind with your anxiety and finding your inner bigness. Snyder's words and Pham's illustrations pair perfectly in a delicious dance across the pages."

--Shannon Hale, New York Times bestselling author

"A dynamic and unique approach to discussing anxiety, inner strength, and resilience with young readers." - School Library Journal


"An enchanting, emotionally rich feast, perfect for lovers of fairy tales, miniature worlds and animal friends."

--Phoebe Wahl, creator of Little Witch Hazel

"Shrinking Violet explores how fear can make us small--thimble-sized, compared to the tall, dark shadows around us--and the ways that love and imagination can help us grow. Laurel Snyder's poetic storytelling and LeUyen Pham's lush illustrations are equally gorgeous, and together they've created a comforting, relatable picture book that empowers children to self-soothe, find strength in community, and become their 'brave and careful, ' just-right selves."

--Maggie Smith, New York Times bestselling author of My Thoughts Have Wings

"This book made me gasp. Snyder's and Pham's hearts are in these pages, and so is mine, and so is yours."

--Adam Rex, New York Times bestselling creator of School's First Day of School and The Story of Gumluck the Wizard

★-- "The sparkling story has touches of classic fairy tale while also feeling fantastically fresh... A remarkable reminder of the courage dwelling in every human, no matter how small." -- Booklist, Starred Review

"This sensitive story explores friendship and fear while demonstrating strategies to regulate strong emotions." -- The Horn Book

"Polished... Violet hasn't banished fear permanently, but she now knows it's all right for it to ebb and flow, vividly assuring readers that being brave doesn't mean eliminating fear." -- Publishers Weekly

★--"Empowering and reflective...Gorgeous and grounding--a gentle guide to outgrowing your fears." -- Kirkus, Starred Review

A Junior Library Guild Selection

About the Author

Laurel Snyder is the author of many children's books, including Endlessly Ever After, Orphan Island, and Charlie & Mouse, which won the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. She lives with her family in Atlanta, GA.

LeUyen Pham has illustrated more than one hundred books for children, including bestsellers and Caldecott Honors winners. She is the co-creator of the Princess in Black series, Real Friends, and Itty Bitty Kittycorn, among many other beloved titles. A graduate of the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, LeUyen lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons.