The Little Guys - by Vera Brosgol (Hardcover)

About the Book

In this adorable cautionary tale, Caldecott Honoree Brosgol ("Leave Me Alone!") introduces the Little Guys. As they head off to find breakfast, they can conquer anything through teamwork. But as they begin to amass more than they need, the creatures in the forest ponder: What happens when no one can stop the Little Guys? Full color.

Book Synopsis

Already love Vera's work? Don't miss her first novel Return to Sender!

An adorable cautionary tale from Caldecott Honoree Vera Brosgol.

We are the Little Guys.
Yes, we are small. But there are a lot of us.
Together we are strong, and we can get all we need.

The Little Guys might be small, but they aim to be mighty.

As they head off to find breakfast, they can conquer anything through teamwork--cross deep waters, dig through obstacles, and climb the tallest trees. Nothing can stop them!

But as they begin to amass more than they need, the creatures in the forest ponder--what happens when no one can stop the Little Guys?

This slyly funny and rambunctious read-aloud explores how strength in numbers only works when the whole community unites together.

A School Library Journal Best Book of 2019
A 2019 Horn Book Fanfare Best of 2019 Book

Review Quotes

"What a fantastic message: not just teamwork, but actual community." --New York Times

"[A] pointed exploration of the notion that collective action just becomes mob rule without a moral foundation." --Booklist, starred review

" There are several messages here: little ones can achieve a lot, much can be accomplished through teamwork, and, most important, a community is bolstered through sharing and kindness . . . A terrific and engaging read-aloud for early elementary students, and a great discussion starter." --School Library Journal, starred review

"Brosgol introduces an unexpected idea and adds a clever, collaborative resolution . . . Expertly paced and very funny." --Publishers Weekly

"With its action-filled double-page spreads . . . expert comedic timing; and the oddly endearing Little Guys, the story is well suited for read-alouds." --Horn Book, starred review

"Brisk and clever . . . Oddly charming." --Kirkus Reviews

"There's a lesson for listeners that being little and adorable and resourceful doesn't give you carte blanche to rule the world, but it's okay if the audience is giggling too hard to catch it." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Caldecott Honor book Leave Me Alone!:

"Funny is hard; Brosgol makes it look easy." --NPR, Best Books of 2016

"Both classic and ultracontemporary . . . especially for children who like to shout along." --The New York Times Book Review

"So well-executed, it feels almost unfair that this is Brosgol's first foray into picture books." --The Huffington Post, Best Picture Books of 2016

"Hilariously mingles elements both folkloric and intergalactic." --The Wall Street Journal

"Brosgol is a master." --School Library Journal, starred review

"The fizzy collision of old-fashioned fairy tale elements with space-age physics is delightful." --Publisher's Weekly, starred review

"Repetition and patterned storytelling ground the out-of-this-world elements for a thoroughly entertaining adventure." --Horn Book

"Brosgol infuses her fairy tale-like story with a hefty dose of humor, thanks to her fantastic page turns and comedic timing . . . As cozy as a new sweater." --Booklist

"With clever trips to the moon and through worm holes, Vera Brosgol brings a fresh new perspective to the world of children's books." --Dan Santat, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

"A cranky, funny, skillful, gentle, beautiful beautiful book." --Jon Klassen, I Want My Hat Back

About the Author

Vera Brosgol was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1984 and moved to the United States when she was five. Her graphic novels, Anya's Ghost and Be Prepared, were published by First Second, and her debut picture book Leave Me Alone! was a 2017 Caldecott Honor book. She drew storyboards for the animated films Coraline, ParaNorman, and The Boxtrolls. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her dog Omar, who could probably take on the Little Guys, no sweat.