Small Things

by Mel Tregonning

On the cusp of having everything slip from his grasp, a young boy has to find a way to rebuild his sense of self. An ordinary boy in an ordinary world. With no words, only illustrations, Small Things tells the story of a boy who feels alone with worries but who learns that help is always close by. An extraordinary story, told simply and with breath taking beauty.

Genres: Picture Books, Graphic Novels, Mental Health, Childrens, Family, Middle Grade, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 24, 2016

About the author

Born in Perth, Western Australia, Mel Tregonning was a published cartoonist since primary school and began a long-running comic strip in a national magazine at 16. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at Curtin University and won the international Illustrators of the Future competition in 2006.
Tregonning ended her life at age 31, at the end of an acute period of depression. Her unfinished wordless comic Small Things, touching on the subject of depression and anxiety, was completed with the help of artist Shaun Tan and published in 2016 to critical acclaim.

Reviews

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read about this book, Small Things by Mel Tregonning, before I read my goodreads friend Bianca’s review. I can’t even recall where, it wasn’t on goodreads, but I was very moved by her story. Her real life story, that is, and from what little I’d seen, her illustrations. Stunning work. I’d meant to make a note of the title and author to try and find a copy but was likely interrupted before I could. So, I was delighted when I saw Bianca’s review, and several times between then and a couple of weeks ago, I searched and searched online for a copy. Finally, I found someone who would ship me one. Finally – I received my copy.

I've probably read this now, looked at the illustrations again and again over the past two days, too many times to count.

The emotions that this story pulls out of you, through illustrations only, are enough to break your heart. The illustrations are breathtaking, exquisite, tender and heartbreaking. I should have ordered four copies of this, since I know at least three others who will want to own their own copy when they see mine.

So, a big thank you to Bianca, who led me back to this book, and a big thank you to Mel Tregonning’s family for bringing her work to light.

Please check out Bianca's review which has links to Mel Tregonning's personal story, and how this book came to be.

Bianca’s review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

US Pub Date: 6 April 2017

[Bianca thinksGRsucksnow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went to Kidogo Arthouse in Fremantle to see some of the original drawings that went into this book and some other drawings by Meg Tregonning. I also had the pleasure of chatting for some time with Mel's sister. It was hard not to cry, given that Mel Tregonning is no longer with us, as she succumbed to her own demons.

It goes without saying that I bought the book.

Irrespective of the author's tragic story, this book stands on its own as an incredible piece of art. The drawings are absolutely exquisite! The story is so vivid and so heartbreaking at the same time.

This is a book about anxiety and how it feels like when you're suffering from anxiety.

I'm going to let my ten-year-old girl read it, as the little boy in the story seems to be around the same age.

Splendid! Heartfelt! Compelling!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Extra reading: http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/program...

[Calista · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful book! I would guess everyone can relate to this story.

My interpretation of the book is those little voices in our head that are so negative love to feed on us. They are always nagging and if we listen to them, they will begin to eat us and chip away at our self-esteem. This kid had all this top grades in the class and now he is making Cs and getting answers wrong. He's fumbling and feels hollowed out. His voices are growing and eating at him.

He reaches out for help which is the smartest thing we can do when that happens. We discuss this kind of thing at school as pathological lies which fits well too. Each of us has a voice telling us pathological lies in our heads and we can recognize these voices because they begin with you, not I statements. If we listen long enough and believe them, they can turn into I statements in our heads, but they start out as 'You' statements. 'You're no good' or 'no on will ever love you.' They don't come from within, just like in the story. It's an outside pernicious force that only wants our destruction and failure.

This story is amazing, without any words, getting across this message with these dark looking creatures. Such a powerful story.

The Nephew loves a book he can read himself. He came up with an interesting take on this himself. The niece was quiet looking through this and I think she got this story on a deeper level. She gave a rare 5 stars for review and the nephew gave 3 stars saying he thought it was scary.

This is a great conversation starter about stuff going on inside a person or child and they don't know how to deal with it.

[Claude's Bookzone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was an incredibly moving sophisticated picture book and the illustrations were stunning. The story looks at the slow erosion of a boys confidence as his worries eat away at him. An important book that shows us we aren't alone and that we can reach out to each other for support.

[Sv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Senin o güzel kalbini öpeyim çocuk!
Sedece kasvetli resimlerden oluşan bir kitap. Her biri tablo niyetine çerçevelenebilecek kadar kaliteli. Kapaktaki o masum bakış sebebiyle ilgimi çekmişti kitap, iyi ki okumuşum/izlemişim...

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger warnings for mental illness and suicide

How to break my heart yet still give me hope 101

Step 1: Put this book in front of me.

Mel Tregonning’s artwork takes you inside the lonely world of anxiety and depression in such a beautiful but haunting way. The monsters that lurk and chip away at the main character piece by piece are perfect. Each monster is unique but clearly from the same monster gene pool. Once you’ve seen them you can identify them but would have trouble explaining them to someone who hasn’t seen them. Anxiety and depression feel like that. How can you truly explain to someone who hasn’t seen those monsters what they look like and how living with them impacts every part of you.

Step 2: Show me the book’s dedication.

This book is dedicated to Mel, the illustrator. How can that be?!

Step 3: Investigate further.

Upon investigating I came across this article - http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/program... and Mel’s website - http://meltregonning.com.au

Step 4: Cry.

Step 5: Be grateful for the hope provided in this book, but maybe cry a bit more first.

At the heart of this book is a powerful message about early intervention. Support from people who care about you truly can make all the difference. There are ways to make the monsters retreat. You are not alone. Please know there is hope.

My heart breaks for Mel’s family. If she can have this much of an impact on me just because I ‘read’ her book I can’t even begin to imagine what her loss must be like for those who loved her in life. 💕

I ordered this from the library mostly because of the haunting cover illustration. I needed to know more. Now I do and while I don’t have as many tissues as I did before I started I’m so glad I found this book.

It’s part of the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge (Challenge Level 5-6) and I’m so glad it’s there. Children (and adults) need the message of this book. It’s not one that I’d just hand a child and go on with my day though. This is a book that deserves to be discussed.

P.S. There are a list of the reading challenge books here if you’re interested - https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/hom.... My library has heaps of them. I love my library!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply moving and accurate depiction of anxiety and depression. It's not always something you can express with words, but has been beautifully expressed in this little book.

Highly recommended to everyone as a way to either learn about invisible illnesses or to have a way to explain the way you may have been feeling but have been unable to express.

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know where to start with this one other than it perfectly encapsulates how picturebooks are an artform in and of themselves and that they very often can be seen as mirrors and projectors of our own insecurities and worries.

A wordless picturebook, drawn in an unusual, portrait form (lending itself to a more biographical/character-centred reading than a landscape format might), Small Things tells the story of a young boy who inner torment slowly eats away at him. With the stress of not fitting in at school as well as diminishing grades (elements of which reminded me so much of Nightlights), he feels like he is losing his grip and need to be a part of this world but someone close shows him that he is not alone, that his anxities are normal and that it is important to share how you feel with someone you trust and love.

Simply incredible. Do read tthis article in the Guardian to find out more about Mel Tregonning.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wordless black and white vividly drawn graphic book explores childhood anxiety. A young boy's increasing worries of acceptance, isolation, vulnerability, and grades attack him mentally and physically in forms of tiny creatures. Overwhelmed and suffering, his sense of self fractures but his sister helps him overcome his fears. He discovers that everyone has anxieties that can be shrunk to a manageable level.

Sadly, the Australian artist, Mel Tregonning, worked on this picture book for eights years when just before completion, she took her own life at age 31 after a mental health crisis. Fellow Australian artist, Shaun Tan, completed her work with three drawings.

[Mandy Radley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just received this book for the library so thought I would read it, in so much as you can just looking at the pictures. Beautifully illustrated.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

An haunting look through illustrations at how one boy deals with the stresses and anxieties of everyday life and realizing that he is not alone.

[Eleanor Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated wordless picture book that is worth the slightly longer read. It shows the relation between emotions and stress so very well and highlights the importance of being kind to others, and also talking to people to make sure they are okay. This is a sensitive subject to cover with children if they are worried or feel as though they aren't fitting in but is perfect to show them it is okay not to be okay. The most touching aspect of this book for me was the fact that Tan finished it after the suicide of Tregonning. The fact he managed to complete her vision is such a beautiful attribute to the story. The main purpose of this book was to spread awareness of Mental Health and I think this does so perfectly.

[ns510 · Rating 5 out of 5]

(#readharder2017 Task 6: Read an all-ages comic.)

I got this a while back and finally got to reading it this weekend. I say reading loosely, as there are no words in the panels, just beautifully intricate black and white illustrations depicting a young boy who struggles with the monsters that lurk everywhere he goes, that haunt him in the dark. Even without words, the feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and hope are well conveyed and keenly felt.

I remember coming across this one when it was first to be published, after reading an article about Mel Tregonning’s sad story. She had committed suicide and the people in her life worked together with Shaun Tan to get it published posthumously.

Though under sad circumstances, I’m glad I finally got a chance to get to this one. A silent narrative that can be appreciated by all-ages, and will hopefully be a gentle reminder to check on those around us, ask if they’re ok, to remember that there is hope and that while they may hover and be ever-present, it is possible to keep those monsters just out of reach.

[Ellie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much needed story that emphasises how quickly a child’s sense of worth and confidence can crumble. Acts of thoughtless unkindness, coupled with personal pressures can manifest to produce deeper and more troubling problems, which may not be visible on the surface. The protagonist’s problems are universal, all readers need to be made aware that anxieties must be shared, and how important a supportive network and acts of kindness are when someone feels so alone.
Tregonning's illustrations are truly breathtaking, I have never seen images that so flawlessly embody such a reverberating sense of turmoil- they were utterly shocking and moving. This said, the tale was edged with hope, that life does not have to be bleak and can resolve itself. There is an alternative to suffering in silence, and we all play a part in this.
A perfect book to share sensitively with children struggling emotionally, or to use as a focus for understanding what it means to be human within PSHE.

[Vika · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoWowowowOW. Thanks so much Allen & Unwin Publication for the review copy. The depictions of 'worry' were perfect. There were no words in this book but it managed to make me speechless. Review to come. Mel was talented and is a great loss for the world.

[Tyler Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who does not usually enjoy wordless picturebooks, I loved this. I usually find it difficult to follow the story, but the message of this book shines through clearly. I could really relate to the main protagonist and think it is why I enjoyed it so much.

This wordless picturebook tells the story of a young boy whose inner worries and insecurities slowly eat away at him. Not fitting in at school as well as the decline of school grades portray how this young boy feels he is slipping away from society. Someone close to him makes him realise that many people face the daily struggle, just like himself. The book explores the theme of love and trust through the protagonist sharing his feelings to that special person in his life. A very insightful book into the minds of others that you may not necessarily recognise on the surface.

[Ben Cooke]

This picture book tells the story of a child trapped in his own thoughts. With no-one to talk to the thoughts eat away at his mind and body, tearing his life apart. But eventually he finds help, and speaks out about his thoughts and emotions. Knowing the real life context behind this story makes the journey even more emotional, and emphasizes the importance of speaking out and talking to people; advice that is so necessary amongst humans today.

[Paul Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally-powerful, wordless picture book-graphic novel hybrid depicting childhood anxiety. This one is going to have all of us talking about the power and impact of "silent narratives" and how they might work in the classroom.

I am grateful to friend, Penny Kittle, who recommended this book to me.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book about anxiety made me feel anxious. I think it was the chunks missing from the kid’s arm and the cracks in the others’ faces that did it for me. Seriously, I might have nightmares.

[Berfin Kanat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hüzünlü bir hikaye harika çizimlerle anlatılmış. En çok üzen de çizerin eseri tamamlayamadan intihar etmiş olması.

[Jaimie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Day twenty-six of Hannah's picture book challenge - a book to read to upper KS2.

Fantastic, powerful wordless picture book exploring depression and mental-health. Small Things tells the story of a boy who feels alone with worries but who learns that help is always close by.

[lorelai.lib · Rating 5 out of 5]

kırık bir camdan, yansımamı izler gibi.

[Bruce Gargoyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this title from Allen & Unwin for review.

A Top Book of 2016 Pick!

Ten Second Synopsis:
A wordless tale following the struggles of a young boy isolated by his emotions.

Even before one opens this book, it's obvious that it's going to be an eye-popping reading experience. Perhaps it's for the best then, that this is a wordless picture book and one from which readers will take their own diverse impressions. Small Things follows a period in the life of a young boy who is obviously struggling emotionally at school and home. Given that there are no words, it is not explicitly stated that he is suffering from depression or anxiety, but for those who have experienced these afflictions for themselves, the visual cues will be obvious. As the book continues, the reader is given glimpses into why things might seem so bad for the protagonist - but there are also clues that hope and support are around the corner.

The page spreads range from single page illustrations to the more typical graphic novel format of multiple frames to a page. I found that these multi-framed pages required a bit of time and energy to peruse, as I didn't want to miss anything that might be tucked away in the corners of the images, or misinterpret the story because I was skimming. The monochrome colour scheme is essential to convey the atmosphere of the boy's headspace, but I found that it too required a more focused approach to "reading" the story.

Despite the end of the story offering some sense of hope and normalisation to the boy's experience, I was left with a lingering sense of dread that may or may not be related to the personal mental health experiences of the she-fleshling in our dwelling. Because I jumped straight into the book without first reading the press release that accompanied it, I was unaware that this book is published posthumously to the author's suicide, and the final illustrations were completed by that giant of Australian story-telling, Shaun Tan. I left the book with the feeling that the story was poised on a knife-edge, even though the boy's demeanor indicates that things might be looking up for him. This ambivalence is no bad thing I suspect, because the complexity of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety invite such contradictions and this is something that needs to be openly discussed and acknowledged.

Although I would recommend this for older children, say upper primary and above, as well as adults, I think readers will engage with this book on their own level. The more disturbing nuances of the imagery will probably go over the heads of readers at the younger end of the age bracket, but they should still appreciate the need for a sense of belonging and support that the book conveys. Similarly, older readers will be able to uncover much more complex themes in the visual journey. Whatever the age and maturity level of the reader however, this is a story that deserves a conversation - so be sure to share your opinion once you have drunk it all in.

[Michelle (FabBookReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small Things is one of those tremendous reads that is an experience...the same potent feelings reading and poring over the work of incredible artists/creators like Julie Morstad and Shaun Tan is what I experienced during my reading of Tregonning's work. Mel Tregonning's Small Things, a wordless graphic picture book, is all at once superbly illustrated, unforgettable, extremely emotionally resonant, beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at once. Far too often I have had conversations with a parent or caregiver at the library who does not see merit in wordless books; an adult who tries to dissuade their child from reading a wordless picture book as 'there are no words in it, why would you read it'. I find this crushing and a total disservice to the potent, consequential nature of wordless graphic books like Small Things.

In Small Things, readers follow the story of a young boy who we learn is dealing with snowballing stress and anxiety. He tries to fit in with a group at school that rejects him; he gets chosen last for teams in gym class; and his marks for exams are not at the A level we understand he wants them to be. We see anxiety building in the young boy, illustrated by otherworldly creatures (floating objects in abstract, graphic shapes and patterns) hovering around the young boy, swelling in size and numbers as his anxiety grows. As anxiety bleeds with anger and lashing out at his sister and those that are kind to him at school, cracks appear on the boy's body...metaphorically and literally, the boy's body is fracturing and falling apart. Tregonning does, however, allow for flashes of hope and the possibility of healing towards the end of the story as the young boy opens up to his family...the last few panels also offer an auspicious and weighty ending to the story when the boy goes to school the next day and sees that anxiety, stress and isolation is all around him, even with his compassionate friend.

Overall, I highly, highly recommend this title for readers young and old. The initial thoughts I had when I added Small Things to my must-read list (not knowing anything about the creator or her body of work) was how stunning it looked and how much it reminded me of Shaun Tan's exceptional work. If you are interested in reading further, there is an article in The Guardian that discusses how Shaun Tan actually helped bring Small Things to completion and posthumous publication after the death of Tregonning. An exceptional, stand-out piece that opens the way for discourse on mental health, I hope Small Things is a title that gets shared, talked about and appreciated.

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Pajama Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.

[Theresa Hildebrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tregonning's decision to present his story sans words is completely appropriate considering that explaining one's own anxiety is difficult to put into words. This book gave me insight into my teenage son's world. He is on the Autism spectrum & tells me that he thinks visually, oftentimes without words. This book would be a great conversation starter for parents, educators, therapists, etc to help a child or teen express how they are feeling. Absolutely wonderful.

[Ellie Goodwin]

Pictures without words sometimes have the most weight. I saw myself in this child's struggle. Powerful medicine. The faceless, formless entities that eat at us are the very things that make us alike. Everyone has small demons gnawing at their soul. A kind word, look or gesture from one person to another can lessen the weight of these anxieties for the giver and the receiver.

[Alison Forde · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful wordless picture book. The protagonist visually disintegrates before us due the weight of worry about school work and social anxiety, until he finds a friend who understands what he's going through.

[JuD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es un libro que me ha sorprendido por la forma en la que consigue transmitir la idea de la tristeza, de la depresión. Como nos autoexigimos y como esconder ciertas cosas y no aceptarnos a nosotros mismos nos puede llegar a dañar.

[Emily W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet and heartbreaking. I find it amazing that someone can tell such a great story with only beautiful art and not a single word. A very short read, but it packs a punch. I would highly recommend it.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

There really are some things that are expressed in images better than with words. The depiction of anxiety here is on the mark and very effective. I could see this used in all kinds of contexts.