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Ninita's Big World: The True Story of a Deaf Pygmy Marmoset – A Picture Book About Friendship and Disability for Children
The true story of how YouTube star Ninita—a deaf, orphaned pygmy marmoset (the smallest type of monkey)—found family, friendship, and a forever home!
Ninita is the only known deaf pygmy marmoset in the world, but that doesn't stop her from making friends and chasing her next adventure! Abandoned by her parents and rescued by the RSCF, this tiny, curious monkey loves exploring her habitat. And when she meets Mr. Big—another pygmy marmoset—she has finally found a friend who likes to eat, climb, and play as much as she does.
Ninita is the only known deaf pygmy marmoset in the world, but that doesn't stop her from making friends and chasing her next adventure! Abandoned by her parents and rescued by the RSCF, this tiny, curious monkey loves exploring her habitat. And when she meets Mr. Big—another pygmy marmoset—she has finally found a friend who likes to eat, climb, and play as much as she does.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 30, 2019
1 person is currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Glenn Marsh
28 books849 followersSarah Glenn Marsh has been an avid fantasy reader since the day her dad handed her a copy of The Hobbit and promised it would change her life. She believes we all deserve happy endings and is an author of books for everyone, including many young adult, middle grade, and picture book titles.
She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her family, including one sweet daughter, one slightly dull sword, and the chaos of many pets, like a turtle named Muffin who she definitely did not bring back from any haunted swamp. Our Rogue Fates is her first adult novel.
She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her family, including one sweet daughter, one slightly dull sword, and the chaos of many pets, like a turtle named Muffin who she definitely did not bring back from any haunted swamp. Our Rogue Fates is her first adult novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 22, 2022
I love marmosets and this cover of an adorable pygmy marmoset in a tea cup just jumped out at me. My children and I really enjoyed this story. It's perfect for younger children, not overwhelming with facts, but still educational. The tone is uplifting and,while it does show some of the challenges Nanita faced with her deafness (some sensitive young readers may feel sad that her parents abandoned her because they did not know how to care for her) it also shows the kindness of human caregivers in helping her live as normal a life as possible and that she eventually was able to bond with another marmoset (in captivity). Nanita's personality shines through and the illustrations are charming. We especially loved the illustration of Nanita being groomed with a toothbrush ("the bristles felt just like a mother's claws") as she looks sooo pleased and content. Skimming over reviews, I see several reviewers were not as enamored as I was, but I thought it just so adorable and completely my cup of tea and I'm giving five stars and recommend it to animal lovers. The back matter has "More on Marmosets and the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation" a Selected Bibliography, Fun Facts about Pygmy Marmosets, and a photo of the author with Nanita on her shoulder.
January 30, 2026
I am addicted to baby animal books.
June 27, 2019
Ninita and her toothbrush! Such a great story. I cried!
May 27, 2020
I love children’s books that teach about animals, especially those that are endangered. But I hate when, in nonfiction text, those animals are anthropomorphized (I know. I’m being nit picky but it’s all my zoo training nagging at me!).
This was a cute story but I didn’t think it was overly interesting like other Black Eyed Susan nominated picture books about real animals (Inky’s Amazing Escape).
This was a cute story but I didn’t think it was overly interesting like other Black Eyed Susan nominated picture books about real animals (Inky’s Amazing Escape).
December 22, 2019
Tales Ninita's story of being abandoned at 3 weeks old (zoologists believe because she was deaf), and raised by human caregivers.
Back matter on marmosets and the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation give more information and adorable photos. From Fun Facts: "the father carries the baby on his back for the first two weeks of its life."
Back matter on marmosets and the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation give more information and adorable photos. From Fun Facts: "the father carries the baby on his back for the first two weeks of its life."
May 30, 2019
True story about deaf and orphaned pygmy marmoset. Absolutely adorable illustrations!
Good explanation too about how even as cute as they are, marmosets are not pets with discussion of the pet trade.
Good explanation too about how even as cute as they are, marmosets are not pets with discussion of the pet trade.
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October 10, 2019Summary:
This story is about a pygmy marmoset named Ninita. She was born deaf and her parents left her at only three weeks old. Some humans then adopted her and the story talked about all the ways they took care of her and made her feel at home. Then one day Ninita went outside of the humans home and met another pygmy marmoset just like herself and they became fast friends. She decided to live outside with her new friend, while still going back to her humans every once in a while to say hello and play with her favorite toothbrush.
Evaluation:
Sarah Mash did an excellent job writing a sweet non-fiction story about pygmy marmoset. I really enjoyed the pace of this story and the character development. It was a hybrid between non-fiction and fiction since the characters were real animals, but they had human like characteristics. I would recommend the book at all age groups. It's a sweet story with an uplifting message.
Teaching Point:
I would use this story to teach questioning. The author starts off the story a big vague, leaving the reader questioning why this marmoset was deaf, where her parents were, where she lived, etc. I would teach students that its important when reading to ask questions because that makes us better readers and better understand what we are reading. I would introduce the book, then have students fill out an "I wonder" chart. After reading the book I would then have students fill out an "I learned" section of the chart to show the progression of how much they learned throughout the story.
This story is about a pygmy marmoset named Ninita. She was born deaf and her parents left her at only three weeks old. Some humans then adopted her and the story talked about all the ways they took care of her and made her feel at home. Then one day Ninita went outside of the humans home and met another pygmy marmoset just like herself and they became fast friends. She decided to live outside with her new friend, while still going back to her humans every once in a while to say hello and play with her favorite toothbrush.
Evaluation:
Sarah Mash did an excellent job writing a sweet non-fiction story about pygmy marmoset. I really enjoyed the pace of this story and the character development. It was a hybrid between non-fiction and fiction since the characters were real animals, but they had human like characteristics. I would recommend the book at all age groups. It's a sweet story with an uplifting message.
Teaching Point:
I would use this story to teach questioning. The author starts off the story a big vague, leaving the reader questioning why this marmoset was deaf, where her parents were, where she lived, etc. I would teach students that its important when reading to ask questions because that makes us better readers and better understand what we are reading. I would introduce the book, then have students fill out an "I wonder" chart. After reading the book I would then have students fill out an "I learned" section of the chart to show the progression of how much they learned throughout the story.
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October 3, 2019Summary: This is a non-fiction book written as a story to share the life of a deaf pygmy marmoset named Ninita. In the book, Ninita's mom leaves her at a young age, and she is left to figure out the world for herself. She is found by the RSCF and explores a new world, which is her new habitat. She meets a new friend, and enjoys eating, playing, and climbing with him.
Evaluation: I enjoyed this book, even though it did not win the mock Sibert award we did in class. I would read the book for enjoyment, but the actual features of the book were more like a story than a non fiction text. When we evaluated the book in class, we did not like how it gave the marmoset actual feelings, because we do not know for sure how Ninita felt.
Teaching Idea: I would use this book to teach inferencing, rather than teaching students to write how animals actually feel. For example, when the book says she is deaf and is looking around at everything, I would explain what an inference means and ask students to think about how may be feeling based on what the book says. I would model and do a think aloud first to show students what making an inference looks like.
Evaluation: I enjoyed this book, even though it did not win the mock Sibert award we did in class. I would read the book for enjoyment, but the actual features of the book were more like a story than a non fiction text. When we evaluated the book in class, we did not like how it gave the marmoset actual feelings, because we do not know for sure how Ninita felt.
Teaching Idea: I would use this book to teach inferencing, rather than teaching students to write how animals actually feel. For example, when the book says she is deaf and is looking around at everything, I would explain what an inference means and ask students to think about how may be feeling based on what the book says. I would model and do a think aloud first to show students what making an inference looks like.
Read
October 10, 2019The true story of Ninita, the only known deaf Pygmy Marmoset in the world. When her mom abandoned her, Ninita is rescued by RSCF. When she meets Mr.Big, Ninita feels like she has finally found a friend. She found someone that loves to eat, climb, and play as much as she does.
I thought that this was a very cute book. It helped to show kids that even animals have disabilities sometimes. It doesn't focus solely on the disability, instead it focuses Ninita adjusting to and exploring her habitat. I thought that was a great aspect of this book, since we shouldn't just focus on what others cannot do.
This book could be used to teach about being friends with people with disabilities. Mr.Big didn't care that Ninita couldn't hear him, he found other ways to show friendship. This would be a good lesson to children about including everyone.
I thought that this was a very cute book. It helped to show kids that even animals have disabilities sometimes. It doesn't focus solely on the disability, instead it focuses Ninita adjusting to and exploring her habitat. I thought that was a great aspect of this book, since we shouldn't just focus on what others cannot do.
This book could be used to teach about being friends with people with disabilities. Mr.Big didn't care that Ninita couldn't hear him, he found other ways to show friendship. This would be a good lesson to children about including everyone.
February 27, 2020
This book is based on the true story of Ninita the Pygmy Marmoset, she is different from most monkeys. She is the only deaf Pygmy in the world and she was an orphan. She is adopted by humans and they took care of her until she adventured outside and met another pygmy marmoset whom she decides to live with, but still returns to her caregivers once in a while. I would say this book is for grades 1 through 3 because it isn't very content heavy and they concept is easy to understand, with great illustrations.
I would use this book in my classroom because it could be used to empathize with children with disability, to help them know that animals too have disabilities and that does not stop them from living their life. It can also help students who don't have disabilities to build friendships with children who do. I like that this book is a biography of an animal, I have never read a book like this before.
I would use this book in my classroom because it could be used to empathize with children with disability, to help them know that animals too have disabilities and that does not stop them from living their life. It can also help students who don't have disabilities to build friendships with children who do. I like that this book is a biography of an animal, I have never read a book like this before.
July 10, 2019
Another one that gets three stars, only because the illustrations were so pretty.
I don't know. I thought this book would explain being deaf a little more. Even though its' based on a true story of a pygmy marmoset, it was really boring and just one of those basic stories about what the animal likes to do. There wasn't much of an education to come from it. But I guess it will be a good book to discuss empathy, and conservatories and what they do.
I thought I'd be able to do more with this book but it's really just one of those books I shrug and ask what the point is.
I don't know. I thought this book would explain being deaf a little more. Even though its' based on a true story of a pygmy marmoset, it was really boring and just one of those basic stories about what the animal likes to do. There wasn't much of an education to come from it. But I guess it will be a good book to discuss empathy, and conservatories and what they do.
I thought I'd be able to do more with this book but it's really just one of those books I shrug and ask what the point is.
August 7, 2019
Illustrations were 5-star awesome.
The story, though, felt anti-climactic. It straddles a weird line between being factually accurate and entertaining... and touched upon deafness, but not with enough oomph. In fact, it felt weirdly like they used 'deaf' as a catch phrase in the marketing, but it was an unfulfilling ending.
It seemed like it was about to say something profound or inspiring about abilities, but then didn't... not really.
Maybe the arc of this story was not defined well enough and so it felt flat, does that make sense?
The story, though, felt anti-climactic. It straddles a weird line between being factually accurate and entertaining... and touched upon deafness, but not with enough oomph. In fact, it felt weirdly like they used 'deaf' as a catch phrase in the marketing, but it was an unfulfilling ending.
It seemed like it was about to say something profound or inspiring about abilities, but then didn't... not really.
Maybe the arc of this story was not defined well enough and so it felt flat, does that make sense?
January 3, 2020
This picture book non fiction title tells the story of Ninita, a deaf pygmy marmoset. Ninita was abandoned at three weeks of age by her parents. She was hand raised by human caregivers at the Rare Species Conservatory where she lives in Florida until she was matched up with another marmoset at the facility. This beautifully illustrated title also includes an author's note and bibliography. This would be a good addition to all libraries that need more informational books about animals for young children.
June 12, 2019
Effectively allows children to empathize with those different from themselves -- and care about animals and their environments -- without being heavy-handed. Informative, darling, and includes great backmatter!
July 30, 2019
I had never heard of a pygmy marmoset before reading this book but now I am so intrigued by them. I really enjoyed this story and think that any kid who loves animals will as well. I loved that it had endnotes and pictures on the real Ninita.
January 24, 2020
This book is a true story about a deaf Pygmy Marmoset and how she struggled to live. This is something that should be read at the primary level. I would encourage my students to put themselves in Ninita's (the main character's) shoes to question how they would feel if they were deaf.
January 16, 2021
Adorbs! I said I wanted to rescue a pygmy marmoset but spouse says abso not ‘cause it would be kitty food or we’d squash it so I said after cat dies and we can buy a white couch but then apparently there would be concerns about poops so the answer is no. I will just reread the book instead.
February 4, 2021
Adorable artwork helps tell the true story of the only deaf Pygmy marmoset in the world. Sweet story of her rescue and finding a friend-Mr. Big! Who is also tiny. Great back matter. Toothbrush is such a cute touch!
October 29, 2021
A sweet story of a deaf baby pygmy marmoset that was born captive breeding program, abandoned by its parents, rescued, and introduced to another baby marmoset friend by program staff. Author's note with more information on marmosets and the foundation.
February 18, 2022
Borderline cuteness overload in the illustrations and photos in the “biography” (according to the CIP/verso) of a deaf pygmy marmoset, glad to see the author note and fun facts for NF. Very interesting, delightful presentation, and the star Ninita and her toothbrush!
May 2, 2019
So sweet!
May 25, 2019
The story of the rescue of an orpahned, deaf pygmy marmoset, the smallest of monkeys.
June 19, 2019
Adorable narrative nonfiction about a deaf pygmy marmoset. The Kindergarteners were entranced.
July 11, 2019
Didn’t love the opening of this book but the human interference made sense later with more context.
July 27, 2019
Very cute story.
September 7, 2019
A great one for animal lovers. Will allow children to see that animals can also be deaf and have to adapt to their environments just like humans.
September 12, 2019
So cute!! I loved learning about Ninita and her home at the RSCF!
September 16, 2019
Too adorable!
November 18, 2019
Colorado Kids seem to love informational books, particularly about animals.
December 13, 2019
Very cute book on Ninita, the deaf pygmy marmoset.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews