The Very Little Girl

by Phyllis Krasilovsky, Ninon (Illustrator)

Read-aloud story of a little girl who becomes a big sister

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

Best known for her picture books, although also the author of two young adult novels and numerous magazine and newspaper articles, some of them humorous. Krasilovsky's first two books were accepted for publication when she was nineteen and newly married. Both of them were written in response to real children. The Very Little Girl (1953) was originally a birthday card for her sister's child, and The Man Who Didn't Wash His Dishes (1950), a humorous cautionary tale illustrated by Barbara Cooney, was written for her husband's five- year-old cousin who was dying of leukemia. The Cow Who Fell in the Canal (1957), illustrated by Peter Spier, was inspired by an incident observed while bicycling through Holland. Other books were inspired by her four children and memories of her own childhood. She wrote four more Man books, and finally one about The Woman Who Saved Things (1993). One of Krasilovsky's favorite books was The Shy Little Girl (1970), based on one of her own daughters, and sensitively illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. Her two young adult novels, The Popular Girls Club (1972) and L.C. Is the Greatest (1975), were based on her own experiences growing up in Brooklyn.

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Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so lucky to find this book for just 50p, it is beautiful and I find it unbelievable that this book was republished with new illustrations that are hideous in comparison. A simple tale of a little girl that finds herself small in a big world until one day a little sibling arrives and she realises she is not so little after all.

The illustrations by Ninon are exquisite. Elegant and detailed line drawing coloured with lime green and peach. A wonderful look at everyday life and about growing and changing.

[gloriabluestocking · Rating 3 out of 5]

The original version of this book with these sweet 50's illustrations are so much better than the republished version which have 'modern' illustrations. I give the republished version (which has part of the story changed, as well as the illustrations) 2 stars, but the original an enthusiastic 5!
Good luck getting your hands on the original though. They pop up for $100 every now and then online, but the republished one is a dime-a-dozen.

[Christy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was a small child and I remembered it for a very long time. I was finally able to find a copy in excellent condition. Reading it as an adult, I was able to appreciate the beauty in the illustrations and charm of the story.

This is a story of a very little girl who was too little to reach the doorknob, too little to see the face of the clock, and slept in a very little bed. But soon she could do all of these little things she couldn't before and her bed was even getting smaller. Then one day she was big enough to be a big sister to her little brother who was very very little.

If you can find a copy this is a great story for any very little girl about to become a big sister. :)

[Shelley Pruett · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandma owned this book, and it was one of the very first books I was able to read to myself, which I did, over and over. I remember being so happy for the very little girl when she was finally bigger than the rosebush! The illustrations are so sweet.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very special book my mother used to read to me when I was very very very little.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I love this. It is absolutely gorgeous. I want a copy of my own so bad. What a sweet book to read to small children -- they will identify with the little girl and learn a bit about growing. It's just wonderful.

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have seen a photo of me at about age 3 holding this book. Years later, I searched for it and bought it around the time that Colleen was born. I guess it was my first book.

[Janine Carney doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have this book from my childhood. My grandmother gave it to me when I became a big sister to my little brother. She wrote me a beautiful letter in the back. She died shortly after giving me this book. It is a cherished keepsake. I just read it to my granddaughter.