2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Book Review: Not So Tall for Six, July 24, 2008
This review is from: Not So Tall for Six (Hardcover)
"Not So Tall for Six" is a book that will not only appeal to still-waiting-for-their-growth-spurt kids, but also to the ones who are embarrassed about their rangy clumsiness. See, it's more about doing the right thing than about height.
Right off the bat "Not So Tall" reminded me of "Saving Sweetness" in its language and setting. The American Southwest doesn't seem to be the locale for many picture books, and it makes this one stand out. Kylie Bell is the shortest- excuse me, "not so tallest" in her first grade class. She can't claim surprise though: small stature is a common thing in her family. This occasionally makes life hard, but overall Kylie makes do just fine. Rusty Jacks, a new bully, uses his size to torment his classmates. When lit circle time rolls around in their class and Rusty is circle-less, Kylie makes a hard choice: to be the big person and do the right thing.
Mr. Dormer's illustrations depict the Southwest in all its glory - cacti, tumbleweeds, and pueblo architecture abound. The style is well suited to the story, which is similarly of-its-place. So: solid story with a not too overbearing message, quality artwork that fits with the text - the makings of a solid selection.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Review from www.firrkids.com, May 14, 2010
Kylie Bell is the smallest student in first grade. Does this fact bother her? Not a bit. She looks at that particular measurement in her own unique way, choosing to describe herself as the "not-so-tallest" person in first grade.
It's no surprise that Kylie is itty bitty, as her entire family is vertically challenged. Their small stature is why their family motto has become "Brave and smart and big at heart." The Bells know that you don't have to claim a lot of inches to claim your place this world.
It is important that Kylie has such a positive attitude about herself because she sure is having a tough time at school with the new boy, Rusty Jacks. He teases her and taunts her all over the school, generally being a thorn in her side. Kylie needs to summon all her courage to face this big bully.
In the end, it is Rusty Jacks who finds himself needing a friend. When Ms. Shelts asks all the circle leaders who can find a spot in their reading group, not a single person will meet her eye. Rusty stands alone, unwelcome and embarrassed. It is Kylie who take two deep breaths, sets aside her scared feelings, and welcomes Rusty to her group. After giving him a chance, Kylie discovers that under his tough exterior, Rusty Jacks is actually a bit of a softie.
I think one of the cutest details of this book is the way it is written "western"style. The author uses phrases like "skedaddles faster than a spooked horse" and "skitter-dee-doos" while the reading groups boast names like Bison and Shetland Ponies. From the ten-gallon hats and kerchiefs right down to the cowboy boots, you can tell Texas has been written right into this story.
Not just fun illustrations and western twang, this book teaches a valuable lesson. Physical appearance, whether is height or weight, skin or eye color, is not the true measure of a person. Each person's character is defined by their personality, intelligence and heart. The size of Kylie's heart far outstretches her diminutive form and she overcomes her fear to befriend Rusty Jacks.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
The exuberant illustrations reinforce the fun and playful tone of this happy-go-lucky story, September 20, 2010
Not So Tall for Six is a lighthearted, softcover children's picturebook about Kylie Bell, a young girl who is small for her age of six - but she doesn't need size or physical strength to deal with bully-boy Rusty Jacks! Kylie has other qualities - she's fast on her feet, she's polite, she has a sensible head on her shoulders, and she knows the value of not holding a grudge after a bully is beaten! The exuberant illustrations reinforce the fun and playful tone of this happy-go-lucky story.
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