The Biggest Smallest Thing
by Sara de Waal
illustrated by Ana Stretcu
Annick Press, 2025
ISBN 978-1-77321-945-5
$23.99, 41 pp, ages 6 – 12
annickpress.com
This book celebrates the incredible thinking that goes on in classrooms where students are encouraged to think creatively and to appreciate the diversity of approaches one can take to solving a problem. As students prepare for a science symposium, we are introduced to participants Mo (who wants to be a chemist) and Muriel (who wants to be a cat). The problem presented is “What is something big you can make with something small?”
As students consider, question, and explore, there are many funny moments which will delight any young reader. The solutions are all different, and range from an egg making meringue to a piece of chalk making a long line. At the end of the story, Mo learns an important lesson, and the author includes a section that provides a scientific explanation for each solution.
This excellent book exemplifies an environment for learning in which each child’s strengths are recognized, whether it’s eating a popsicle in three bites or blowing your nose to the tune of the alphabet song. The tone of the book suggests that in this inclusive classroom, all ideas are acceptable and everyone is treated with respect and affection.
Classroom Connections: This is an excellent read-aloud book for students in all primary classrooms, and one in which they can make many connections between the book’s characters and themselves. It is also a science book that discusses concepts from the importance of human and animals’ ability to sneeze to the ripple effect and the science of sound. Presenting additional demonstrations in the classroom will help students understand these concepts. The book ends with a new and fascinating question: “What small thing will you do to change the world?” A question that can be asked at any age, helping students develop their understanding of the privilege and responsibility of living in community.
Review by Betty Schultze.
This review is featured in Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Winter 2026 issue.
