The Littlest Yak by Lu Fraser, illustrated by Kate Hindley. Peachtree Publishing, 2020. 9781682632826.
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Picture book
What did you like about the book? In a fun, rollicking sing-song text, the life of Gertie the Littlest Yak is extolled. She’s wonderful at climbing mountains and her wool is so curly (everything a yak should be) BUT she’s tiny. Frenetic, colorful and funny illustrations depict the antics that Gertie engages in as she works to find a way to grow larger. Yet, when a (little) hero is needed, Gertie is the chosen one and (as you might have guessed), Gertie learns a lot about what it means to be big.
Anything you didn’t like about it? I loved it. A big lesson for the reader was shared and learned without the usual didacticism.
To whom would you recommend this book? This is a picture book for any age.
Who should buy this book? Public libraries, school libraries and pre-schools, elementary grades. This would be a great book to share with kids when talking about self-esteem.
Where would you shelve it ? Picture books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes, ‘cause it’s so durn fun!
Reviewer: Pam Watts-Flavin, Head of Children’s Services, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: September 7, 2021
Youth Services Book Review 
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