Review of This Small Blue Dot

Author and illustrator: Zeno Sworder
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Age Range: Babies, boddlers, toddlers
Themes: Childhood, life, philosophy, self-identity

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I have gushed about ‘This Small Blue Dot’ since its release in August 2020 on my socials, to my kids, friends, colleagues and well, to just about anyone who will listen. This gorgeous title is also now one of my go-to picture books to gift to new parents and our youngest readers – babies, toddlers and preschoolers. ‘This Small Blue Dot’ is so beautiful in both the crayon illustrations and the clear message of inclusiveness and interconnectedness it sends about the world we ALL live in.

I am not the only librarian to rave about it and today Clare Mellor brings us her wonderful review of ‘This Small Blue Dot’.

Thanks Clare!

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A young girl describes the fun and strangeness of life on our small blue dot in a series of lessons, big and small.

‘This Small Blue Dot’ is an exquisite book. While I was pregnant with my son I was able to read a proof copy. The book filled me with so much hope for the tiny being I was growing and left me a little misty-eyed (I do NOT normally cry while reading books)!

The book is from the perspective of a big sister who is explaining the world to her new sibling. It’s very gentle in tone, including only “the important stuff” about why life on Earth is so amazing. Earth may be just a “small blue dot” in the universe, but it is so much more than that, with so many magical things to discover. Some of my favourite messages from this book include:

Earth is a place of life and it is our job to protect it.
Be yourself, be playful, be curious, and be adventurous!
People are wonderful and their beauty can be found in their hearts.
We are all different but we all live on this small blue dot!

Zeno Sworder’s crayon illustrations are simply gorgeous. There are so many pages I would LOVE to frame and put in my son’s nursery – but I couldn’t possibly destroy this treasure! I adore Sworder’s choice of vibrant colours – it is as if he borrowed some crayons from his two daughters!

‘This Small Blue Dot’ is a timeless story that would make a beautiful gift to a new baby! It is a book that a child (or adult!) will return to for a reminder of why life on our small blue dot is so special.

More gorgeous picture books to gift to babies and tots: