Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn

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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Shannon Hale's Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn is a fun picture book that combines LeUyen Pham's bubblegum-sweet illustrations with a message about being who you are even when some friends don't believe in you. Gecko and Parakeet are dismissive when Kitty-Corn talks about being a unicorn, a feeling of sadness that might resonate with some readers who don't feel seen. The companionship the two kitty-corns share is a sweet affirmation that everyone deserves an accepting, kind friendship.
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What's the Story?
In ITTY-BITTY KITTY-CORN, little Kitty thinks she's a unicorn. She prances and neighs like one, she basks in her shadow, but Gecko and Parakeet jeer, insisting that she's just a kitty. Kitty feels sad, and even seeing a real unicorn doesn't help until she realizes that the real, big unicorn is actually a kitty-corn too! The two friends find comfort and happiness together.
Is It Any Good?
The cute, cartoonish illustrations add a layer of sweetness that will draw young readers to a fun story of imagination, acceptance, and friendship. Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn's colors and expressions add bright overtones even to the moments when Gecko and Parakeet make Kitty feel sad, and add joy to Kitty's moment of triumph. Adults reading aloud might be asked to imitate Kitty's faces, which should absolutely be done while insisting the listeners imitate Kitty's movements throughout this delightful book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it feels like when people don't believe you, like Gecko and Parakeet in Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn. Have you ever tried to tell someone something real and they've told you it isn't true? How does that feel?
Why do you think Gecko and Parakeet made fun of Kitty-Corn?
What can you do when someone tells you something about themself that's different from what you think you see?
Book Details
- Author: Shannon Hale
- Illustrator: LeUyen Pham
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: March 23, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 48
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: March 29, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love picture books and friendship stories
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