TINY BARBARIAN

This book’s rallying cry to “CONQUER EVERYTHING!” will ring true for small warriors-to-be.

Tiny has always been small, but he wasn’t a barbarian until earlier today. While out with his well-meaning parents (who make the mistake of telling him he can be anything he wants when he grows up), young Tiny spots something. An advertisement for a film about a barbarian gives Tiny a purpose. Merrily he constructs his own barbarian outfit—a horned colander is key—and proceeds to lay siege to the dragon (hose), troll (trash can), and giant broccoli (shrub) in the backyard. But fighting monsters during the day is one thing. Can Tiny now overcome his fear of the dark? Or is this the end of his warrior ways? With its joyous battle cries and subtle repeated beats, this story makes for a rollicking read-aloud. Spires imbues Tiny with as much, if not more, personality and vibe as any of the fantastical creatures that dot these pages. Other visual elements, like the dad cooking and taking on bedtime duty, eschew the usual stereotypes. Consider pairing with Great, Now We’ve Got Barbarians, by Jason Carter Eaton and illustrated by Mark Fearing (2017), for a truly tough storytime. Tiny’s dad presents White, and Tiny himself and his mom have slightly darker skin.

Prepare for the hearts of your kids to be conquered once and for all.