MIA AND NATTIE

A girl proves that a small, misfit sheep has a place on her grandmother’s farm in this picture book about friendship and acceptance.

When Mia finds an abandoned lamb in the barn, she feels the animal is a kindred spirit. “You are small like me,” Mia says before bringing the lamb, whom she names Nattie, inside and nursing her to health. Even though Nattie has one horn that’s too straight, short legs, and a crooked mouth, Mia thinks she is perfect. As Nattie grows, Grandma insists the lamb live outside like the other sheep. Because Nattie stays small, she cannot keep up with the rest of the sheep, so Grandma plans to sell her. Mia trains Nattie to assist bottle-fed lambs and ill sheep, making them feel better. Grandma eventually realizes the strange, little animal does have a purpose on her farm. Bell, a mystery writer, uses accessible language in her first picture book. While some pages are text-heavy and feature words in a smaller font, others have only an illustration, inviting newly independent readers into the charming story without being intimidating. The focus on how Nattie can help others despite her diminutive size empowers both Mia and young readers. The strong linework in Sandford’s cartoon images brings to life both the girl and the sheep on the page, and the adorable lambs are sure to capture the audience’s attention.

A sweet animal tale about finding ways to belong, no matter one’s size.