Three starred reviews!
A Blueberry Award Changemaker book for 2022!
A Nautilus Award Gold Winner for 2022!
A Mighty Girl’s Best Books of 2021!
Illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins.
Roberta rescues tiny creatures.
You know, the ones stranded
in the middle of the sidewalk,
upside down, flopping, or near-frozen?
A lot of the time, that earns her
funny looks from kids at school.
But when there’s an invasion
of tiny creatures in her classroom one day,
Roberta will need to use her knowledge
and creativity to show everybody
that tiny creatures aren’t so scary after all.
They just need friends who rescue
and understand them.
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Reviews
“Roberta is the savior of winged insects and creepy crawlies in distress… This occasionally makes her a target for classmates’ tattling (“Ms. Williams! Roberta has been picking up worms again!”), but they’re mighty glad to have her around when spiderlings cover a classroom wall and nearly everyone, including Ms. Williams, panics. … Manley affords space not only for action development but also for Roberta’s reflection on her fascination with the tiny things… End matter offers thumbnails with Roberta’s commentary on creatures she’s rescued, as well as directions for the origami boxes.” The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Childlike images by Cummins use expressive, charcoal-y lines and bright colors to present information clearly, including the insects Roberta’s interested in, how they behave (“The millipede… curled into a spiral when I picked it up”), and how it’s possible to take those it’s too late to save and look at them under the microscope. This substantive story by Manley is both a STEM tale about insects and a lesson in staying true to oneself, as Roberta’s distinctive interest takes her from odd kid out to minor celebrity with a like-minded new friend.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“The appealing, cartoonlike pictures illustrate the action and the characters’ emotions effectively. Well worded and engaging, Roberta’s first-person narrative is heartening in several ways. She feels so strongly about helping animals that she continues despite ridicule. By sharing her knowledge, she unexpectedly earns her classmates’ respect. And more broadly, one person can make a difference, not only through action but also by influencing others. An original picture book and a rewarding read-aloud choice.” Booklist (starred review)
“Curtis Manley’s bighearted story gracefully captures the experiences of quiet, observant, inquisitive children—those who may not be found in the midst of a big crowd at school but who are considerately looking out for those on the periphery. Lucy Ruth Cummins’ brightly colored illustrations depict a series of Roberta’s rescues both at home and at school. … Tender and sensitive, much like its protagonist, The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures will encourage readers to get outside and be on the lookout for vulnerable new friends.” BookPage
“This charming, understated tale will encourage young readers and listeners to reevaluate their own ideas about creatures they might have previously ignored or disliked. Interesting facts about some creatures occur unobtrusively throughout the narrative. A welcome portrayal of a young female undaunted by bugs and slime.” Kirkus
“Animal lovers unite! This adorable picture book has such depth in a simple message, to save every animal, no matter how small. …In her quiet way, Roberta has inspired her class to see each tiny creature as a living being with needs and deserving of respect. …Cummins delivers joyful, brightly colored scenes that makes every creepy crawly relatable, and includes children of various races. VERDICT A first purchase for young reader collections.” School Library Journal (starred review)
Featured
Chosen for Summer Reads 2021 by Publishers Weekly
Selected spreads at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast, May 2021
Included with other books about empathy for the world’s creatures at Shepherd.com
Accolades
Named a Blueberry Award Changemaker book for 2022!
Named a Nautilus Award Gold Winner for 2022!
Included in A Mighty Girl’s Best Books of 2021!
“The kids in my class read The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures the other day and enjoyed it very much. They liked all the different animals and the idea of helping tiny creatures. I was happy to find a book illustrating what I try to instill in the classroom.” —K-3 teacher, WA state