When You Were Small

This is such an attractive and stylish book (drawing is so fashionable at the moment) I was a bit suspicious. Would this be one of those books that, though is appeals to adults, doesn't really consider the interests and abilities of a younger audience?

Happily, I didn't find that was the case. The imaginative little scenarios that make up the book are really engaging and the drawings cleverly accentuate the simple, "factual" tone of the text. The drawings are very detailed but in a way that engages children's interest and rewards their talent for attention to detail. The muted palette of pale browns, greys and blues is very understated and rather pretty and makes the book unique when placed alongside other, more typically, vibrant children's books.

The story is a series of reminiscences from when Henry "was small". Based on his father's recollection Henry was small indeed - bathing in tea pots, sleeping in slippers and keeping a pet ant.

Children between three and five can enjoy all the little tableaus of Henry's small adventures but this book is also a homage to the reassuring narrative rituals that are shared within families. Very nice.

A very funny story about a young boy and his dad; and their bedtime ritual.

I (mother) thought it was a cute book. My kids thought it was kind of interesting and funny and wondered the same about when they were young.
Easy reading for kids with simple illustrations on every page.
Short book.