Review by Booklist Review
This companion to Ten-Word Tiny Tales (2023) offers 20 ten-word love-themed stories, each interpreted on a double-page spread by a different illustrator. Selections vary from expressions of admiration ("The kisses in her card grew wings and flowery scents") to pronouncements of wonder ("The love he held for his bike made it amphibious"). Some artistic interpretations take a humorous bent (Bob Graham's depiction of a young toddler playing the piano surrounded by notes all over the floor); others are distinctly macabre (Jon Klassen's parade of ghosts visiting another spectre's grave); while still others capture deep familial affection (Sydney Smith's older brother teaching his younger sibling to tie his shoes, and Victoria Turnbull's sleeping child being cradled lovingly by the mummy she just painted with hearts). Appended material offers pointers on lengthening these tiny tales and a discussion of the parts of a typical story. With thought-provoking text and intriguing illustrations, this will be useful for creative-writing classes and will delight sophisticated readers.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Horn Book Review
This evocative collection of ten-word stories, paired with unique illustrations from twenty-one artists, sparks imagination in readers of all ages. The stories, though extremely brief, are varied and thought provoking, offering a mix of humor, emotion, and fantasy. Each illustration complements its story beautifully, showcasing a range of styles and interpretations. While primarily designed to inspire children to write their own tales, the book also serves as a visual feast for creative minds. Back matter provides a primer on story craft. (c) Copyright 2025. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
