The Big Book of Little: A Classic Illustrated Edition    compiled by Cooper Edens Order:  USA  Can Chronicle, 2006 (2006) Hardcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Hilary Daninhirsch The Big Book of Little is a wonderful concept for a children's book. One of the goals of a children's author is to relate to kids, and what better way to relate than to focus on things and people that are small. In this collection, sometimes there are lessons to be learned, and sometimes, the stories are just for fun. For example, this compendium contains the original Hans Christian Andersen version of The Little Mermaid (not the Disney version); Chicken Little; Little Bo Peep; Little Red Riding Hood; Tom Thumb; Thumbelina; Little Boy Blue; Wee Willie Winkie; I'm a Little Teapot; and Little Miss Muffet, to name but a few. There are also excerpts from larger works, such as Gulliver's Travels, Little House on the Prairie, and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Many of the selections will be familiar to most readers: indeed, all are classics, though there are some poems and stories that I had not seen before. The illustrations that accompany these nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and other stories are simply beautiful and charming. The acknowledgments section at the end of the book credits the illustrators, and some date back to the late 19th century and the early part of the 20th century, accounting for the old-fashioned feel. This one hundred twenty-one page volume is perfect for collectors, and would make a great addition to bedtime reading. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews