Kidogo Book

Kidogo is sure he’s the tiniest creature on earth. All the other animals are so much bigger than he is. Kidogo sets out on a journey—through the woodlands, over the plains, down to the river—to see if he can find an animal smaller than he is. Is it possible that Kidogo is exactly the right size after all? Heartwarming illustrations and a gentle story will inspire and reassure young children who are just starting to find their own way in a big world.

Sharon Oliver - Children's Literature

This wonderful picture book tells us the story of Kidogo, the smallest of the elephants. Kidogo needs help to reach the tender acacia leaves, help to cross the river and help from his mother with his dust bath, "although he wasn't sure he needed one." Frustrated by all the help, Kidogo sets off to find a creature smaller than himself. As he wanders, he encounters a giraffe, a hippopotamus and a lion, until Kidogo is convinced he really is the smallest animal in the world. Kidogo is determined to do elephant things without help and while trying to manage his own dust bath he finds himself surrounded by tiny animals. Kidogo then finds himself helping the tiny termites in the same way he receives help from his family. He follows the marching termites who lead him back to their hill and to his own family. Once home again, Kidogo decides he is exactly the right size. The journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance is lovely in its own right and when combined with the beautiful pencil and watercolor illustrations it is sure to draw in readers. The endpaper illustrations are amusing, with the front cover showing Kidogo and all the larger animals and the back cover showing Kidogo with all the smaller animals. This is a perfect story for children who are feeling too small to help themselves. 2005, Bloomsbury, Ages 8 to 10.