  | Girl who was too big for the page Author: Davis, Geena | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Sheila lives inside this book and as she grows, she becomes self-conscious about not fitting in the pages, until she realizes how she can be herself with her height included.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (-) (05/15/25)
School Library Journal (08/15/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 04/07/2025 In this meta-fable about conformity and self-worth, actor Davis, making her children’s book debut, introduces Sheila, a pale-skinned child who literally grows up in a book, living a conventionally adorable life within its pages. After a summer away from the foreground, the now-fourth-grader returns to discover that she’s outgrown the book’s trim size-forcing her to twist and contort to fit the pages. But a good friend’s counsel helps Sheila realize that "people are valuable and special no matter what’s different about them," and that she can take up the space she needs-a final spread shows Sheila triumphantly extending her body to its full height. Touching lightly on matters of representation, it’s a straightforward arc whose delicate ink lines and washes make each scratchy single-plane drawing feel like a shared glimpse into a cherished personal sketchbook. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4-8. (Apr.) - Copyright 2025
School Library Journal - 08/15/2025 K-Gr 2—In a metafictional twist on what it means to inhabit a book, Sheila has literally spent her entire life living among the pages. As a toddler, she learned to walk within the book. As a kindergartner, she went to school and made new friends, still in the book. Year after year, Sheila grew up on the page like any other character. But when she returns for fourth grade, something's wrong: she doesn't fit anymore. No matter what new room she goes in or what position she tries, Sheila's just too big for the story. However, with some advice from her best friend, Sheila starts to see that she might not be too big, but that she needs a bigger page. The premise has potential for imaginative exploration, and the folksy, conversational tone is bolstered by comical illustrations that echo the text's playful spirit. Unfortunately, the story leans on its central message until it becomes heavy-handed. Driven by the lesson, both character and plot are underdeveloped, lacking the complexity to make meaningful connections for readers. VERDICT Not recommended for purchase. Although the initial set-up is clever, the glib treatment undermines its emotional resonance, turning a potentially rich topic into a one-note joke.—Louie Lauer - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
