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The Little Island: (Caldecott Medal Winner) (Dell Picture Yearling) Paperback – Picture Book, October 1, 1993

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 869 ratings

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Children’s book icon Margaret Wise Brown – author of the cherished classic Goodnight Moon – and Caldecott Medal-winner Leonard Weisgard bring young readers an enduring picture book about the magic of nature.

Winner of the 1947 Caldecott Medal, this beautifully moving story centers around a little island in the midst of the wide ocean, and the curious kitten who comes to visit. As the seasons pass, the island and the creatures who call it home witness an ever-changing array of sights, smells, and sounds – proving that, no matter how small, we are all an important part of the world.
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Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Once there was a little island in the ocean. That little island changes as the seasons come and go. The storm and the day and night change it. So do the lobsters and seals and gulls that stop by. Then one day a kitten visits the little island and learns a secret that every child will enjoy.

From the Inside Flap

Once there was a little island in the ocean. That little island changes as the seasons come and go. The storm and the day and night change it. So do the lobsters and seals and gulls that stop by. Then one day a kitten visits the little island and learns a secret that every child will enjoy.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dragonfly Books; Reissue edition (October 1, 1993)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 044040830X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0440408307
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2 - 6 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 590L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.99 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.13 x 0.16 x 7.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 869 ratings

About the author

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Margaret Wise Brown
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Margaret Wise Brown wrote hundreds of books and stories during her life, but she is best known for Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny. Even though she died over 45 years ago, her books still sell very well. Margaret loved animals. Most of her books have animals as characters in the story. She liked to write books that had a rhythm to them. Sometimes she would put a hard word into the story or poem. She thought this made children think harder when they are reading. She wrote all the time. There are many scraps of paper where she quickly wrote down a story idea or a poem. She said she dreamed stories and then had to write them down in the morning before she forgot them. She tried to write the way children wanted to hear a story, which often isn't the same way an adult would tell a story. She also taught illustrators to draw the way a child saw things. One time she gave two puppies to someone who was going to draw a book with that kind of dog. The illustrator painted many pictures one day and then fell asleep. When he woke up, the papers he painted on were bare. The puppies had licked all the paint off the paper. Margaret died after surgery for a bursting appendix while in France. She had many friends who still miss her. They say she was a creative genius who made a room come to life with her excitement. Margaret saw herself as something else - a writer of songs and nonsense.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
869 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the illustrations beautiful and touching. They describe the story as wonderful, tender, and timeless. The book is described as a fun, easy read for kids. Readers appreciate the poetic writing style and rich language. The book has a spiritual quality and appreciates nature. It's suitable for children ages 3 to 6, with life lessons that leave room for further discussion. Customers mention it's a classic that resonates with them and makes them nostalgic for Maine.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

41 customers mention "Illustrations"39 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the illustrations in the book. They find the pictures charming and touching, with black and white and colored images on each spread. The book encourages creativity and imagination, while demonstrating a unique view of life. Readers appreciate the sight words and mention that the little island is an Eden-like world unto itself.

"...matched perfectly by the apposing black and white and colored illustrations on each spread...." Read more

"The Little Island is an Eden-esque world unto iteself, where golden pears grow, flowers bloom, lobsters shed their hard shells and a visiting black..." Read more

"...with a little more mature language and pictures, it holds her charming view of life and demonstrates her love of nature and belief in the magic of..." Read more

"Illustrations are whimsical and story is interesting." Read more

39 customers mention "Story quality"30 positive9 negative

Customers enjoy the story and illustrations. They find it a nice, tender tale that is a favorite bedtime story. The book tells about a little island and its changing seasons. Readers say the voice and rhythm lure them into a new world.

"Brown’s poetic voice, her perfect rhythm, lures us into a new world, matched perfectly by the apposing black and white and colored illustrations on..." Read more

"Illustrations are whimsical and story is interesting." Read more

"...Every page is interesting in its own way; he loves to bark like a seal and find the seal babies, to show me all the spiders in their webs, and to..." Read more

"...Just like Goodnight Moon, there’s very little plot, but our toddler (2) loves pointing out and discussing all the animals and especially the storm...." Read more

28 customers mention "Readability"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable for kids. They describe it as a classic that can be shared with different generations. The book is described as a nice, pleasant read that grandchildren like.

"...The story can be read to younger children (under 7) and be read by older children who read independently (7 or 8 and up.)" Read more

"...Its tranquil tone makes it the perfect book before naptime, bedtime or anytime a child needs a break from active play. Highly recommended." Read more

"Wonderful book, an easy read for younger kids, with perfect illustrations...." Read more

"This book is so gentle, so peaceful, and so lyrical, it’s the perfect bedtime book...." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing quality"10 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's writing quality. They find it well-written and poetic, with rich language that is not overly complicated. The book is described as a classic that reads almost like a poem without rhymes. It is a great book for teaching detailed writing to second graders.

"Brown’s poetic voice, her perfect rhythm, lures us into a new world, matched perfectly by the apposing black and white and colored illustrations on..." Read more

"...Beautiful illustrations and spare, poetic writing make this book a classic that resonates with audiences today just as it did more than half a..." Read more

"...all children’s books by Margaret Wise Brown are far superior in writing and illustrations (though she is not the illustrator)...." Read more

"...The wording is quite clever. This story tells about a little island, and the changing seasons it lives through...." Read more

11 customers mention "Faith"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's faith and spiritual aspects. They appreciate the nature theme and the hidden meanings in the story. The book is described as a poetic, philosophical tale with universal truths.

"...The back of the book includes historical info and references for furthur learning that would be of interest to parents, teachers and older children..." Read more

"...and pictures, it holds her charming view of life and demonstrates her love of nature and belief in the magic of the natural world. A+!!" Read more

"...I wanted to raise my daughter with a love and appreciation of nature and I read this book to her before she was even born...." Read more

"...it does talk about having faith to believe things you cant know...." Read more

8 customers mention "Age range"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suitable for kids from 3 to 6 years old. It provides life lessons and leaves the imaginative dialogue up to the child. The realistic stories encourage further discussion.

"...that would be of interest to parents, teachers and older children who want more info...." Read more

"...The illustrations are realistic and lend themselves to further discussion. Would buy again and again!" Read more

"...A tale of wonder and universal truth! Great for ages 6 months and up...." Read more

"The most beautiful island book with life lessons for children simply wonderful" Read more

6 customers mention "Classic content"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's classic content. They find the writing engaging and nostalgic, describing it as an old book republished.

"...Beautiful illustrations and spare, poetic writing make this book a classic that resonates with audiences today just as it did more than half a..." Read more

"This book makes me nostalgic for Maine! If you have ever been on a Maine island you will enjoy it...." Read more

"Classic and beautiful illustrations, and a very sweet story. I love that the pictures give my son lots to talk about." Read more

"...I love the illustrations. Great classic!" Read more

6 customers mention "Simplicity"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's simplicity. They find the language rich but not overly complicated, and the message brilliant and subtle.

"...The language is rich but not overly complicated and the message is brilliant...." Read more

"...It's artsy, sweet, simple, cute and a great bed time story :)" Read more

"...children's book -- it's very poetic and philosophical, in its unassuming way. I give it to everyone I know who has thoughtful little kids." Read more

"We love the simplicity of this book, as it leaves the imaginative dialogue up to the child." Read more

How fun that a cat and an island talk to each other
5 out of 5 stars
How fun that a cat and an island talk to each other
Brown’s poetic voice, her perfect rhythm, lures us into a new world, matched perfectly by the apposing black and white and colored illustrations on each spread. Warming up into the book I was caught up in the descriptions and the seasonal changes only to be surprised half-way through with introductions to the island and a cat as actual characters! I was taken aback, but at the same time, it was so refreshing. As a #picturebook author we’re encouraged to introduce our main characters and their dilemma early on in our stories - first sentence or two in fact. It did jog me out of the almost stem-like quality of the book and made me pause as I dived into a whole new angle. And then, within a few pages the cat was gone and the seasons continued and life for the island carried on as it did in the first half of the book. How interesting! So different to the way picture books read today. And yet, the story lingers in my mind and I’m tickled (like the “tickly pear tree” - which I don’t understand at all) at the little “secrets” I have taken away from this story...
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2020
    Brown’s poetic voice, her perfect rhythm, lures us into a new world, matched perfectly by the apposing black and white and colored illustrations on each spread. Warming up into the book I was caught up in the descriptions and the seasonal changes only to be surprised half-way through with introductions to the island and a cat as actual characters! I was taken aback, but at the same time, it was so refreshing. As a #picturebook author we’re encouraged to introduce our main characters and their dilemma early on in our stories - first sentence or two in fact. It did jog me out of the almost stem-like quality of the book and made me pause as I dived into a whole new angle. And then, within a few pages the cat was gone and the seasons continued and life for the island carried on as it did in the first half of the book. How interesting! So different to the way picture books read today. And yet, the story lingers in my mind and I’m tickled (like the “tickly pear tree” - which I don’t understand at all) at the little “secrets” I have taken away from this story...
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars How fun that a cat and an island talk to each other
    Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2020
    Brown’s poetic voice, her perfect rhythm, lures us into a new world, matched perfectly by the apposing black and white and colored illustrations on each spread. Warming up into the book I was caught up in the descriptions and the seasonal changes only to be surprised half-way through with introductions to the island and a cat as actual characters! I was taken aback, but at the same time, it was so refreshing. As a #picturebook author we’re encouraged to introduce our main characters and their dilemma early on in our stories - first sentence or two in fact. It did jog me out of the almost stem-like quality of the book and made me pause as I dived into a whole new angle. And then, within a few pages the cat was gone and the seasons continued and life for the island carried on as it did in the first half of the book. How interesting! So different to the way picture books read today. And yet, the story lingers in my mind and I’m tickled (like the “tickly pear tree” - which I don’t understand at all) at the little “secrets” I have taken away from this story...
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    22 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2021
    This is a children's book based on historic aspects of lighthouses and the role of the lighthouse keeper. The back of the book includes historical info and references for furthur learning that would be of interest to parents, teachers and older children who want more info. The story can be read to younger children (under 7) and be read by older children who read independently (7 or 8 and up.)
    17 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2010
    The Little Island is an Eden-esque world unto iteself, where golden pears grow, flowers bloom, lobsters shed their hard shells and a visiting black kitten expands his world view with the help of a small fish. Beautiful illustrations and spare, poetic writing make this book a classic that resonates with audiences today just as it did more than half a century ago. Its tranquil tone makes it the perfect book before naptime, bedtime or anytime a child needs a break from active play. Highly recommended.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2018
    Wonderful book, an easy read for younger kids, with perfect illustrations. We know Margaret Wise Brown mostly from her many contributions to the Little Golden Books collection, and bought this one because we've always enjoyed her sensibilities. Even though this book is told with a little more mature language and pictures, it holds her charming view of life and demonstrates her love of nature and belief in the magic of the natural world. A+!!
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2016
    Illustrations are whimsical and story is interesting.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2017
    This is my two year old son’s all-time favorite book. We’ve had it for about a year, and he still requests it. I have found that almost all children’s books by Margaret Wise Brown are far superior in writing and illustrations (though she is not the illustrator). It reads almost like a poem that doesn’t rhyme, and the story is sweet. I have no idea why a little boy would be so fascinated with an island that goes through the seasons, the animals and plants, and the kitten who talks to the island about the land and sea, but he is. Every page is interesting in its own way; he loves to bark like a seal and find the seal babies, to show me all the spiders in their webs, and to hide his face when I’m reading about the big storm. I just love the part about the fish and the kitten talking about the secret of the island. What a concept for kids! This book is truely a treasure.
    12 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2002
    Even if this book had no words, I would still love it, because the illustrations are that brilliant!!~~
    The wording is quite clever.
    This story tells about a little island, and the changing seasons it lives through.
    This island is home to many creatures, and serves many, many purposes.
    Lobsters crawl underneath the island to find dark hiding places.
    Seals come to have and raise babies.
    Birds come to build nests and lay eggs.
    In spring, flowers bloom on this little island. In summer, strawberries ripen.
    One day, a family on a boat stops at the island for an afternoon picnic. With them, there is a black kitty.
    The kitty observes:
    "My what a small island. You are as small as big is big."
    The island converses with this kitty, and teaches him that everything is a wonderful part of this world, and equally unique and important.
    The kitty learns a secret from a fish- 'All land is one land under the sea'.
    In autumn, the pears ripen on the lone pear tree on the island, and finally winter comes with snow.
    It was good to be a little island. A part of the world, and a world of its own.
    53 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2024
    Birthday gift for grandson and "secret reader" selection for granddaughter's pre-school class.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Red
    5.0 out of 5 stars Was a hit for my Niece's Birthday.
    Reviewed in Canada on April 23, 2023
    Beautiful illustrations and a story that holds up well for children even after 70+ years.
  • Genitore
    5.0 out of 5 stars Uno dei miei preferiti
    Reviewed in Italy on March 7, 2024
    È un libro particolare, nel senso che ha una storia ma un po' disorganizzata. Comunque mio bimbo è affascinato di questo libro, perciò lo leggiamo spesso. Più lo leggiamo più mi piace, ma posso capire che non è per tutti. Un po' troppo filosofico.
  • SAM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary collaboration between the great Leonard Weisgard and Margaret Wise Brown.
    Reviewed in Germany on July 25, 2019
    On vacation, so don't have book to hand. But I want to tell you this.
    Leonard Weisgard stands in a class of his own. He was one of the great illustrators of his times. Illustrators have always known that. Wonderful that some of his work is now being rediscovered and reprinted for the rest of us, though not nearly enough. (Where is Weisgard's beautiful Alice in Wonderland, perhaps the loveliest Alice interpretations since Tenniel and Rackham?) The Little Island is a declaration of love to a little island and to the sea and the sky and and the wind and the returning seasons, to the energy and mystery of the earth. The pictures and the stories can be understood and enjoyed by a small child and by every other human being. In the story, even a curious little black kitten comes to understand something of the marvels and mysteries of the infinitely connected universe. Some adults will find themselves wondering as they read if it is pretentious to drift towards
    "No man is an island,
    Entire of itself,
    Every man is a piece of the continent,
    A part of the main..."

    Here is the last page of Weisgard's and Wise's Island story:

    "Nights and days came and passed
    And summer and winter
    and the sun and the wind and the rain.
    And it was good to be a little Island.
    A part of the world
    and a world of its own
    all surrounded by the bright blue sea."

    Buy this book and give it to all who have eyes to see and ears to hear, of any age. You will make them happy.
  • "ckaddy1"
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 11, 2016
    Poetic and thought-provoking.
  • catherine
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well done!
    Reviewed in France on July 24, 2013
    As a Montessori teacher, I really liked the way the story of the Island was presented. It has a good message in the end.
    The children were really attentive and interested.