9 Little People is a cute book and shows how we are all different but have a lot in common. It shows how people can learn and grow together. It is a wonderful book.

I loved this "little" book! Rhyming words and beautifully illustrated, I will add this title to my story time list. My only criticism is that I was initially caught up on the term "little people" as terminology for individuals with dwarfism.

Regina Feldmann's *9 Little People* is a joyful celebration of friendship and individuality. This beautifully crafted picture book follows nine children born on the same day as they grow up together, sharing life's special moments and everyday adventures.

The book's strength lies in its simple yet powerful message of unity and acceptance. Martina Stuhlberger's vibrant illustrations bring each child to life with warmth and personality, while Feldmann's minimal rhyming text flows effortlessly. Together they create a story that celebrates both what connects us and what makes each person unique.

What makes this book stand out is how naturally it conveys important values through relatable childhood experiences. The illustrations tell as much of the story as the words, making it accessible to young readers while offering layers of meaning for deeper discussion.

This is the kind of book that belongs in every child's collection. It's perfect for bedtime reading, classroom sharing, or any moment when you want to nurture kindness and appreciation for diversity.

5/5 stars A heartwarming, visually stunning book that children will want to revisit often.

Thank you to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for the ARC.

Recommended for: Preschool and early elementary readers, discussions about friendship, and families looking for uplifting stories.

This is a very sweet, charming picture book about nine children who are born on the same day but are each different and special in their own unique ways. I really enjoyed the message of the book as well as the illustrations. I do, however, wonder if the message will be very clear to children, as it's primarily conveyed through the illustrations. While I agree that simplicity is often key when it comes to children's books, I think perhaps the actual text could have better contributed to the portrayal of the message rather than relying solely on the illustrations, which children may or may not pick up on depending on age or the setting in which they're engaging with the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc. for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. 9 little people will be released on September 2, 2025.

Easy to read and great illustrations will make this book a perfect read aloud for preschool classrooms and preschool families. Students will learn how 9 children were born on the same day, but how every family is different and that’s to be celebrated. I’m an elementary school librarian and I will get this book for my library!

9 Little people is an inclusive book which has the feel of an instant classic. The art is nostalgic of the 60’s-70’s but upon closer examination each image is reflecting a modern voice. The hidden message of bucking the convention of 10 is powerful. The story is doing so much behind the scenes. It is teaching kids that all children are equally important. It’s showing there are so many ways to make a beautiful family. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.. It’s a beautiful and important book, I expect it will be banned.

Thank you for letting me preview this sweet children’s book! I have a 2.5 year old daughter and I will definitely be adding this story to the rotation.
9 (not 10, because why does it always have to be 10?) babies are born on the same day and grow up to be best friends. This book does a wonderful job of showing how we all can lead parallel lives but they can also be so different at the same time.
What a great lesson to teach the new generation. It’s perfectly acceptable to be different. It’s what keeps the world going.

I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book through NetGalley, and while I appreciate the vibrant illustrations and the general concept, I feel that the execution falls a bit short in terms of depth and development.

The art style is charming and likely to appeal to younger audiences, offering a visually engaging experience. However, from an adult perspective, I found the book to be somewhat too simple.
For younger readers, simplicity is often key, but I did wonder if the story could have benefited from a bit more exploration of its themes or deeper character development. The pacing feels a bit rushed, and I couldn’t help but feel that the book’s potential was only partially realized.

That said, I think this book could still resonate with children who are drawn to bright colors and rhymes.

One thing I particularly appreciated was the central theme of the book, which I believe is incredibly important in today’s world: the idea that diversity should not be seen as a flaw, but as a strength. The message that our different lives, backgrounds, and roots are equally valuable is something that really resonates. It’s crucial that children understand that every person, regardless of their differences, has value and is important. I hope that the book successfully conveys this message to its young audience.

9 Little People by Regina Feldmann
adventurous informative inspiring lighthearted
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0

Thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I read this with my children, aged 5 and 2. They both loved the illustrations and the colours used. They were both kept engaged by the story and sat til the end. My 5yr old enjoyed that he could see himself in the illustrations but also some of his school friends who do not look the same as him.

As a parent, I enjoyed the themes and the promotion of inclusion and diversity. It is a beautiful book and I look forward to purchasing a copy of this book when I can!

It was a short but cute book that rhymed and showed different scenes of different kids, appearances, families, environments, but that they can also enjoy the same things. A cute picture book that also touches on how "riches" can be in a lot of different things/experiences. I think it would help stimulate conversation with kids.

I wasn't so moved I'd remember it forever or be quick to recommend to other people though. It would've been fun to see them older and different jobs while still being friends too but maybe it would've covered too much time or hard to depict.

I loved the artwork in this book and the diversity that was brought in. It felt like a rhyme, as the author noted at the end and I think this version is extremely fun.

I love that this book is filled with beautiful illustrations showcasing a diverse cast of characters. The artwork is vibrant and engaging, and I think my students would genuinely enjoy exploring the pages.
That being said, while I personally adore this book, I am not sure it would become a frequently requested read in my classroom. Some of the phrasing, such as the line “9 little people would burp more if they could” left me a bit puzzled. It’s entirely possible I am missing the intended humor or nuance here, but that leaves me concerned with how much a young reader might comprehend.
Overall, this is a book I would be happy to make available on the classroom shelf for curious readers to discover on their own. However, it’s probably not one I would choose for a read-aloud during story time.

This book is gorgeous!!! The art is stunning, the color palette is beautiful, and the rhyme itself is adorable and easy to remember. I can see this being a book kids will remember their whole lives. Also, the note in the backs about why the author chose to write about 9 little people instead of 10 was lovely, and it made the whole book even more meaningful. I can’t wait to buy this for the kids in my life!!

I love how inclusive this story was in so many ways showcasing a variety of skin colors/tones, different levels of ability, body types, ages, heights, manner of dress, etc. I also love that it shows what community looks like and the book even captures what a thriving community feels like!

I think the story itself is simple and will be a hit with the littlest of kids but the artwork will intrigue children of multiple age groups as well as it being something the parents will appreciate, too.

And in the authors note I adored the idea that this generation of children know that they’re perfectly right just as they are. Beautiful story, beautiful artwork. Thank you to NetGalley and to NorthSouth Books Inc for the ARC of 9 Little People for my feedback!

This was a sweet children’s book! The artwork was beautiful - it was unique but not difficult to interpret. The messaging was perfect for little minds (and I think some grown ups could use it too) of we may be different in some ways but we’re also all so similar and our differences don’t hold us back. I love the representation shown in all 9 little people from various walks of life, socioeconomic backgrounds, disabilities, ethnicities, and more. Overall, would definitely buy for the little ones in my life.

9 little people, I loved the fact the author is very conscious about the language she's using, not 9 babies or 9 children, 9 little people, 9 different little people that regardless of how different they look, and the different things their families do, they are still friends, who grow up together.
Its a cute story perfect for nightime, the colors are soft as well as the little rhymes.
A cute little storry for the little person in your life.

This review is in exchange for an ARC of this story, all opinions are my own.

This is an adorable children's story about 9 children who grow together and stay best friends. It carries a sweet message about the power of community and friendship. I enjoyed the rhyming text and diversity. The illustrations are beautifully done.

Thank you to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for the advance copy!

9 Little People is a rhyming picture book with watercolor illustrations depicting diversity: racial, ethnic, different family models and disability representation (a mother on a wheelchair, a child with prosthetic leg and another child using a cane for visually impaired people). Short, simple, and spreads a message no matter who you are and what your life circumstances, everyone deserves love, peace, and future.

However, it feels simplistic and like many other picture books. A good picture book tells a story that introduces a new concept to a child (educational, cultural or how to handle life tasks), or catches their attention with humour or surprise. It has a development and a punchline. It just doesn't feel like there was really a story here.

Thank you Camp NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for the ARC.

A children's reader of nine different people, but we are basically all the same. Lovely pictures with simple words i was given the opportunity to read through Net Galley. A good balance for young children to understand and love all others.

A sweet and fun book with perfect rhyming and adorable illustrations! I especially loved the author's thoughtful explanation of why there are 9 little people instead of the usual 10 — a small but meaningful twist on familiar counting songs.