I’m not sure if my review is “fair” as I’m not a child but I’m sure that a child is not expected to review this book either. I think that perhaps a bit more could be done to make sure that the sentences tie in with the illustrations and ensure that the sentences themselves show the differences in upbringing for e.g cultural differences. I also think that maybe some sentences should be changed in away that would make a child more engaged.

This is the sweetest most endearing story about sweet babies born to different families all on the same day. Each family looks different, each baby unique in its own way and yet but the book highlights the similarities among them, paving a way for an outlook that focuses on celebrating one’s uniqueness while holding true to the idea what we really aren’t so different. We are all one and when we find value in others, there can be compassion, comradery and harmony.

9 Little People by Regina Feldmann is a book for all ages. It tells a story about how people are different and yet so very much alike. Nine babies born on the same start out as strange but before long they are all best friends. The author gave us all a story that will stay with us for a long time. The illustrations are done perfectly and make the story even that much better.
This book needs to be on every family bookshelf.
Thank you Netgalley, Regina Feldmann and NorthSouth Books Inc for the copy of the book 9 Little People. This is my personal review.

A cute picture book about nine babies born on the same day from diverse backgrounds and lives that are friends for life. The art is gorgeous and pairs beautifully with the simple text highlighting the similarities and differences that make each of us a part of the human race.

This was such a great read. I read it with my 5 year-old and she absolutely loved it.

I loved how this book shows that our differences are the best part of us. I loved the representation of the different races, cultures, family types, Like me, my five-year old noticed that some of the kids had glasses, one had a cane, and another had crutches. And even the parents were all represented so beautifully. This booked allowed my daughter and myself to have a healthy conversation about how being different is not a bad thing. Our differences make us unique and we all bring something special to the world, making it a better place.

I loved the love, the togetherness, and acceptance portrayed through this book. The illustrations were also amazingly well done, were very eye-catching, and very educational. This was an all-around great book that I highly recommend.

Side-note: I really appreciated the note the author left to the reader at the end of the story.

“9 Little People” is a heartfelt treasure that every child, and every parent, needs on their bookshelf.
From the very first page, this book had me smiling, tearing up, and feeling all the warmth that comes with a story built on love, inclusivity, and the beauty of being exactly who you are. In a world that can often feel overwhelming and unkind, 9 Little People offers a gentle but powerful reminder of what truly matters: kindness, community, and belonging.
What makes this story stand out is how beautifully it embraces diversity. Each “little person” in the book brings something special to the table, and the message is clear, everyone is seen, everyone is valued, and everyone belongs. The representation in this story was not only refreshing but necessary. It teaches children, through vibrant illustrations and simple yet impactful language, that differences are not just okay, they're worth celebrating.
As I read this book, I found myself reflecting on how far children's literature has come, and how important it is to keep pushing forward. Books like this one remind us that childhood should be a time of feeling safe, loved, and accepted. We owe it to our kids to read them stories that affirm their worth and show them a world where they are not just included but celebrated.
The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous, colorful, engaging, and full of life. Each page felt like a hug. You can tell that a lot of love went into creating this book, and it radiates from every word and image.
If you're looking for a book that will spark meaningful conversations with your child, make them feel loved, or simply bring a smile to their face, 9 Little People is the one. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this is the kind of story that sticks with you long after the final page.
Highly, highly recommend. This isn’t just a book, it’s a beautiful reminder of the kind of world we should all be striving to build for our children.

Major thank you to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc. for my advanced reading copy of this book. This is an honest review. 9 little people will be released on September 2, 2025.

As a social worker who values children’s literature as a tool for social-emotional learning, 9 Little People by Regina Feldmann instantly earned a place on my shelf, and in my heart.

At first glance, the book is simple enough for young readers to follow. But paired with its striking, emotive artwork, the story unfolds into something much deeper- a powerful exploration of cultural differences, shared humanity, and the invisible threads that connect us all. It perfectly captures a truth I didn’t fully grasp until I was 21 and traveling the world: No matter our religion, skin color, or bloodline, we are more alike than we are different.

There may be language barriers, but certain things speak universally. Babies still babble. Girls still giggle. Parents still reach instinctively to hold their child’s hand when crossing a busy street. Feldmann reminds us that these small, shared moments are what make the world feel like home, no matter where we go.

One line in particular stopped me in my tracks: “They are rich in different ways.” What a beautiful message to give young readers. Wealth is not just material, but measured in love, talent, culture, and friendship. It’s a lesson in empathy, identity, and belonging that is both timely and timeless.

I absolutely plan to use this book for SEL. 9 Little People opens the door to meaningful classroom conversations about diversity, equity, and the things that unite us beneath our surface differences. It’s a reminder that what separates us can also lead us back to one another.

Thank you to NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of 9 Little People. The illustrations are absolutely adorable! The author note at the end was fabulous and it adds a special touch to the story. The story is full of love, warmth, joy, friendship, and kindness. 9 little people are born on the same day but yet they are all so unique in their own ways. They are all one of a kind and manage to find a friendship that lasts a lifetime. It's a beautifully written book that will bring so many families and children joy!

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.