A meaningful children's story that highlights the importance of understanding and appreciating our differences, as well as the various forms that families can take.
I appreciate the publisher/author for providing this complimentary advanced copy. The opinions shared in this review are entirely my own.

I enjoyed this sweet, warm, and inclusive children’s book.

It’s a beautiful story of diversity, family, and our common differences. The language has a lovely lilting rhyme, making this a great book for early readers or parents reading to their children. The illustrations were stunning and had a warm, soft, nostalgic feel that harkens back to childhood. I loved the author’s note at the end. It brought new meaning to the story for me, and would have been wonderful to read at the start of the book.

Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I absolutely loved this. This story is all about nine children who were born on the same day and become friends. This was such a heartwarming and sweet children's book focused on inclusivity and diversity. Simple text told through rhyme and beautiful illustrations, gave the message on how we all just simply live in this world together. No matter about our background, we are all living this life together. Even though it's created primarily for children as their audience, it's a book that feels like it'd be loved by everyone. I can picture it in households, libraries, schools, etc.

Books like these are always important to have. It's message is clear without having to say much.

What a cute story for little children! We truly see everyone being represented in this book and the illustration is beautiful. I loved the page that said they are all rich in different ways. We see some may be rich with wealth, music, family, or art. There are so many different ways someone can be “rich” and it not be money, we can be rich with love too!

Overall a nice read about a group of children who are born on the same day and end up staying close. The book is told in rhyme so there is not a lot of content, but it does a good job of celebrating the differences and the similarities between these 9 children as they grow up. The artwork was lovely and this would make a great bedtime story to read aloud. Because the story is simple, a young child can understand it and may even get to the point where they have it memorized. As a parent, I certainly would be able to rhyme it off pretty quickly if it was a book I got asked to read on repeat every night. .

There were a few moments as I read this that I wondered at the chosen context like the whole burping piece which just felt odd. If it was to show that their bodies all do the same thing, there had to have been something better and the page prior kind of does that better. And I also questioned the page where the author talked about 1 of the children having a dog. It was again out of place for a book that was focused on the similarities more than on their differences. I get that it was potentially a way to say that there were still difference but the dissonance was not needed for this story to be complete; in fact, it kind of detracted from the message overall.

In the end, I enjoyed this. I think it would be well-placed for a bedtime story or something to read aloud for story time at a school, play group, etc.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this sweet book.

This is a book about diversity and inclusion, and the artwork is gorgeous. I don't have young children any more, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. This would be a fantastic addition to any parent's bookshelf. As the author states, it's "an ode to a generation of children who already know they are just right exactly the way they are." Loved it!

Absolutely adorable children’s book. As someone who’s first generation Syrian American I absolutely love the diversity in this book. This book will help all kids see themselves in the story! Thank you for the ARC!

We all start out as blank canvases. “9 Little People”, by Regina Feldman and illustrated by Martina Stuhlberger, shows us that no matter how different we are, we all start and develop the same way, each in our own way.

I enjoyed this simple but meaningful book. The message is clear and concise, but not preachy. The storyline moved quickly so that it would keep the attention of even the youngest child. I liked the collage style illustrations and the way the childrens clothing colors and patterns were consistent and trackable throughout the story. I think that this book would be a successful infant/toddler boardbook as well as a great new reader book.

I wish to thank NorthSouth Books, Inc. for providing me this book to review on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#9LittleChildren
#NetGalley
#BeginningReaders
#InclusiveChildrensBooks

An inclusive and sweet book about diversity. It follows the lives of 9 babies until their adulthood. So much is shown in the detailed illustrations with all 9 lives living so differently but all loved in the same way. The book celebrates differences and friendships and is told in a heartwarming rhythm that is engaging to children. The illustrations are a great way to open up dialogue and talk about how each life differs from the other. The type of book my young kids will enjoy!

Many thanks to NorthSouth Books & NetGalley for this ebook ARC in return for my honest review.

Highly enjoyable book on friendship, with really simple, yet cute illustrations. Is a book parents can read to their children with nothing offensive in the gook. The premise is that there are 9 babies born in a diverse neighborhood. Each one is loved by their parents, each one enjoys similar things and they become friends. Sweet and charming. It is a book that makes me remember most all adults began life with little friends and yet somehow we forget those early friends. Just reading this book took me back to the innocent days of my youth!!
Very fine effort. 4.5****

This is such a sweet little book about nine little children growing up together. They are from the same neighborhood but with unique family and cultural backgrounds. I love the diversity. The illustrations are beautiful and complement the simple words. Recommended!

9 Little People is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated picture book that follows nine babies born on the same day in the same neighborhood.
The rhymes are engaging and cute, and the soft, detailed illustrations bring so much warmth to the story! I really enjoyed looking at the artwork and I loved how naturally it showcased diverse families, cultures, and lifestyles.
I feel like it will be perfect for younger children and the author's note at the end made me appreciate this lovely picture book even more!

9 babies born on the same day become friends as they grow up. Super cute story and picture book 😍
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sharing an early copy

Whimsical pastel illustrations follow 9 newborns growing up in the same neighborhood with simple and repetitive rhyming narration, great for supporting developing readers.

3.25 Stars
An early reader children's book that includes expressive illustrations, rhyming text, and portraying themes of all types, shapes, and sizes of family, this book is cute but only scratched the surface.

Net Galley Feedback

This is a cute book but not particularly deep or anything. The illustrations of multicultural babies growing up together in the same community remind me of the place I live in.

Wow, this book has some of the most beautiful illustrations I've seen in a long time. I can't wait to see the physical book -- I'm sure they will be even more gorgeous in real life. I love the inclusivity of race / background / family structure / ability / etc., and I think so many kids will see themselves in this book.

The author's note is beautiful and after I read it, I had to read the story again. It changes the meaning for me. I almost wish the note was at the beginning!

Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book!

The illustration in this children’s book is very well done. The colors and style draw your attention and my nephew enjoyed reading it along with me. I do think the font size could have been a little larger but I can see how it would distract from the art work. The book is diverse, and not the classical story rhyme we often see.

A heartwarming celebration of friendship, family, and the beauty of growing up together.

9 Little People by Regina Feldmann is a caring and uplifting picture book that captures the magic of childhood and the power of community. Told in pleasing rhymes, the story follows nine children born on the same day who share their lives—from everyday adventures to major milestones—with warmth, love, and laughter.

What makes this book truly special is its message: that belonging comes from both what we share and what makes us unique. Each child is lovingly portrayed with their own personality and background, offering young readers a gentle introduction to themes of diversity, acceptance, and togetherness.

The vibrant illustrations compliment the lyrical storytelling. Every page is filled with joyful detail that invites children to explore, connect and imagine their own circles of friendship. A delightful read that would be a good fit for different reading settings that include bedtime or story time. The ideal range for this book is ages 4-8.

This book is great. I love the authors explanation of why she picked 9 little people vs 5 or 10 like is so often done. I loved seeing the diversity in the 9 little people characters and their families. Very validating book that helps open children minds to the idea that families can look different, other child can look different and we can still all enjoy the same things.