A child in a large city describes the chaos of people and cars and big buildings, the overwhelming sense of busyness and sounds, before offering advice on being “small in the city” to an unseen “you.” The child points out an alley too dark to go down, the yard with big dogs best to avoid, and good places to hide, find warmth, a meal, and a friend. In the park, the child puts up a “Lost” poster that confirms the identity of “you” as a cat. The counterpoint between the child’s helpful, positive advice and their obvious worry—underscored on reaching home where their mom waits with a comforting hug—is deeply tender, while the rising snowstorm, which begins as a few flakes but is almost a whiteout on the penultimate page, adds even greater tension. The ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations featuring a white child masterfully convey the physicality of the city, the unique, muffled gray-green palette of rising dusk as a snowstorm swells, and the emotional landscape of a story in which the snow offers clues to a happy ending: paw prints outside their door. Highly Commended, 2020 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 4–8)

It can be a little scary to be small in a big city, but this child has some good advice for a very special friend in need.

Winner of the Ezra Jack Keats Award
A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book of the Year
Winner of the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal

It can be a little scary to be small in a big city, but it helps to know you're not alone.

When you're small in the city, people don't see you, and loud sounds can scare you, and knowing what to do is sometimes hard. But this little kid knows what it's like, and knows the neighborhood. And a little friendly advice can go a long way.

Alleys can be good shortcuts, but some are too dark.

Or, there are lots of good hiding places in the city, like under a mulberry bush or up a walnut tree.

And, if the city gets to be too much, you're always welcome home, where it's safe and quiet.

In the first book that he has both written and illustrated, award-winning artist Sydney Smith spins a quiet, contemplative tale about seeing a big world through little eyes.


Winner of the Governor General's Literary Award
An ALA Notable Children's Book
A New York Times Best Children's Book
A Wall Street Journal Best Children's Book of the Year
An NPR Best Kids Book of the Year
A Capitol Choices Noteworthy Title
A Washington Post Best Children's Book of the Year
A Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Best Picture Book of the Year
Named a Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, the Horn Book, Shelf Awareness, and many more!
A Booklist Editors' Choice
A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book
Winner of the German Youth Literature Prize