Enormous Smallness

This gorgeously illustrated children's book illuminates the magical life of e.e.cummings, inspiring people of all ages to embrace and engage in poetry! The illustrations are brimming with a love of language: words piled into the texture of trees and reflected in puddles, and small details that evoke the flavor of life in New England and New York City in the early 1900s. Children and adults alike will be captivated by the story of a whimsical child (and his first poems at the age of three!) who was nurtured by a supportive and special family and community, and grew into a courageous artist committed to the "new and true" forms of art. The book includes many original e.e.cummings poems and many wonderful historical facts (the poet's beloved eighth grade English teacher was also the first African-American female principal in New England). The author's note of how he came to write this book is a bonus in the back! This beautiful book is sure to be loved and remembered by many.

The profound writer, Flannery O'Connor once said, "There is no excuse for anyone to write fiction for public consumption unless he has been called to do so by the presence of a gift.” Matthew Burgess has definitely been given this gift and I am so blessed that he has chosen to follow the call to create a children's book. My four young boys (ages 3-9) thoroughly enjoyed "enormous smallness," possibly not as much as I did, but it held their attention and definitively sparked their imaginations. The artwork is stunning. e.e. cummings has much to teach us and I am so happy that Mr. Burgess has provided a beautiful book to wet the feet of the next generation. enormous thanks to e.e. and m.b.

E.E Cummings is my favorite poet, so I really wanted an opportunity to share him with my children. This book was really not a great way to do it. The text was rambling and arduous to read aloud (although fine for me to read silently to myself) and just didn't capture the poet in a remarkable way. I think the author wanted to convey a lot of biographical information, which they did do effectively, but in the process they failed to connect that information to the poets art in a way that is meaningful for children. The effort is there. It is apparent. It just falls short. I am really sorry to post a negative review of this book because I was so excited about it.I will say that this book might be wonderful for an older child who can read silently, or for somebody who already has an interest in Cummings. As I mentioned, I found the book quite interesting when reading it silently. just really falls flat as a read aloud.

I don't have kids so I read and mostly looked at this book from a grown up point of view, but as I read I felt myself taken back to that time- when you got so close to the page when you colored or wrote that the textures became a landscape within pencil marks. The simple artwork exudes this through it's texture and appealing color- while the ongoing message throughout the book, to be yourself, proves this book to be a must have for any parents or mentors wanting to encourage an artistic path they already see present in a child. Plant the seeds and they will grow! Much gratitude to the author and illustrator for putting this into the world to foster creativity, authenticity, and growth.

My family loved this book! We bought it for my son's 7th birthday because he loves poetry. The book tells the story of E.E. Cummings's life through his own poems. So, it's a book of poetry, a biography, and a picture book all in one. The poems chosen are beautiful, and easy for children to understand. It sparked a lot of discussion about imagery, metaphors, etc. In addition, the pictures are beautiful, and the way the words are written on the page help to bring the story alive (author uses different fonts, and incorporates the words into the pictures). I don't usually write reviews on amazon, but this book is very special and truly deserves 5 starts!

Enormous Smallness is a beautiful peek inside the life of E.E. Cummings, a playful sonter through his delicious poetry and inspiring life. The words cartwheeled across the page and into my heart as I devoured every detail of the magical illutrations. This book will happily perch upon my bookshelf, I will share it with my children with fingers crossed that E.E.'s life will inspire them to boldly follow their dreams. I will reach for it on rainy days and let it paint a smile on my face, reminding me of the infinite possibilities that await those who are brave enough to be true to themselves.

This is a lovely and entertaining must have children's book. It is the life story of poet E.E. Cummings and it is accompanied by creative and inspiring illustrations. The lyrical words and lines employed by the author draw the reader in, guaranteeing a smile and even a nod or a bounce. I love how this is a smart children's book, making it just as enjoyable for the parent. If you or your child have a love and appreciation for words, songs, or poetry, then this is a book you need to add to your collection!

The wonderful aspect of this book is that the reader walks away feeling good not only about the life of e.e. cummings, but about themselves as well. It encourages us all, young and old, to follow our dreams, live authentically, and allow ourselves to create. Enormous Smallness is that cozy blanket swathing the reader in layers of (the feeling of) art and (the substantive brilliance) of knowledge. We purchased a copy for our family, but love it so much we are now gifting a copy to our favorite 3rd grade teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week.

A gift for a child, the book is a treasure for those of us who love ee.

Gorgeous book. I didn't truly appreciate E.E.Cummings until I bought this book for a friends' kid. I caught myself sitting on the floor of the bookstore going through the pages slowly, savoring each of the beautiful images.

Beautiful illustrations

I would say it is a must read for adults to be able to share with children. Beautifully presented.

lovely book