What This Book Is About
Tola is the smallest person in her family. Her brother Dapo is big and bossy. Her sister Moji is glamorous and grumpy. And everyone tells Tola she is too small to do anything useful. But Tola lives in a busy compound in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, and in Lagos you learn to be resourceful no matter your size. When the tap runs dry, when it's time to go shopping at the enormous, chaotic open-air market, and when electricity fails during a sweltering night, it's little Tola who finds a way to help—proving that being small doesn't mean you can't do big things.
Told in three warm, funny, self-contained stories, Too Small Tola offers a vivid window into everyday life in West Africa through the eyes of a child who refuses to be underestimated. Atinuke's writing is gentle and rhythmic, filled with Nigerian expressions and the sounds of a city that never sleeps, while Onyinye Iwu's expressive illustrations (which won the Carnegie Medal for illustration) bring Tola's world to life on every page. It's the kind of book that makes you feel like you've stepped into a completely different world—and discovered a friend who feels wonderfully familiar.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
For A1-A2 readers (Grade 3), Too Small Tola is an exceptional choice for three reasons.
First, it opens a window to Lagos, Nigeria—a vibrant, complex city that most children in Singapore have never encountered in their reading. UWC's curriculum emphasizes global perspectives, and this book delivers that naturally through storytelling rather than textbook facts.
Second, the three-story structure is perfect for developing readers. Each story is short enough to finish in one sitting, building confidence with every chapter completed, yet together they form a satisfying whole that teaches children how connected stories work.
Third, Tola's determination to contribute despite being told she's "too small" resonates deeply with young readers who often feel the same way. It models resilience, resourcefulness, and the courage to try—values at the heart of UWC education.
Reading Level Guide
Building reading foundations? Start with picture books and read-alouds first.
The sweet spot. Gentle language and short stories make this an ideal confidence builder.
A quick, easy read. Enjoy the cultural richness, then try longer chapter books for more challenge.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.