The Small Things

A groundbreaking robot helps friendship blossom in this poignant and uplifting novella from bestseller Lisa Thompson, inspired by a true story.

Anna’s anxious when she’s picked to befriend the new girl in her class. For a start, Ellie is ill and can’t come to school herself. So Anna has to communicate with her through a new kind of robot. But Anna is also worried that her life’s too small and boring to be of interest to her new friend. Compared to the other girls, she doesn’t have anything exciting to talk about and so when Ellie asks her a question, a little white lie pops out. Then another and another. When Ellie finds out the truth, can their friendship survive …?

Inspired by a true story, a groundbreaking robot helps friendship blossom in this poignant and uplifting novella from bestseller Lisa Thompson.

Reviews

"Rich in empathy" – The Bookseller

"Told in a truly original way … Nothing small about it except the page extent" – Phil Earle

"A short story this may be but it is overflowing with tender wisdom and kindness. Lisa Thompson has always had a magic touch when it comes to empathy and compassion in her stories. She is gifted with a remarkable insight into children’s feelings as well as the adults who love and care for them" – Mat Tobin

"Wonderful and poignant … Written with empathy, sensitivity and compassion" – Emma Suffield

"Quiet and gentle as it is, nonetheless this story packs a real punch and is delivered with the warmth, compassion and understanding that mark out Thompson’s writing" – LoveReading4Kids

About the author

Lisa Thompson is a children’s novelist and the author of the best-selling The Goldfish Boy and The Light Jar. The Goldfish Boy was a Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal, the Branford Boase Award and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.
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Hannah Coulson says that she spent her childhood “drawing pictures, eating 99s and trying not to tell fibs”. Hannah studied at Glasgow School of Art, and now creates playful artworks full of pattern. She particularly likes drawing outdoors and making things for her friends.