“A vital tool for parents, caregivers, educators and counselors.”

In The Tiniest Tumbleweed, Kathy Peach, has created a unique and touching children's book about individuality and perseverance. Her story, told through the desert characters of Tumbleweed and Sparrow, beautifully captures a child's view of feeling different. Using clear language and beautiful illustrations, Ms. Peach illuminates each creature's unique struggle and the importance of working hard to achieve one's full potential.

Ms. Peach's book is relatable for young ages and adults alike. Her story teaches a valuable lesson in diversity, self-esteem, persistence and believing in yourself. On a broader level, Ms. Peach's book can be used to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity among children.

The Tiniest Tumbleweed is a vital tool for parents, caregivers, educators and counselors. As a school psychologist, I would recommend this book as a treasured resource for helping all children celebrate their own uniqueness, overcome personal challenges, increase self-esteem and become their very best selves."

—Danielle Craaybeek, Ed.S, NCSP, nationally certified school psychologist

“It's hard to believe that The Tiniest Tumbleweed is Kathy Peach's first book.”

It's hard to believe that The Tiniest Tumbleweed is Kathy Peach's first book. Her writing style and voice speak volumes about her invested careers as a mother, grandmother, and educator. She understands children. She understands children's mind. And she understands what children need to know so that they can become who they were created to be, just like tiny tumbleweed and baby sparrow.

Peach has juxtaposed authentic, lovable characters with the often-harsh backdrop of the desert to create a literal learning and growing environment through which children and adults of all ages can visualize their own progress against adversity and trials to become all they can become.

Teachers and parents will love Peach's age-appropriate sentence structure and vocabulary as well as her resounding message that we don't need to compare ourselves to other people (or tumbleweeds, or sparrows), and children will love her rich characters, the charming illustratins, and the knowledge that they, too, can become who they were created to be.

—Dr. Richard W. Andreasen

“Delightfully inspiring and informative children's book.”

The Tiniest Tumbleweed fills the hearts of readers both young and old with its touching story. Peach manages to create engaging narrative that piques readers' interest prior to providing accessible informational text about the tumbleweeds and sparrows. This delightfully inspiring and informative children's book also includes thoughtful instructional ideas for classroom teachers that address multiple standards."

—Dr. Lindsey Moses, assistant professor of literacy, Division of Teacher Preparation, Arizona State University

“Conveys a very important message to children and their parents.”

As parents, The Tiniest Tumbleweed struck a chord with us. The story conveys a very important message to children and their parents that our limitations are determined only by our own perception of what we can or cannot do. One of the most incredible experiences as a parent is to witness your child realize her potential … and to see her realize that her potential is so much more (and different) than she ever imagined.

This is a tender story with a powerful human message … a message of love, of purpose, and of fulfillment of spirit … from which children and parents alike will learn and find inspiration.

—Houston Akin, esq. and Debi Akin

“A story that will ignite the imagination of children”

In The Tiniest Tumbleweed, Kathy Peach provides a story that will ignite the imagination of children and equip teachers and parents with a tool that will encourage a child to become all that they were created to be. Positive life principles are communicated with love and compassion. Thank you, Kathy, for following your dreams so that others may dream as well.

—Pastor Jeff Royce, The Oasis, Chandler, Arizona
 

“An adorable and informative story.”

A small tumbleweed and a small sparrow – are they too small? In The Tiniest Tumbleweed young readers will watch as these two little creatures grow and learn that they are the right size to do what they need to do – in other words, they are perfect.

The story opens with Mother Tumbleweed announcing “She's here,” to Father Tumbleweed. Upon inspection, Father notes that the new arrival is quite small. But mother knows best and she assures her husband that their baby will grow just fine. Not far away, a baby sparrow pops out of his egg. His father notes that the new arrival is rather small. Again, the mother knows best and she insists, “He will grow.”

The Tiniest Tumbleweed follows these two babies as they mature. And they do grow, just not as much as their siblings. Would the little tumbleweed ever be able to grow big and strong and make seeds like other tumbleweeds? And what about the sparrow? How would he ever grow big enough to fly and spread seeds like his brothers and sisters?

Author Kathy Peach has found a delightful way to teach youngsters about coping with physical limitations and how everyone, no matter their limitations, can be useful to others. Tumbleweed and Sparrow are not as big as their siblings and by the middle of the story, it's apparent that they never will be. How does one deal with being different? With having limitations that keep you from doing what you want to do? Eventually Tumbleweed and Sparrow come together and learn that they are a “perfect fit” for each other. Young readers will see that while they may not fit the “norm,” (whatever that may be), there is always a reason and purpose – you just have to find it.

The author drives her point home by having the text go back and forth between the two characters' lives, showing how they were both dealing with being ‘different.' First the tumbleweed, then the sparrow, back and forth. In many places, the text centering on the sparrow closely mirrored that of the tumbleweed, driving home the point that they were both dealing with being smaller. As with all Five Star publications, there are several pages of additional information in the back of the book. These include “Fun Facts” (and even adults will likely learn a few things about tumbleweeds!) and a curriculum guide.

Quill says: An adorable and informative story about two youngsters who learn to work within their physical limitations to be the best they can – and help others along the way.

—Holly Connors, Feathered Quill, November 3, 2015
http://www.featheredquill.com/reviews/childrens/peach.shtml

“This is an awe-inspiring and deeply moving story that speaks to young children who may not always feel that they "fit in" and to adults who understand each child's uniqueness and purpose. Tiny tumbleweed and Baby Sparrow model how hard work and determination can help us achieve our goals and motivate us to never lose sight of our dreams.”

—Dr. Margarita Jimenez-Silva, associate professor, Division of Teacher Prep/Poly, Arizona State University

“This beautiful, encouraging story will inspire the very young and the very old”

The Tiniest Tumbleweed is a heart-warming story of parental love and support, self-determination, collaboration, and individual differences. The author and illustrator share a wonderful world in which each individual celebrates their uniqueness and finds their way in the world with the support and encouragement of sometimes unexpected friends. This beautiful, encouraging story will inspire the very young and the very old as we all seek to find a sense of meaning, accomplishment, community, and joy in our lives."

—Kathleen Lynne Lane, Ph.D., BCBA-D

“I look forward to sharing this book with students in the library.”

The Tiniest Tumbleweed is a heart-warming children's story about learning to achieve your dreams by goal-setting and hard work. Kathy Peach did a wonderful job of bringing this story to life by creating charming characters, using rich language, and establishing a storyline children will relate to about celebrating your true self. Included in the back of the book are a fun facts page and a very helpful curriculum guide for teachers to help support learning inside and outside of the classroom. I look forward to sharing this book with students in the library. I believe The Tiniest Tumbleweed will be a book children will want to read over and over. It will be a favorite for years to come.

—Lisa Krebs, librarian, Griffith Elementary School, Phoenix, Arizona