Tiny House Living Through the Eyes of a Child Picture Book, Sissy Goes Tiny

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Tiny House Living Through the Eyes of a Child Picture Book, Sissy Goes Tiny

Last summer, two graduates of Brainerd High School in Minnesota had a stroke of inspiration when catching up over coffee. B. A. Norrgard had been living the tiny life for six years when the idea struck that how would downsizing and going tiny might look through the eyes of a child.

B.A. Norrgard’s personal lifestyle and career within the tiny house community gave her insight about the nationwide movement. She teaches others and leads by example.

Becky Flansburg is an award-winning writer and wondered if “going tiny” might be scary for a child. Rebecca is the long-time project manager of Multicultural Children’s Book Day and Head Elf for Audrey Press. She is a member of Brainerd Writers Alliance and readers can also find her at BeckyFlansburg.com or on Instagram.

They both used their imaginations and talents as they discussed a possible story, and the idea for this innovative book began. They wanted children to know living life unconventionally is full of big possibilities.

You have probably seen some of the popular TV and Netflix shows about living in less space, downsizing, and repurposing. Norrgard says when preparing for such a lifestyle, keep only items that serve a purpose, meet a need or bring joy.

Norrgard’s Tiny House is named Sisu to help remember her mother. Sisu is a Finnish word and means having grit, determination, and perseverance. She needs plenty of that to live in her hand-built 78 square foot home. She has traveled over 14,000 miles with her house and writes about her minimalist, vegan life on her website, banorrgard.com.

Sisu sort of sounds like the name, Sissy. So, the main character of the book is Sissy. She is eight years old. During the story, she learns stuff is just stuff. Somehow illustrator Penny Weber knew just what she looked like, and was perfect for the project. Don’t you agree?

Often our lessons in elementary school (yes, I’m saying it again) for children end at recycling. Downsizing, repurposing, and tiny living are not usually mentioned. This book is unique. It was brilliant of Norrgard and Flansburg to come up with the idea and see it through to completion.

Would you be able to decided what to take with and what to leave?

·  Title: Sissy Goes Tiny by Rebecca Flansburg and B.A. Norrgard

·  Publisher: Audrey Press (CEO Valarie Budayr)

·  ISBN: 978-1-936426-22-5

·  This project was supported by Five Wings Arts Council with funds from the McKnight Foundation.

·  This diverse picture book can be purchased at AudreyPress.com  IndieBound, and Amazon

Thank you for reading, Carolyn from Wise Owl Factory