Not everything grows like my 14-year-old. In fact, many of the world’s creatures are small in stature, or at least smaller than their counterparts. Or small, but round, like three little pigs. Or so small, we call them insects. If you’ve recently watched your toddler patrolling the backyard, you can see that he knows what’s interesting: hummingbirds, ants, the family dog and whatever else seems to be flitting about. Most moving, living creatures catch a toddler’s eye. This begins, we hope, a lifelong appreciation of all living things of all sizes. This month’s featured books bring that amazement to life.

The Three Pigs [AGES 2-6]
By David Wiesner [Clarion Books, hardcover, $16, 42 pages]
You know the story of “The Three Little Pigs,” but Caldecott Medal winner David Wiesner changes the story a bit, as he lets the pigs dictate their reality. Since it is their story, they should own it, he believes. And so begins an adventure in which they fall into story after story … until they return to their own.

My Bug Book [AGES 3-5]
Presented by Smithsonian magazine [hardcover, $6.99, 14 pages]
This board book starts out well, with a lovable ladybug pictured on the cover. The book’s publisher, the Smithsonian Institution, does a fine job of educating curious young readers through pictures and words. They soon learn about the honeybee and the mosquito, and many other things. It is a quick read, but a valuable one.

Bad Rats [AGES 5-7]
By Eric Drachman; illustrated by James Muscarello (Kidwick Books, hardcover, $18.95, 32 pages)
Just as there are no bad children, the young reader will soon learn that there are no bad rats – and certainly not Josiah. He was told he was bad, but he discovers all the good qualities inside him. While the professor rat tries to teach his little brood about what they’ve done wrong, Josiah realizes that having a big heart isn’t all that bad. The story’s illustrations, like its ending, are priceless.

Up [AGES 5-9]
Written and illustrated by Jim LaMarche (Chronicle Books, hardcover, $16.95, 32 pages)
The author has said he dreamed up the story while soaking in a tub; luckily, the story is not all wet. Daniel is tired of being called by his nickname, Mouse. He doesn’t like the name, and he doesn’t like being little. He works hard to develop a magic power, and then uses it in a good way: to save a big, living thing – much bigger than him – that deserves another chance. This is a precious story about second chances.

Craig Reem is a contributing editor to OC Family magazine.