Hey, Little Ant by Phillip M. Hoose, Philip M. Hoose, Hannah Hoose

From the Publisher

What would you do if the ant you were about to step on looked up and started talking? Would you stop and listen? What if your friends saw you hesitate? That’s what happens in this funny, thought-provoking book. Originally a song by a father-daughter team, this conversation between two creatures, large and small, is bound to inspire important discussions. It might even answer that classic childhood question: To squish or not to squish?

Ramirose Ilene Attebury - Children's Literature

This story begins with a young boy crouching on a sidewalk, his foot hovering over a tiny ant. As the boy opens his mouth to speak to the ant, a moralistic tale begins, which asks children whether they should or should not crush little ants beneath their feet. The young boy asks the ant if he can see the foot about to squish him. Amazingly the ant responds, imploring the boy to reconsider so that the little creature may continue on to his home with the crumbs he is carrying. The boy, unconcerned with so small a being, notifies the ant that everyone knows ants don't feel anything. The ant reasons with the boy, saying they are more alike than the young human may think. Scoffing at the idea, the boy tells the ant he has a family at home while no one would mourn the loss of an ant. The ant quickly lets the boy know that people do indeed depend on him for food. Back and forth the two argue until the last page, where readers are left with an image of the foot still hovering over the ant and are asked whether or not it is right for the boy to squish the ant or not. The accompanying illustrations match the story perfectly and help readers see things from both the boy's and the ant's position. This book would be a perfect discussion starter for any classroom setting. 2002, Tricycle Press,

Children's Literature

Originally a song written by a nine-year-old girl and her father, this book is about a boy who looks down at an ant he's about to step on and talks to him tauntingly. The ant looks up and begs to be allowed to live. A dialogue follows in which the boy says that the ant is so tiny he must have no feelings, and that he's a crook for stealing food at picnics. The ant counters that he is much like the boy with a family and responsibilities and asks how the boy would feel if their roles were reversed. The book ends with the boy's big shoe still raised and the question remaining: "to squish or not to squish?" The story, which is meant, of course, to raise the consciousness of children about the value of all living things, does so in a very engaging manner through its humorous verse and funny but pointed illustrations. Role reversal is presented by a two-page spread of a giant ant looking down at a tiny boy. A child and adult could easily take turns playing the roles of ant and boy, either reading their lines or singing them, since the music is also provided.

Children's Literature

This is a story/song presented as a dialogue between a kid and an ant. The boy with the raised up sneaker is ready to squish the ant, but the ant pleads for his life and helps us question the motives that lead us to this seemingly innocent act of violence. The illustrations are terrific, with unusual perspectives that add humor and heart to this charming book. The melody is the familiar, "Five little Ducks that I Once Knew." Read it as a play and then sing the roles. Discussion is natural. To show compassion for all living things is a prime goal of education. It is up to the kids to decide how this story should end. This ant has personality!

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