Home › Best of 2026 › Shrinking Violet

Shrinking Violet

by Laurel Snyder Publisher: CHRONICLE BOOKS

A changing size, a familiar fear

Regular price $18.12 USD
Regular price $30.21 USD Sale price $18.12 USD
Save 40%

Hardcover New English

Delivery to your door
In stock·Dispatches in 1–2 business days
Standard shipping* from $4.35
Standard shipping transit* 5–8 business days after dispatch

Faster options are available.

Rates and delivery estimates depend on your destination and item quantity. Estimates are informational only; the final shipping method and rate are selected at checkout.

Secure checkout
American Express Apple Pay DiscoverGoogle Pay Mastercard PayPalVisa
30-day eligible returns Returns & refunds policy

AlbakiReads Editorial

A changing size, a familiar fear

Violet’s fear has a visible, fantastical consequence: she shrinks when she feels afraid. That premise gives this modern fairy tale a concrete way to explore feelings that can otherwise seem hard to explain. When her best friend is in danger, Violet must face her fear and find a way to help. The story connects bravery not with never being scared, but with learning how to respond to fear and recognizing one’s own strength. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham, the 56-page book centers on friendship, self-understanding, and the idea that feeling small does not mean being powerless.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Young children exploring feelings of fear or worry
  • Families seeking a story about bravery and friendship
  • Readers who enjoy fairy-tale elements and a fantastical metaphor

Themes

Fear and braveryFriendshipEmotional self-understandingInner strength

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"Simply gorgeous in every way." --Shannon Hale, New York Times bestselling author

An inspiring modern fairy tale about a brave girl who shrinks and grows depending on how she feels, showing how all of us--no matter our size--are so much bigger than our fears. From Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winning author Laurel Snyder and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator LeUyen Pham.

Violet knows what it's like to be afraid: when you're afraid, you feel helpless and small. But when Violet is afraid, she doesn't just feel small--she actually shrinks! It's tough to stop feeling frightened when you're only a few centimeters tall. But when Violet's best friend is in danger, she'll have to learn to deal with her fear in a new way--and save the day in the process.

Shrinking Violet is a beautifully illustrated story about fear and bravery for anyone who has ever felt scared and small. Readers will root for Violet as she finds her voice, stands up for her friend, and, most importantly, discovers the tremendous power of her own inner strength.

BIG FEELINGS: Feeling small and afraid is a universally relatable experience. The shrinking metaphor at the core of Violet's story will resonate deeply with young readers and demonstrate that being (or feeling!) small isn't a weakness--it's normal and completely okay.

EMPOWERING HEROINE: Violet is a strong female character who solves her own problems by learning to control and ultimately accept her feelings. Her story will feel familiar and wonderfully relatable to kids, and Violet is a positive role model in whom all young readers (especially girls!) can see themselves represented.

ALL-STAR CREATORS: Author Laurel Snyder, Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner, and illustrator LeUyen Pham, Caldecott Honoree, are children's literature superstars with many bestsellers to their names. They're also real-life friends! This is the first project they've collaborated on, and they've combined their all-star talent to make a truly special story.

Perfect for:

  • Young readers experiencing worry or anxiety about scary things happening around them or in the world
  • Parents and caregivers looking for books that will help assure kids that it's okay to be afraid sometimes
  • Readers seeking stories that have a classic fairy tale feel
  • Gift-givers seeking a beautifully illustrated and deeply moving story
Shipping & returnsShipping options, delivery timing, and our return policy.

In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

For the initial delivery estimate we use these transit windows after dispatch: Standard 5–8 business days, Expedited 2–4 business days, and Priority 1–2 business days. Holiday delays are not included.

Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
AlbakiReads
Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
AlbakiReads
Olivia

Smooth.