The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories
By Joseph Gordon-Levitt
(It Books, Hardcover, 9780062121660, December 2011, 88pp.)
The Short of It:
A short, snappy little book filled with creativity.
The Rest of It:
When I first heard about this little gem, I knew I had to read it for myself. HitRECord, founded by Joseph Gordon-Levitt (3rd Rock from the Sun, Inception, 10 Things I Hate About You) reviewed contributions from thousands of writers and artists to create this collection. The stories are only one or two pages long. Some are  humorous, some of thought-provoking but the real challenge here is telling a story in just one or two pages complete with illustrations.
The book itself is very well done. It would make a fabulous gift and honestly speaking, the writing is pretty clever, too. I also enjoyed the illustrations. When it came in the mail, The Girl took off with it thinking it was for her. She read about half of the stories and then asked if she could keep it. Uh, no. Maybe later, like after I’ve read it! So you see, it’s a tasty little morsel.
Here’s one of my faves from the collection. Click on the photo a couple of times to view it larger.
Aside from all the fun of reading a book like this, I think it’s important for people to be able to feel as if they have a creative outlet. Often, we want to be creative but the process often seems too difficult or overwhelming. If you are an artist who would like to contribute works for volume 2, check out the web site.
Also, here’s a video to tell you a little more about it:
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Source: Sent to me by the publisher.
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.
Book Chatter 
I liked this collection too. The one in your photo is my favorite…and my dad even liked that one…since he was here. I think that’s the only book he’s read in the last 30 years.
That’s an excellent point. It’s short and readable. Even a non-reader will find it interesting.
Just read another positive review about this one. I definitely need to get my hands on a copy of it – sounds like such a treat to read! Great post, Ti!
What fun! The page above made me laugh out loud this morning… will keep an eye out for this one.
I liked all of the stories, but some were laugh out loud funny and very clever. My daughter read all of them. She didn’t get all of the humor as she is only 8, but she enjoyed it to in her “I’m 8 and the drawings are funny” kind of way.
I wanted to take a picture of some of the stories in the book but I couldn’t get it to work without my hand being the biggest part of the picture!
I know! There were a few others I would have liked to have shared.
I almost posted my review for this today! It was definitely a cute little book. The one you pictured with the lady eating two apples a day was one of my favorites. 😉
I am guessing there will be a few reviews out there for it soon (including yours!) I just think it’s a totally cool project. I spent some time on the website and it just screams cool. I wanna be cool 🙂
I thought this book was great too! I loved the collaborative feel and the creativity.
LOL…I love humorous snark! 🙂 I’ll have to check it out :):)
I have wanted to read this one since seeing that first review, and can’t wait to get this one into my hot little hands! It seems so clever and interesting, and I just love the illustrations as well. I am glad that you loved it!
How did I miss hearing about this book? I’m going to fix that right away. Also, just how adorable is JGL? Really, just too cute.
He is a cutie-pie for sure.
I want this book something fierce! No matter how old I get, I still find illustrations so endearing and a fantastic way to enhance a story. If only I hadn’t put myself on a book buying ban!
Love the story you chose here, the illustration is wonderful! This is a great idea and I’d think it would appeal to readers and non-readers. It’s funny that your daughter took off with it and then wanted to keep the book!
I think she equated “tiny” with cute, which obviously meant it was sent just for her.
What a cute little book… the front illustration looks like Hello Kitty, and also Dick Bruna’s Miffy. If it ever comes to Canada… sure like to check it out.
That’s it! I was trying to recall what that cover reminded me of.
I love that your daughter wanted to keep it for herself.
I’ve read so many reviews for this book and everyone seems to love it but I still don’t think it’s for me. I’m glad you and The Girl enjoyed it though!
Looks like a fun read, something different. Like you new picture too!
I tried to take a pic of me and a book but it looked about as bad as that party pic I posted. LOL.
What great fun! This is one very creative young man who is opening avenues of creativity for so many other people who might never have had the means!
This is one that I want to read!