Book Review and Author Interview: Too Tall Tilly by Melissa Beardall
Too Tall Tilly by Melissa Beardall (Hazy May Books, 2025)
Melissa Beardall has produced her latest children’s book, Too Tall Tilly, with her mother, Rebecca Nichols and illustrator Emma Valenghi. The story focuses on a young girl nicknamed Tilly who feels self-conscious about being the tallest in her class. She daydreams of becoming someone else entirely, until her parents share a treasured book of old family photographs that helps her see the beauty in her own identity and heritage.
I have long enjoyed children’s books, and I found this to be an engaging, detailed story with lovely illustrations. I liked the way the parents and community were always so accepting of Tilly, whatever she wanted to do (or be). With its overall message of self-acceptance, the book gently encourages the idea that exploring family history—through photos and stories of ancestors—can help children feel more connected and confident (a topic of great interest to me and something I’ve spoken on previously). For parents, grandparents, or other relatives keen on family history, it offers a subtle, enjoyable way to spark a child’s curiosity about their roots, perhaps over a festive read-together at Christmas. This charming tale would suit any family hoping to gently introduce young ones to the joys of genealogy.
Interview With Melissa Beardall
What was your background before writing this book?
When I was a young mother, I dreamed of writing a children’s book. The idea always lingered in the back of my mind, but motherhood—and the busyness that comes with it—never truly left room for that dream to take shape.
Five years ago, I was diagnosed with multiple chronic illnesses that have since left me mostly bedridden. During that time, my mom approached me about writing a children’s book based on my own story. Suddenly, a lightbulb went off, and I couldn’t write fast enough. After many late nights and countless exchanged ideas, our first book was born: Twirl with Me, Mama! Helping a Child Understand a Loved One with a Chronic Illness.
That story reflected my experience as a young mother raising eight children while living with undiagnosed chronic illnesses and feeling deeply inadequate. Our goal was to validate families living in nontraditional circumstances and the complex emotions that often accompany them.
After Twirl with Me, Mama!, we knew we had more to share, and that is when Too Tall Tilly came to life. Had I remained healthy, I likely never would have begun writing. Writing has given me something to look forward to and a way to stay mentally engaged and I feel like I can contribute, despite my less-than-ideal circumstances.
What inspired you to write “Too Tall Tilly”?
When you have a lot of time on your hands, it can become the perfect springboard for imagination to blossom. My mom and I want to write stories that help children navigate today’s world, which can often feel overwhelming and challenging. We have all, at some point, wanted to be someone—or something—else, and that feeling felt like the perfect foundation for a story.
We wanted to create a character who is creative and sweet, yet held back by something that prevents her from fully being herself. Tilly’s name and height came to me in a brief flicker of inspiration. My mom then introduced the idea of Tilly’s journey, leading her to distant relatives and the meaningful connection she would discover with them. Our ancestors have helped build the world we live in today, and we wanted to honor them in a way that children could understand and relate to. This is where Tilly discovers Great Aunt Matilda and begins to connect with her own history.
The following line stands out to me:
“Great Aunt Matilda looked just like me! She stood a full head taller than Grandma. She had the same dark hair and the same big, toothy smile as I have.”
That scene is powerful because it’s the turning point of the story. For the first time, Tilly doesn’t see her height as a problem—she sees it as a connection. It transforms something she was teased for into something meaningful and proud.
I also love the ending line:
“I can do or be anything, but I’ll always be me. Tilly!”
It beautifully wraps up the message of the story—confidence doesn’t come from changing yourself, but from understanding and accepting who you are. Family history can be an important contributor to learning these life lessons.
Why did you feel like this was an important story to tell?
This felt like an important story to tell because it shows how a child can struggle with feeling different and not fully accepting who they are. Tilly changes her name every day because she is trying to find an identity that makes her feel special and confident, especially after being teased for being tall. Many children can relate to feeling uncomfortable about something that makes them stand out.
The story is also important because it teaches that understanding where you come from can help you feel proud of who you are. I love when Tilly learns about her Great Aunt Matilda and her accomplishments. It is through these family connections that she realizes that her height and her name are part of something meaningful. In the end, the story encourages young readers to be creative and imaginative, yet to accept themselves, be proud of their uniqueness, and know that they can stand tall, just as they are.
What’s next for you and writing?
We have another book that is ready to be illustrated. The main character is a mouse and its message is timeless— that in a big world, we all have an important part to play. We are all apart of the music.
This may become a series in time. I look forward to finding out for myself what the future may hold. My path has been different than I thought it would be, and that’s okay. Sometimes the greatest blessings are the result of something you do that is really hard. I trust that there are great things to come and though I may limited, the possibilities are limitless.
Melissa Beardall is the co-author of the cherished picture book Twirl with Me, Mama!, a heartfelt collaboration with her mother, Rebecca. She lives in a cozy mountain valley in Utah with her husband, Jason. Together, they have eight wonderful kids and three grandbaby princesses. Melissa is a big fan of good books, scenic hikes, and making sweet memories with her family.
Rebecca Nichols is an accomplished author and proud mother of five, as well as a grandmother to 24 wonderful grandchildren. Currently residing in Utah with her husband, Rebecca is thrilled to be writing her third children’s book alongside her talented daughter, Melissa. In her free time, she enjoys reading and exploring warm destinations, enriching her life with new experiences and stories. Now retired, Rebecca channels her passion for storytelling into creating engaging narratives for young readers.
