About Lee Iben
Lee Iben was born in North Carolina and raised in the Midwest, where a love for creativity, community, and storytelling took root early in his life. He began his career as a commercial artist for a local newspaper, an experience that shaped his lifelong passion for communication and connection.
Over the years, Lee’s work has spanned marketing, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. He has helped build businesses, served nonprofit organizations, and coached leaders to grow with clarity and purpose. Throughout it all, his focus has remained the same: helping people see their value and encouraging them to grow—personally, professionally, and together.
Lee is a Certified Business Coach and firm owner based in Eastern Iowa, but his favorite roles are closer to home. He and his wife of more than forty years are parents to four grown children and proud grandparents to seven grandchildren. It was through family, faith, and a lifetime of observing human nature that the story of small Harold was born.
When he’s not writing or coaching, Lee enjoys time with his family and continues to believe that the smallest voices—and the kindest actions—can make the biggest difference.
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What makes small Harold so Appealing?
small Harold resonates because it speaks softly—and powerfully—to something children already feel but may not yet have words for. Harold isn’t loud, flashy, or perfect. He’s thoughtful, observant, and kind. In a world that often rewards being the biggest or boldest, small Harold gently reminds readers that true confidence grows from empathy, encouragement, and self-acceptance.
The story’s appeal lies in its emotional safety. Children see themselves in Harold—especially those who feel overlooked, quieter, or unsure. Parents and grandparents recognize timeless values woven naturally into the narrative, without preaching or pressure. The soft, pastel illustrations create a calm, welcoming visual rhythm, inviting children to linger, reflect, and connect.
Most of all, small Harold is appealing because it flips the script: being “small” isn’t a limitation—it’s a strength. By showing how making others feel big helps us grow inside, the book leaves readers—young and old—with a sense of warmth, hope, and belonging that lasts well beyond the final page.
APPLAUSE FOR SMALL HAROLD
What People Are Saying!
Charmingly Beautiful
small Harold is a charming and elegant book. Reading it to my kids was such a treasure. My little guy immediately repeated to his big brother with a nudge “by making other people feel big about themselves, he felt big too.” The message is so sweet and clear. It is so delightfully written and beautifully illustrated. We gifted this adorable book to all our cousins and friends.
Matt R.
small Harold has a BIG Heart
This book is a sweet, heartwarming message for every reader. Uplifting others, with kindness and respect, is a win for all!
Lisa M.
Wonderful and timely book!
"This book has such a beautiful message to teach children kindness and lifting others up. At a time when demeaning rhetoric and bulling behavior is more prevalent than ever, this book feels especially important. It’s a quiet reminder of the values we hope our children carry forward: empathy, generosity, and basic human decency."
Sarah M.
Wonderful illustrations, pure message in small Harold
"small Harold, written and illustrated by Lee Iben, is a pure treat. The calming artwork in warm colors is perfect. It is a short book that has a long, soft message, with no judgement. The writing is perfect, your breath slows as you read the story. My audience, ages three and five, wanted to hear the the book again and again. They were vested in Harold. The adult readers appreciated the book's positive message that is simply relayed. We recommend a copy of small Harold for every home, classroom and library."
Jennifer N.
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