“Small potatoes” is a phrase which has nothing to do with root vegetables that happen to be tiny in size.  Instead, it refers to the change in one’s feelings for something when it is compared to something else.  If you were walking in the rain, for instance, you might be worried about getting wet, but if you turned the corner and saw a pack of vicious dogs, getting wet would suddenly become small potatoes next to getting chased down an alley and barked at, or possible eaten.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Vile Village – Lemony Snicket

When you are traveling by bus, it is always difficult to decide whether you should sit in a seat by the window, a seat on the aisle, or a seat in the middle.  If you take an aisle seat, you have the advantage of being able to stretch your legs whenever you like, but you have the disadvantage of people walking by you, and they can accidentally step on your toes or spill something on your clothing.  If you take a window seat, you have the advantage of getting a clear view of the scenery, but you have the disadvantage of watching insects die as they hit the glass.  If you take a middle seat, you have neither of these advantages, and you have the added disadvantage of people leaning all over you when they fall asleep.  You can see at once why you should always arrange to hire a limousine or rent a mule rather than take the bus to your destination.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Vile Village – Lemony Snicket