Little can mean a small object or person. It can also mean a few in regard to the measurement of things or people. Little can also mean a few in some ways but not others.
Example: I have a few apples. This can usually mean you have two or three apples. You can say I have little apples (meaning a few) but you can’t say I have little apple. You can also say I have a little apple. You can also say I have a little bit of apples left.
I’m not an English teacher so I’m not explaining the rules in depth but this is just an example.