THE BIG BOOK ABOUT BEING BIG

A multiracial cast of children
demonstrates that “BIG is being the / BIGGEST YOU / that you can be.”

An Asian child rides a two-wheeler,
a younger black child rides a bike with training wheels, and a white
preschooler rides a tricycle as the book’s central question is introduced: “Are
you BIG yet? / When, exactly, does BIG happen?” People who say that big is “measured
/ by years, or / weight, or inches” are “wrong.” The text continues, “BIG is
BIGGER than that.” Big is being “bright” and “kind” and “an active citizen.” Big
is being “a friend to the Earth” and “a friend to yourself.” And how will you
know when you’ve become big? You’ll feel “a pride inside, / a feeling of
goodness… / in your heart.” Scenes show the three children spending time with
family, helping elders, teaching friends, growing a garden, and outgrowing
training wheels. The final spread asks, “How many little ways can you think of
to be… / BIG?” Fennell’s collage illustrations use a wide range of colors and
patterns for a fun, if busy, effect. A lengthy, slightly redundant endnote
lists things readers can do to “Choose to Be Big!” What this purposive conversation
starter lacks in artistry it may make up for in utility. This is worth a try
when redirecting children’s focus from things and abilities to relationships
and character is the goal.

Helpful for the right child-adult
pair or group. (Picture book. 3-5)