"Big on body positivity, this glorious picture book boosts self-esteem in beautiful style"
What a beautiful, tenderly empowering book. Visually and emotionally on point, Vashti Harrison’s Big harnesses the formidable power of picture books to tell the moving story of a girl’s journey to self-acceptance in a world that values the small.
“What a big girl you are!” As a baby, the girl of this story was praised for being big. She has a big laugh, a big heart, and big dreams. Everything was good, until the day she’s told: “Don’t you think you’re too big for that?” The full-bleed illustrations depicting her curled-up in sadness, made to feel small by words that were “hard to shake off” are incredibly moving, and invite empathetic discussions around emotions.
Then, after deciding to “make more space for herself”, an expansive, glowing gatefold spread reveals her blossoming confidence. “I like the way I am”, she declares, radiant with joy, happy in herself.
Warm and inspiring, Big comes hugely recommended for 3+-year-olds who’ve been made to feel anxious about their size. It’s also a wonderful device for sparking empathy and kindness in all readers.
