BIG

BIG by Vashti Harrison

2024 Caldecott winner Big by Vashti Harrison is a read definitely worth checking out. Bringing a timely message in today's culture, Big tackles the subject of self image, specifically the line between socially acceptable chunky little kids and the socially unacceptable image of older kids that are just "too big." Using chalk pastels and lots of pink to create the dreams of a little girl, Harrison helps the reader identify with the time in all of our lives that we dreamed of future big things. However, for this little girl, the pages turn to gray when the dreams come crashing down because of words said, doors closed on possibilities all due to size. For a while the words stick to the little girl. They box her into a tight space where she can barely move, but that's not the end of the story. This precious little girl learns that there is so much more to her than her size! Absolutely Beautiful!