Harrison, Vashti. Big. Little Brown and Company. 978-0-316-35322-9. 32 p. $19.99. Grades K-3. 

When you’re young, hearing that you’re “a big girl” is a compliment. People marvel when you grow and become independent. Being big is good, until it isn’t. This story chronicles an unnamed girl’s experience with body image and ultimately, self-acceptance. She is a dancer, and pink words, including “caring,” “graceful,” “smart,” “creative,” “kind,” and “imaginative” float around her. However, as she grows older, she also becomes conscious of others’ reactions to her and the words they use to describe her. “Whale,” “moose,” “cow,” and “too big” float around her in black, and these words make her feel small. The words sting, and they’re hard to forget. The young girl begins to feel out of place, and her self-esteem plummets. She finally lets all her emotions out and makes the brave choice to hold on to the affirming pink words and hand the hurtful black ones back. The final spread features her dancing peacefully and confidently, once again comfortable in her own body. The predominantly pink illustrations are created digitally and with chalk pastels, and the main character is the only one portrayed in color – all other adults and children appear in shades of brown and gray in the background. 

THOUGHTS: This is a book to share with guidance counselors as they discuss ideas like body image and self-esteem with students. It could also be used during Morning Meetings to tackle topics such as the lasting or harmful impact our words can have on others. 

Picture Book