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Big
This deeply moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance.
The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time.
The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2023
About the author
Vashti Harrison
34 books384 followersVashti Harrison, author and illustrator of the bestselling Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, is an artist, author, and filmmaker with a passion for storytelling. She earned her MFA in film and video from California Institute of the Arts, where she snuck into animation and illustration classes to learn from Disney and DreamWorks legends. There she rekindled a love for drawing and painting. Now she uses her love for both film and illustration to craft beautiful stories for children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 843 reviews
January 23, 2024
**Winner of the 2024 Caldacott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children.**
Big by Vashti Harrison is such a beautiful picture book that will give you big feelings. Longlisted for the 2023 National Book Awards for Young People’s Literature, this is the first picture book both written and illustrated by Harrison (already well beloved for her artwork in Hair Love, Sulwe or her Little Dreamers & Little Leaders board books) and I hope she will do many more. This is a heartbreaking but important little story, one that follows a child who experiences the daily hurt of body shaming and and must find a way to make space for herself and love herself despite the cruel words of others. It it a really well done look at the small boxes social expectations try to fit everyone in, especially with oppressive "beauty" and body standards. I urge anyone with five minutes to spare to check this one out, and be ready because this is a tearjerker where we have to experience a young child feeling shame for being herself.
I knew I had to read this after Karen’s lovely review and I’m glad I did. It’s tragic to think of small children unsure what to make of being teased for something that they cannot control and weren’t even aware of until being teased, judged and compared with others. The opening broke my heart, the little girl growing up at home hearing she is loved, beautiful and a good girl then entering school with her peers to suddenly experience fatphobia and be made to feel ashamed for her body size.
Harrison makes excellent use of the page with gorgeous artwork and the way she tells the story with very minimal narration with the imagery working just as hard as any words could, makes it hit even harder. The way she uses words in the images—such as the child holding onto the hurtful words and having to learn what to do with them—was very well done. It’s also a reminder how cruel people can be, and even when faced with the effects of their actions and words they often refuse to take responsibility and double down on shaming the person who is trying to express their hurt (such as one figure who blames the girl for just “being too sensitive”). But the important lesson is to be yourself for you, to stand up for yourself, love yourself and find a way to make space for yourself. The latter is pulled off beautifully by introducing pages that unfold to quite literally give more space.
*Girl holding words said to her and saying “There are yours, they hurt me”
Big is a quiet but powerful picture book full of important lessons that doesn’t hide the harshness of society but still presents it in a palatable way that will be engaging and healing for both children and their adults reading it to them. It is a gorgeous little book and you should definitely read this, even just for yourself, because Harrison has created a very lovely work of art.
Big by Vashti Harrison is such a beautiful picture book that will give you big feelings. Longlisted for the 2023 National Book Awards for Young People’s Literature, this is the first picture book both written and illustrated by Harrison (already well beloved for her artwork in Hair Love, Sulwe or her Little Dreamers & Little Leaders board books) and I hope she will do many more. This is a heartbreaking but important little story, one that follows a child who experiences the daily hurt of body shaming and and must find a way to make space for herself and love herself despite the cruel words of others. It it a really well done look at the small boxes social expectations try to fit everyone in, especially with oppressive "beauty" and body standards. I urge anyone with five minutes to spare to check this one out, and be ready because this is a tearjerker where we have to experience a young child feeling shame for being herself.
I knew I had to read this after Karen’s lovely review and I’m glad I did. It’s tragic to think of small children unsure what to make of being teased for something that they cannot control and weren’t even aware of until being teased, judged and compared with others. The opening broke my heart, the little girl growing up at home hearing she is loved, beautiful and a good girl then entering school with her peers to suddenly experience fatphobia and be made to feel ashamed for her body size.
Harrison makes excellent use of the page with gorgeous artwork and the way she tells the story with very minimal narration with the imagery working just as hard as any words could, makes it hit even harder. The way she uses words in the images—such as the child holding onto the hurtful words and having to learn what to do with them—was very well done. It’s also a reminder how cruel people can be, and even when faced with the effects of their actions and words they often refuse to take responsibility and double down on shaming the person who is trying to express their hurt (such as one figure who blames the girl for just “being too sensitive”). But the important lesson is to be yourself for you, to stand up for yourself, love yourself and find a way to make space for yourself. The latter is pulled off beautifully by introducing pages that unfold to quite literally give more space.
*Girl holding words said to her and saying “There are yours, they hurt me”
Big is a quiet but powerful picture book full of important lessons that doesn’t hide the harshness of society but still presents it in a palatable way that will be engaging and healing for both children and their adults reading it to them. It is a gorgeous little book and you should definitely read this, even just for yourself, because Harrison has created a very lovely work of art.
August 16, 2024
Sometimes words have double-meanings for kids.
And…We need to be aware of how we sound to children when we use words with them.
Let us consider the word “big.”
When a young Black girl grows bigger than her classmates, the people around her make comments that make her feel self-conscious, then sad. When she chooses to be heard, not everyone listens or cares or even understands how their words affect her.
Words like ‘you are “big”’ can seem simply a way to describe a person as an object – like “you are such a big girl.”
But…In some ways that can actually be a form of fat shaming.
And… To have words thrown at them time and time again, as a young child can lead to many horrific forms of self-abuse, or eating disorders.
The educational value with this story, shown through the beauty of the illustrations, is the social-emotional lessons about not judging others.
The positive message in the book was to love yourself, learn compassion, and take action to support others that are different than you.
At the back of the book is an author’s note about her own experience of being labeled “big” which guided her own experience towards self-compassion.
This book would be a wonderful learning tool for reader adults to talk about with children in addressing how words impact others.
And…How important it is to not be judgmental towards others.
Everyone has their own story. Their own genetic make-up.
And…Learning how to love ourselves just as we are.
Update: I just learned that this book is a Caldecott Winner! (The Caldecott award is for "the most distinguished American picture book for children.") And this author, is the first Black woman to win it. Congratulations!
And…We need to be aware of how we sound to children when we use words with them.
Let us consider the word “big.”
When a young Black girl grows bigger than her classmates, the people around her make comments that make her feel self-conscious, then sad. When she chooses to be heard, not everyone listens or cares or even understands how their words affect her.
Words like ‘you are “big”’ can seem simply a way to describe a person as an object – like “you are such a big girl.”
But…In some ways that can actually be a form of fat shaming.
And… To have words thrown at them time and time again, as a young child can lead to many horrific forms of self-abuse, or eating disorders.
The educational value with this story, shown through the beauty of the illustrations, is the social-emotional lessons about not judging others.
The positive message in the book was to love yourself, learn compassion, and take action to support others that are different than you.
At the back of the book is an author’s note about her own experience of being labeled “big” which guided her own experience towards self-compassion.
This book would be a wonderful learning tool for reader adults to talk about with children in addressing how words impact others.
And…How important it is to not be judgmental towards others.
Everyone has their own story. Their own genetic make-up.
And…Learning how to love ourselves just as we are.
Update: I just learned that this book is a Caldecott Winner! (The Caldecott award is for "the most distinguished American picture book for children.") And this author, is the first Black woman to win it. Congratulations!
May 16, 2023
This is one of the best picture books I have ever read.
May 29, 2024
Simply phenomenal.
January 8, 2024
Whewww...Vashti Harrison does not miss!
Big was an absolutely amazing read. I was not expecting this book to be about body positivity but it definitely delivered. It follows a little girl who is considered "big" her entire life. While we don't see the impact in the beginning because she has a loving and supportive family, it does begin to chip away on her self esteem as she interacts with more of the "outside" world. This ultimately has a beautiful ending that focuses on the importance of self love. The illustrations were absolutely beautiful as expected from Vashti Harrison. This is definitely one that you don't want to miss.
Big was an absolutely amazing read. I was not expecting this book to be about body positivity but it definitely delivered. It follows a little girl who is considered "big" her entire life. While we don't see the impact in the beginning because she has a loving and supportive family, it does begin to chip away on her self esteem as she interacts with more of the "outside" world. This ultimately has a beautiful ending that focuses on the importance of self love. The illustrations were absolutely beautiful as expected from Vashti Harrison. This is definitely one that you don't want to miss.
March 1, 2024
a perfectly soft and pointed take on fatphobia, and how we diminish even the youngest of us for not "fitting" in, be it size or otherwise.
Exciting to see Vashti Harrison not only illustrate but also write. Beautiful book.
Exciting to see Vashti Harrison not only illustrate but also write. Beautiful book.
April 28, 2023
This book has a beautiful message and gorgeous illustrations. As a fat person who grew up being “BIG”, this story really resonated with me and I wish I had had it when I was young.
May 12, 2023
This was not what I expected the story to be, and I'm so glad someone is telling this story. It's about body size as well as adultification, and I've not yet seen a book that addresses that.
January 26, 2024
I stg if someone (child or adult) talked to my baby like this I would beat they fucking ass
January 30, 2024
I don’t know if this healed something in my childhood or opened an old wound but that was the most beautiful book I’ve ever read. The whole time I was just remembering elementary school. I cried. I’m crying. Ahhh. When she was the mountain… AHHHHH. IM UNWELL
January 30, 2024
Fuck every single one of you that makes a child feel like this.
January 14, 2024
Beautiful illustrations
Important message
Very simple story
As a BIG girl all my life this story brought up a lot of emotions. Others point out things about you that you never thought was a problem. All the suffering, stares and ostracizing endured my entire life and I’m still a Big person. lol
God did not make us all the same. I wish the world would get a clue!
Important message
Very simple story
As a BIG girl all my life this story brought up a lot of emotions. Others point out things about you that you never thought was a problem. All the suffering, stares and ostracizing endured my entire life and I’m still a Big person. lol
God did not make us all the same. I wish the world would get a clue!
February 22, 2024
This book celebrates the creative, imaginative, kind, graceful, sweet, funny, compassionate, gentle, smart, and good person that a young girl is, even though the world tries to impose other descriptive words to her, many of which are hurtful and mean. It shows how well-meaning individuals, including the adults, teachers, and mentors in our lives can be hurtful, even if they don't intend to be.
It depicts a kind of rebirth in her understanding and acceptance of who she is. "The illustrations for this book were done in Procreate and chalk pastel." And they imbue a sense of her emotions without words. This book is certainly worthy of its Caldecott Medal win.
interesting quote:
"Pink flowers symbolize innocence, joy, playfulness, and happiness. These are all things this girl deserves. Her body is not a problem that needs fixing, and neither did mine that day on the playground. What needs fixing are the implicit biases we all hold. I wish I could give the girl a hug -- the part of her that is me and the part of her that might be you -- and tell her that she is deserving of all the care and joy in the world, no matter what." (p. 58 - unpaged, Author's Note)
It depicts a kind of rebirth in her understanding and acceptance of who she is. "The illustrations for this book were done in Procreate and chalk pastel." And they imbue a sense of her emotions without words. This book is certainly worthy of its Caldecott Medal win.
interesting quote:
"Pink flowers symbolize innocence, joy, playfulness, and happiness. These are all things this girl deserves. Her body is not a problem that needs fixing, and neither did mine that day on the playground. What needs fixing are the implicit biases we all hold. I wish I could give the girl a hug -- the part of her that is me and the part of her that might be you -- and tell her that she is deserving of all the care and joy in the world, no matter what." (p. 58 - unpaged, Author's Note)
January 2, 2024
Truly the book I wish I had when I was little. Or, perhaps, the book I wish my mother and grandmother had in their lives when they were little.
Everything about this book is so special. The illustrations are classic Vashti Harrison gorgeous, but her softness matches the lovely roundness of the central character so perfectly. The text is absolute perfection. It is definitely not too much, and every word is clear, precise, and deliberate. I felt so much when reading this. For myself, for all the kids I read to, for all the fat people regularly, repeatedly, rudely told that they take up far too much space and they really shouldn't. I look back on pictures of me when I was little when so many people called me fat and I look SO NORMAL!! So normal for my body, but also so normal for a child. I'm just so glad that we live in a world where this books exists, and where this book gets nominated for a National Book Award.
I think if you're made of stronger stuff than I, you could read it for a story time. I really wish I were capable of reading this without dissolving into a weepy mess, but I'm not!
Everything about this book is so special. The illustrations are classic Vashti Harrison gorgeous, but her softness matches the lovely roundness of the central character so perfectly. The text is absolute perfection. It is definitely not too much, and every word is clear, precise, and deliberate. I felt so much when reading this. For myself, for all the kids I read to, for all the fat people regularly, repeatedly, rudely told that they take up far too much space and they really shouldn't. I look back on pictures of me when I was little when so many people called me fat and I look SO NORMAL!! So normal for my body, but also so normal for a child. I'm just so glad that we live in a world where this books exists, and where this book gets nominated for a National Book Award.
I think if you're made of stronger stuff than I, you could read it for a story time. I really wish I were capable of reading this without dissolving into a weepy mess, but I'm not!
March 5, 2024
Caldecott Winner - children's picture book about a child being bullied due to her size. Affecting, painful. It hurt me as a large-sized person to read it. The child in the story is fortunately big in heart and spirit. She does not grow into this - that also, is an inherent part of her being.
Lovely illustrations in pinks, browns, and grays with a BIG gatefold in the center.
Lovely illustrations in pinks, browns, and grays with a BIG gatefold in the center.
May 20, 2023
One of my favorite 2023 releases. Vashti Harrison's work has gotten better and better. She sure works hard for the children's book industry. This is a book written and illustrated by Harrison. I think it will resonate with many children and adults as well. 2024 Caldecott worthy.
February 3, 2024
wow wow wow, BIG feelings, she is my hero.
February 12, 2024
I located this book using the Coretta Scott King Award book list. “Big” by Vashti Harrison was the recipient of several awards including a Caldecott medal for its beautiful illustrations. “Big” was also listed as the Coretta Scott King honor title for 2024.
In this picture book, Harrison tells the story of a young Black girl who is happily growing up proud of who she is. As she continues to grow, things suddenly change. People around her start making comments that she is too big for this and too big for that, and the once confident and happy child begins to grow self conscious.
The illustrations beautifully demonstrate the girl’s changing feelings about herself in the face of negative comments from others. She begins to see herself as towering over everyone else, including the adults. On one page, she is drawn as if she can barely fit in the page. The hurtful comments from others splattered on the page, a reminder of her damaged self-image and how she now sees herself. In time, she changes her view and begins to stand up for herself.
This book is an excellent reminder of how our words matter and can be used to uplift or tear down. It ultimately has an empowering message for young girls to not let others body-shame them or damage their self-worth. I would recommend this book for teachers in primary grades looking to have discussions about kindness, bullying, and self-love.
In this picture book, Harrison tells the story of a young Black girl who is happily growing up proud of who she is. As she continues to grow, things suddenly change. People around her start making comments that she is too big for this and too big for that, and the once confident and happy child begins to grow self conscious.
The illustrations beautifully demonstrate the girl’s changing feelings about herself in the face of negative comments from others. She begins to see herself as towering over everyone else, including the adults. On one page, she is drawn as if she can barely fit in the page. The hurtful comments from others splattered on the page, a reminder of her damaged self-image and how she now sees herself. In time, she changes her view and begins to stand up for herself.
This book is an excellent reminder of how our words matter and can be used to uplift or tear down. It ultimately has an empowering message for young girls to not let others body-shame them or damage their self-worth. I would recommend this book for teachers in primary grades looking to have discussions about kindness, bullying, and self-love.
November 23, 2023
11/20/23 Big is beautiful in this picture book that shows how words (intended or not) can hurt others, especially children. You'll find yourself cheering for the little girl in this story to be bigger than the words used against her in this story.
This is also a great story about treating children, tweens and teens for the age they are and not the size.
10/3/23 Starfish for younger readers, fat shaming is bad no matter what your age. This book sends home an important message about treating children by their actual age, not the age they look. All kids deserve to be kids.
This is also a great story about treating children, tweens and teens for the age they are and not the size.
10/3/23 Starfish for younger readers, fat shaming is bad no matter what your age. This book sends home an important message about treating children by their actual age, not the age they look. All kids deserve to be kids.
February 1, 2024
Words are powerful. 💕 I felt myself on the pages of this story. I remember a friends parent saying to me that she was shocked I was so smart. Big girls don’t tend to be smart. 💔 words matter. This book is full of all the healing ❤️🩹 the big girls need. The big hearts, the big brains, the big personalities, the big talents, the big inventors, the big heroes.
January 29, 2024
This one broke my heart and made me angry that it needs to exist in the world.
August 18, 2024
Addy read this aloud to me at a library this afternoon and it made me tear up. What a beautiful, empowering message. Wish I had read this book as a little girl.
December 29, 2023
read this with @manu in the 4hr barnes n noble line
shes just a girl!
shes just a girl!
September 30, 2024
Finally got this one in with my last group of first graders this week. This one pulls at my soul, I never got stuck in a swing, but I was the big girl growing up. No one was as tall or heavy as me, and in pursuit of some sort of 1980s aesthetic ideals I was put on multiple diets in my single digit years. I haven’t been at peace with my relationship between food and my body since before I was 7, and I doubt I ever will be.
Big is how I wish past-me’s story could have ended. Our protagonist goes through a lot of pain and self-realization, and ultimately self-love. She feels others’ words profoundly and ultimately realizes what to do with them.
The kiddos loved Harrison’s use of size and color to convey emotion, and it gave us a great opportunity to talk about words and loving one another.
Big is how I wish past-me’s story could have ended. Our protagonist goes through a lot of pain and self-realization, and ultimately self-love. She feels others’ words profoundly and ultimately realizes what to do with them.
The kiddos loved Harrison’s use of size and color to convey emotion, and it gave us a great opportunity to talk about words and loving one another.
March 5, 2024
Oh my heart can’t handle this. This had me crying. No wonder it won awards. This was beautiful and all to real from a “big girl”. People not realizing that their words hurt. They think you’re too sensitive or they were just joking. When none of it is anybodys business. That’s why we shouldn’t comment on anybodys body. I’m crying. Wow. The artwork is also just so beautiful. And it’s just so real. I loved the ending lines “but they still couldn’t see that she was just a girl. And she was good.” Ugh my heart.
July 12, 2023
I cried in my office. That is all.
P.S. Please read this book, please, please, please. Kids need to grow up learning that they are perfect as they are, and as someone who felt just like this character as a kid, I cannot express how deeply we need books like this.
P.S. Please read this book, please, please, please. Kids need to grow up learning that they are perfect as they are, and as someone who felt just like this character as a kid, I cannot express how deeply we need books like this.
May 15, 2023
Absolutely gorgeuos illustrations 💗💗💗
January 9, 2024
i wish this book existed when i was a little kid but im glad it exists now 🩷
June 19, 2023
The artwork is gorgeous, and I love the love that Harrison has for fat Black girls who are told they need to shrink themselves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 843 reviews