Book Review - 'Big' by Vashti Harrison

A soft, tender, sad, bold and brilliant picture book about the effects and ramifications of bullying.

It's horrible that a lot of kids like to bully. They like to make others feel small, powerless, like there is something wrong with them and they need to change to fit in, to make themselves feel better, in control and worthy. But it's worse that adults do it to children as well. It's no excuse if they do it unconsciously and don't mean any harm by it, they are doing harm to the child. It's selfish and thoughtless of them to do so. They should know better.

No child should be made to feel insecure and self-conscious as they get older.

Bullying should not grow worse, more unbearable, the older the child is. Bullying should not exist, period.

Again, adults, do better.

As a white person, 'Big' also opened my eyes to just how different Black girls are often treated, especially when they are considered to be "big for their age", like they are anomalies, instead of it being natural; a part of who they are. They are not taking up space. They don't need to be "fixed". They should not be hidden, invisible, out of sight, out of mind. And they are not "too sensitive" and "too emotional". They are great, beautiful, lovely and important as they are, and they should be seen.

Black children looking "older" and "bigger" than their age is used by adults, but especially "professionals", as justification for so much hurt and violence against them. It's truly sickening.

We need to do better. For our children, our darlings.

I also love the pink ballerina aesthetic in 'Big'. It's so sweet.

It could have gone a bit further in its message, and the ending is abrupt, but the overall feel of the book is effective. It is enough.

Words hurt. That is a fact. They are serious.

Words can heal, too. I know I shall continue to remind myself that, like the little girl in 'Big', I am: compassionate, kind, gentle, imaginative, creative, good.

Final Score: 4/5