Read Dr. Toughlove’s August 2023 column below.
Have you or a child you know ever expressed feelings of isolation and not fitting in with their peers? If the answer to this question is yes, Dr. Toughlove recommends you read the book “Big”, beautifully written and exquisitely illustrated by Vashti Harrison.
The unnamed protagonist in the story is a girl who was developing into a beautiful, talented, expressive, creative, big girl. This was all fine – until it wasn’t. All of a sudden, she was ridiculed for being big and began to hear words like, “Moose!”, “You’re just too big!”, “Whale” and worse. Even though she was bigger than many of her peers, she began to feel small, out of place, and invisible. The pain was excruciating, and Vashti Harrison does a masterful job of depicting her plight with dramatic illustrations, speech bubbles and font variation to highlight the anguish the protagonist is experiencing.
While those of you who read this column regularly know that Dr. Toughlove loves to see illustrations complement the author’s words, there is section of “Big” that contains beautiful illustrations and no words. This series of pages provides the reader and/or listener with the opportunity to interpret the pictures and discuss the emotions the protagonist may be feeling. It also provides a golden opportunity for the reader or listener to reflect upon their own personal experiences and empathize with the character. The beauty and richness of the illustrations, many of which are depicted in a two-page spread, can serve as a springboard for meaningful conversations.
In the back of the book, Vashti Harrison, who has written several children’s books, talks about how “Big” reflects her personal journey as a young girl. Dr. Toughlove believes that no matter what the reader or listener may be struggling with, the feelings expressed in this book can be universally applied. The power of this book is its inside look into the struggles and triumphs of a young big girl, trying to learn to love and accept herself as she is. It is a powerful lesson for all of us. “Big” is appropriate for children aged 4-8 and is available at the Queen Anne’s County Library.