5 stars
A touching and empowering picture book about the associations attached to words, the way our words affect others and ourselves, and the freedom of allowing yourself to take up space.
Simple narration with a powerful message. The story shows the shift in childhood from when “big” is seen as a good thing (“What a big girl you are!”) to when “big” becomes something bad (“you’re too big”). A powerful examination of the ways words can both hurt and heal. Also touches on responses from others such as defensiveness and wanting to “help”.
The artwork is absolutely phenomenal. I love the way Harrison used the page to allow her character to take up space. She also wonderfully depicts that size is only one part of a person and not their whole identity. It was so beautiful to see so many other words attached to the character.
Absolutely beautiful. A wonderful story that questions the negativity attached to the word big, ultimately showing the joy of being your whole self.