Harrison, Vashti. Big. Vashti Harrison, Illus. Little Brown, 05/2023. [60]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-0-316-35322-9. GRADES Preschool-2. OUTSTANDING.
As a young girl grows, becoming a “big girl” changes from a positive message into a hurtful one. From the body-shaming words of children and adults (all depicted in faded grey silhouette), a passionate, vibrant young Black girl feels the joy drain from experiences she had once held dear. The composition of the digital and chalk pastel illustrations exemplify her experience by pushing her portrait to the very edges of the constricting page, and then breaking out beyond “to make space for herself” as she defies the labels placed upon her. With a new clarity, she returns the words, and keeps only what is true. The masterful use of color, composition, and words woven together with exceptional skill enhance every aspect of her challenging journey. As the first picture book both written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison, Big emphatically affirms the power of inner strength and self-acceptance for those in a small-minded world.
Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library