Bigger [Hardcover]

Daniel Kirk (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

Once there was a boy. At first, he was so small he didn't even have a name. But as soon as he was born, the boy began to grow. He kept growing, even though he could not walk, talk or feed himself. When people said, My, what a big boy you are, he knew they were right. Before long, the boy could see on top of the table instead of just underneath. He took big steps, ate big meals and used big words. He even slept in a big bed, went to a big school, and played with bigger boys. Soon the boy got so big that his world began to grow too--and as it did, so did the promise of everything he was and everything he would be! Bold drawings and childlike text come together in a universally appealing book that celebrates the one thing every child can do--get bigger! Daniel Kirk lives in New Jersey.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this well-conceived, deceptively simple book about the stages of a child's development, Kirk (Breakfast at the Liberty Diner) conveys a boy's pride at growing bigger. The first two spreads, highlighted in glowing red-gold hues, show tiny snapshot-sized drawings of the child in the womb ("Once I was very small. I was so small that I was hardly even me"). As the pages turn, time advances. The boy lies in his crib, crawls, walks and learns to read as he narrates the story in retrospect; his toy monkey sits in the bassinet when he is a baby, and later hangs on his arm as he explores a real zoo. Throughout, the boy's voice suggests a maturing sense of responsibility: "I could stand on my toes and touch the doorknob, and the telephone, and the light switch on the wall... even though I wasn't supposed to." Each spread, composed on a black background, showcases the image on the right, the text on the left, printed in white type, in letters that increase in point size with each new observation. Likewise, the illustrations, which fit in a rectangle, expand page by page, so that full-bleed pictures eventually sprawl across the gutter and crowd the words. Kirk's illustrations feature airbrushed, bright colors, crisp edges and a smooth finish. The stylized pictures match the idealized account of growing up, which bubbles with satisfaction and wonder. Ages 2-6.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-KAIf you're very little in a big world, it is very important to become Bigger. From embryo to school age, a sturdy youngster celebrates his achievements inch by inch. Though physical growth is the most prominent element here, intellectual and social development are also introduced. "Womb" is the only reproduction-related term used in the text. The writing is appropriately simple and utilitarian. The use of progressively larger type as the boy grows is clever. Black pages with white text make the bold, colorful, cartoon illustrations done in a retro style appear even more vibrant. Point of view is handled beautifully to create a child's-eye view of a very tidy world. Youngsters who could handle the text will probably consider themselves too big for the story, but preschoolers will enjoy hearing it in groups or on laps while being reassured that they, too, will get Bigger.AJody McCoy, Lakehill Preparatory School, Dallas, TX
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (April 13, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399231277
• ISBN-13: 978-0399231278
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,479,241 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If I could buy this book for every little boy in the world I would!, April 19, 2008

By 

ThreePeas - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bigger (Hardcover)

This is the type of book that when you read it, not just the first time but every time after it gives you the chills. Bigger is truly a magical book that most young (toddler/preschooler) boys are almost begging for and don't even know it. Since my son (now 4) was first able to speak he only wanted to be bigger and the questions followed and continue to follow; How do I get bigger? I'm much bigger than when I was a baby right? Im bigger than _____, right? I've heard it from my son and all of his friends as well. Being "bigger" is such a "boy thing" and this book could not be more perfect in not only addressing getting bigger but showing them how "big" they were at each stage of their life. The Illustrations are outstanding, the text is filled with imaginative, magical, happy feelings that will open up a new world to your little boy. Bigger was so obviously written with a tremendous amount of care, appreciation and purpose with a goal of instilling confidence in boys which is so very important especially in this young age group. This is such a beautiful book, it is not to be missed. My son absolutely loves this book and his face lights up with delight each time I read it to him, I only wish every other boy also gets the opportunity to enjoy bigger!! BUY IT NOW!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must have" for every little boy!, July 6, 2010

By 

Sofia White (Western Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bigger (Hardcover)

This is a very special book which starts off with the little boy in the womb, talking about how he will grow "bigger and bigger".

It really touches on so many little milestones that kids go through that we might not otherwise notice.

It brings tears to my eyes nearly every time I read it. My son had most of it memorized and used to read it to me.

I haven't actually read it to him in a couple of years, but it is the book I most often buy for mothers expecting baby boys.

Buy this book and you too will be delighted!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bigger by Daniel Kirk, September 14, 2000

By 

Ryan Wakefield (Missoula, Montana USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bigger (Hardcover)

From his mother's womb, this is a tale about how a boy continues to grow with every encounter with the world at large. The way he gets encouragement from the people he meets as he makes his transition to big clothes. It's all about growing, new experiences and new people. Great full-page illustrations supplement the tale of growth.