Customer Reviews

Tiny and Bigman

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

My daughter chose this book for its bright, beautiful illustrations, but what keeps her coming back to it again and again is the magnificent message: share your talents, and be "properly grateful" for the shared talents of others. Tiny is a large, strong woman with a booming voice who's always ready to lend her back. Unfortunately, she's rarely appreciated for her superhuman strength, because the men on her island think it makes them look "weak, weak, weak." Until Mr. Bigman comes along. Mr. Bigman's talents include cooking and investing money, but he's so weak he can hardly lift a hammer. Tiny helps him out. He shows his gratitude, and before long " his smile is answering her smile." The language of this book is delightful. Expressions such as "mash-up like a ripe banana," and the use of repetition excite imagination and invite participation for prereaders. The gentle moral -- showing proper appreciation for each other's talents, no matter how unconventional -- encourages children to think about what they're good at, and how to show appreciation for what others are good at. Tiny and Bigman is fun to read aloud, kids are captivated, and there's a plug for developing character -- what more could a parent want in a children's book?

What a great book -- fun for kids and the eyes, stereotype-busting, and, works on many levels: what better metaphor for giving birth, than having to hold strong while a hurricane rages through and around one? just beautiful, powerful, sweet and beautiful.