Big and Small and In-Between

Summary:

“This wide, wonderful world contains many things. Some things are as big as a family of bears; some are as small as a reflection in a puddle. Some things are felt rather than seen.

In between it all is . . . you. What kinds of things will you collect?

This lovely, lyrical book collects the world by size. Divided into three chapters with three specially paper-engineered separations, every page encapsulates one precious moment that perfectly represents both a size and an experience. Beloved author Carter Higgins’s poignant, poetic text and Daniel Miyares’s incandescent illustrations capture a whole new way of seeing the world in this beautiful, giftable meditation on what it means to be a kid—and what it means to be a human.”

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Review:

I picked this book up and wasn’t sure what to expect, but I fell in love with it! And I couldn’t help but think that this is a picture book made for the classroom. What an amazing way to teach kids about writing by using the prompts in this book to encourage kids to look at the world a little differently. I bet that in a classroom full of kids, you’d get some absolutely amazing descriptions!

I’ll be honest, I don’t think it would work as well for a really young audience as there isn’t so much a plot as there are veins that run through connecting it together. On the other hand, I think this would be a delightful book to give as a retirement gift, something about celebrating all the parts of life – the big, small and in-between! If you’re looking for more great retirement gift books, check out my post, 9 Books to Give as Retirement Gifts!

Personal Reaction:

I fell head over heels for this book. It’s absolutely gorgeous both in writing and in illustrations. Carter Higgins is one of those people who has a way with words that is unmatched by most. I loved her book Everything You Need for a Treehouse and this one does not disappoint. The way she makes you look at the world, just a little bit differently is truly a gift. And how she can connect the story as she moves through each section is so neat.

I have to share my favorite text from each section:

• Big – the way the ocean feels when it stands in front of you
• In-Between – the leftover balloons that are losing their oomph but not all the way droopy
• Small – what’s left of your fort after your mom says to clean up those pillows

And while I’m gushing, let’s not forget about the illustrations! Illustrations enrich the text so very much. Daniel Miyares’s work is absolutely breathtaking – check out Night Out if you haven’t done so yet! The pencil drawings and then that hit of color is so perfect for this book, highlighting those little moments that most people overlook.

If you get the chance, this is a book you’ll want to pick up and read and then read it again and again as you pour over the illustrations that fit each part of the text so perfectly.

Important Bits:

Title: Big and Small and In-Between
Author: Carter Higgins
Illustrator: Daniel Miyares
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: April 12, 2022

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