What school librarian doesn’t love a first day of book? BIG KIDS by K.L. Going and Reggie Brown is one of my favorites to come out this back-to-school season. Let’s take a look.
I just love how the lettering of the title stretches to the very edges of the cover. And the proportion of the tiny, green backpack-wearing child compared to the huge, smiling, sign-bearing one is just delightful. In this story, an unnamed protagonist navigates the first day of school slightly scared but absolutely in awe of the “big kids,” wondering if he will ever be like them.
At the start of the day, students are ushered into the gym to find a buddy, younger students pairing with older ones.
The protagonist is hesitant at first, but his big buddy is undeterred, leading him to his classroom, and later, helping him in the cafeteria and library. Throughout the day, as the little buddy becomes more comfortable with his bigger counterpart, their sizes become more proportional, reflecting the growing confidence and comfort of the young protagonist.
This joyful, lighthearted, and sensitive book captures the emotions of the first day of school, the mystique of “big kids,” and the power of friendship across ages. I highly recommend this as a first day of school book that can seamlessly translate to an any-day-of-the-year book!
Awww! What would it have been like to have an older “buddy” on the first day of school? Even if there isn’t one, this book could help give voice to feelings felt on that first day.
I’ve not seen a big buddy book, so this is great. Thanks for sharing!
What a great idea for a picture book! Kids will relate to it! The illustrations are charming! Congratulations!
This is great! What illustrations!!
This looks so sweet and gently humorous. Can’t wait to give it a read!
What a great story, and love the illustrations. It will comfort younger kids and be a great example for older kids on how to be a good “big buddy.”
Oh! Such a great book for first say jitters.