Author: Sylvie Neeman
Illustrator: Ingrid Godon
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books, 2013; Originally published under the title Quelque Chose de Grand by La Joie de Lire in Geneva, Switzerland, 2012.
Age: 4 – 8yrs
Themes: size perception, child-parent relationships, beaches
Opening: “I’m upset says the little one”, licking his jam-covered fingers. “What are you upset about?” asks the big one anxiously. “I’m upset that I’m little because I want to do something big.”
Summary: (from the publisher) “A big one and a little one talk together. The little one is upset because he wants to do something big even though he is still small. They go for a walk along the beach. There something both surprising and big happens.”
I like this book because: the cover illustration sold me. Yeah, I’m gullible like that. I love the story’s quiet conversation, and how the simple illustrations reflect how a child’s ideas are as easily built as they are changed, but beautiful and worthy at the same time. Brings back memories of winter strolls on the beach too.
Resources/Activities: This would make a great conversation starter on the subject of size and what we imagine can or cannot be done as a small person; Read an NYT review HERE; or an interview with the illustrator – HERE
For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
julie rowan-zoch 
Sounds cute! Love the scribbled drawings.
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Makes me want to get crayons out for a sniff!
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Beautiful. And wow. That’s a lot of text! Not that I mind… just worth noting the differences between American vs. European PBs. Thanks for pointing this book out, Julie. I’m sure I’ll be able to find it in my local library– in its original version!
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Do let me know how you like it!
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You find the most avant garde and unusual books! I figured it had to be published in Europe since it’s so hard to sell quiet books in the US anymore. I hope my library has a copy. 🙂
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More proof I am off-center!
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Oh yes – that cover!
Yay for more non-U.S. books being promoted. Kids need some global perspective early in life!
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Like your thinking, woman!
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The socratic dialogue format sounds unusual-especially since it has a different author and illustrator and the illustrator had to “see” the vision. Enchanted Lion has plucked another interesting one from abroad.
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Read it, baby!
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That cover looks like one you might sketch! I do like the illustrations and quiet books. This one sounds contemplative. I’m finding a number of books written in other languages and translated into English by Canadian publishers.
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I wish mine looked as loose! Do share your finds!
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Yay, a lovely swiss book with a different feel to it. Love the word choice, “a big one” and “a little one”.
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Fell in love with another in Spanish last night, even typed it in to google translate! Another post!
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I’ve just picked up a pile of picture books from the library…now I’m starting my list for the next bunch of library holds. Please don’t tell anyone how much fun this is – they’ll think I am slacking off.:) Great book, Julie!
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My children’s librarian says I am their best customer!
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the cover is enticing… I’ve been known to choose a book by its cover, too.
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It’s a weakness, but I find stuff I love!
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Good to remember that kids can do big things, too! Thanks Julie.
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🙂
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First, me, then Ms. Meyers, now you. Gullibilty must be catching. Wait. What? OH NO!!!!!!! Great PPBF pick! AAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!
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Cover-tagious!
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Yup! NO! Not the COVER! AHHHH-*gurgle*
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You can always tell a book by the cover! Interesting choice here. That BIG and little concept is a tough one.
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It’s not too sweet, which I appreciate. Same with cakes!
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Looks like a another good pick. We’ve read similar titles … My Daddy is a Giant by Carl Norac and illustrator Ingrid Godon resulted in Hubby being called the giant in the house . 🙂
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This one looks AmAzInG! Thanks for the awesome review which has piqued my curiosity.
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Glad to pique!
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Looks wonderful. Library hold time! Again. 🙂
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I hope you like it!
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I love the look of this! I have a board book illustrated by Ingrid Godon (One Gorgeous Baby, by Martine Oborne) and have been looking for books by them ever since we got it eight years ago. Thanks!
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Oh, I don’t know that one – thanks for the tip, and for stopping by!
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