Little Big Man

by Varian Johnson, Reggie Brown (illustrator)

From New York Times bestselling creators, Varian Johnson and Reggie Brown, comes an adorable tale about a little boy who has to step up and be a "little big man" while his dad is at work over the weekend.

Elijah can't wait to take his brand-new kite for its first flight! But Daddy comes home with some bad news... he has to work this weekend. After all, a new baby means extra work for everyone. Can Elijah step up and be a little big man at home while Daddy's gone?



Beloved children's book author, Varian Johnson, stresses the importance of stepping up and helping out... and making sure to have time to play at the end of the day.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, African American, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Juvenile

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Octavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGoodness!! I can give this picture book 50 stars 🌟


Varian Johnson has designed an Extreme engaging picture book for young readers, but this one goes on my Highly recommended for All...
This author has absolutely captured ways of Fascinating readers by drawing their attention and attracting interests within these Beautifully illustrated pages. I can not even described how GORGEOUS these pictures are...

Elijah with the big part in his head!! OMG!! 💙💙💙

In opening, readers see Elijah and the author sets the tone of the book. Elijah is standing against a big window. The next picture we see is of Elijah's back looking out of this same window; building up what is to occur next with each new page turned.

I wholeheartedly LOVED Everything about this book. For me, the kite string was a Symbolism of keeping their Family always Tied and Connected Together. And, right now I don't even have the words to share about how this author has shown the Positive Interaction wiith an African- American Father and son... Then with the Entire Family as a Whole Unit Today. 🪁

I.Am.In.Tears.Right.NOW. from a children's Picture Book (2025).

✨️ BRAVO To you!! ✨️

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

When promised time together is postponed it's hard for Elijah to wait for another day to play with his dad.
I absolutely love the expressions on the faces of the family! They contribute more insight into the feelings of each person.

[Haaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very sweet. I read it aloud to preschoolers and they enjoyed the story.
It teaches children about the hard work that goes into caring for the people we love.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute read for the grandchildren

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Little Big Man, Varian Johnson beautifully shares the story of a boy stepping into responsibility while still making time for the things he loves. Elijah is super excited to take his brand-new kite out for a spin, especially since he made it with his dad. But when his dad has to work over the weekend and stay busy with the new baby, Elijah learns that being a “big kid” sometimes means helping out, even when it’s not what you had planned. Still, he finds a sweet way to turn the day around and remind his dad how important it is to take a break and have a little fun.

What makes Little Big Man so special is how it shows Elijah stepping up in his own quiet, confident way. Instead of getting upset, he decides to build his own kite just like his dad builds things at work. It’s a really sweet connection between the two of them and a great reminder that kids are always watching, learning, and trying to do their part. The story encourages independence and problem-solving while still keeping things playful and lighthearted.

The characters are warm and relatable, and it’s great to see a diverse family at the center of the story. The bond between Elijah and his dad feels so real, filled with love and care. And the illustrations by Reggie Brown? Adorable. The colors have this cozy, textured look that gives each page depth and movement. You can really feel the joy and creativity in Elijah’s world.

Little Big Man is a sweet, uplifting story about family, growing up, and not losing sight of fun even when life gets a little hectic. It’s the kind of book that gently teaches a lesson while making kids feel seen and empowered. Perfect for Father’s Day or any time of year, this one definitely belongs on your shelf.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

So I wasn't a huge fan of the illustration style but that was easy to get over. The book is sweet. It has a great message and includes lots of fun onomatopoeia. It reminds me a bit of the book Brick by Brick . Maybe that's just because I currently use Brick by Brick for my first grade lesson of "families show love" and I'm thinking that Little Big Man would be a good alternative.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

Elijah is excited to play with his dad on the weekend but with the new baby, his dad must work extra hours. Is there some way for Elijah to help? What a sweet, thoughtful book! I love how real this story is, of a tired father and a big brother who struggles to be quiet for the baby. There is also sweet mirroring of Elijah and his father providing for their family in their own ways. I also really appreciate that Elijah doesn’t get angry with the new baby, only wants to find a way to help his father. A wonderfully sweet story for Father’s Day or a sibling getting ready for a new baby.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful celebration of family, specifically a family with two parents, young son and a new baby with dad working long hours to support the four of them! But Elijah gets past his disappointment in not getting a weekend of play with dad and finds a way to work, build and help out just like his father is doing. And some of that effort pays off in a great time with the whole family spending time outside, together.

Excellent picture book with positive Black representation and a strong family structure. Recommended for children ages 2-8, especially if a new sibling has just arrived.

Thanks, Scholastic and the 2025 Texas Library Association annual conference, for the print arc.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely ode to doing your best, trying to help, cleaning up if there are mistakes, and creating for the good feeling you get from hard work. Elijah is so excited to go fly kites with his dad, but his dad has to work. He talks to Elijah about what it takes to be a big man like him. Elijah listens, plans, and executes the perfect project. After a bit of encouragement from Elijah to his dad after his dad returns from work, turns into a wonderful family activity. The illustrations by Reggie Brown work so well with Varian Johnson's text and make this book quite endearing.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the arrival of little sister, big brother pitches in to do his part, just like his daddy. But being a big boy isn’t as easy as it seems. With practice, he learns how to help more around the house. He ends up teaching his parents how to relax a bit so that the whole family can enjoy a play date together. Though earnest in their intention, the digital illustrations lack some originality.

[Kate M. Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dad and Jack borrowed this book from the library. It has a sweet message about kids taking responsibility but also about parents remembering to play and have fun when they can. Jack enjoyed seeing the little boy act grown up like his dad, and he enjoyed when they got to play at the end. He also found the baby sister interesting.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw a review for this book at the North Texas Teen Book Festival. It looked interesting enough that I figured I'd read it. It is a read-aloud book about a father who is busy, an young boy who wants to spend time with him, and the addition of the new baby to the family.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elijah is excited to spend the weekend flying his new kite with his dad. But when he learns that his dad has to work all weekend, Elijah is very disappointed. A new baby means lots of extra work for everybody.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really lovely, heartfelt family story with great messages for kids and adults.

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story of a father and a son working out the new dynamics of a new larger family- each doing their part to make others lives easier and still finding quality time to spend together.

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 4 out of 5]

a sweet story about a young boy learning to take on more responsibility and dealing with changes of being a big brother

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. Shows a child's acute sense of fairness and a sweet thoughtfulness for his dad.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the illustrations; such a cute son/dad.

[Jessica Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read aloud with lots of onomatopoeias. I like a lot of aspects of this book, even if I didn't absolutely love it. I would check it out from the library again.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story about a special father and son bond. The illustrations are so beautiful!

[Lexi Cesar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Big Man is bold and darkly humorous, but its tone can feel uneven; still, it offers a sharp, memorable perspective that lingers with readers.