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It's Not Easy Being Big!
In this oh-so-easy-to-read introduction to relational concepts, Big Bird and Elmo discover that sometimes it's not easy being big and sometimes it's not easy being small. But sometimes it is!
48 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 9, 2017
There are advantages to being big and small. This book illustrates that, as well as helps a little one understand each word.
December 6, 2020
Very fast and easy read. 😂🤣
July 25, 2021
I like it because how it understands that it is not easy being small like if you wanted to go on this ride but you are to small.
March 7, 2018
The children liked this book and it had a lot of nice information for the kids on different sizes.
August 30, 2021
The premise of this book is clearly expressed in the title, though the narrative flow falls short of delivering. Marginalized individuals are often drawn to books that promote awareness and inclusion of the group they identify with. It's Not Easy Being Big! fails to deliver on the perspective promised in the title.
The opening exposition concisely reiterates the theme of the book by stating "Sometimes it's not easy being big," and expands on that by exploring Big Bird's journey though a normal day. As he attempts to participate in activities that did not take oversized individuals into consideration when designing the facilities, we can see Big Bird grow increasingly frustrated.
However a major flaw in the argument is presented when the authors imply that the design of seesaws are somehow contributing to the ostracizing of large individuals. The problem is obviously that Big Bird and Elmo should not be utilizing the seesaw at the same time. This lapse of judgement on Big Bird's part is his alone, and should not be conflated with the other issues facing large individuals.
This was perhaps an attempt by the authors to function as a transition between the two perspectives--Big Bird and Elmo-- in the work. However, the poor wording did not make that apparent.
The novel provides an unexpected narrative twist as we experience Elmo's frustration at being small. It follows a narrative arc that reflects that of Big Bird's seen earlier in the work. It is an excellent mirror that shows the audience that perspective can have a large impact on what we see as fair in the world.
At this point, the narrative breaks down completely and focuses simply on identifying items that are small, large, and comparing them to one-another. The cameo of Snuffleupagus was welcome as he is undoubtedly the largest Muppet on Sesame Street. However it felt forced and more of an attempt at virtue-signalling than an honest effort by the authors to include all large Muppets.
As the narrative structure of the novel completely collapses, objects are placed onto a wall to compare their sizes. This had no foreshadowing and was perhaps the weakest part of the whole story. I was disappointed with the introduction of a main character this late in the tale, especially when The Wall is the central feature of three pages, and then doesn't make another appearance. The novel would have been stronger for having this entire arc omitted.
In a baffling turn of events, the balls are then described going over, under, and through things. While "over" and "under" are important societal concepts that children should understand at a young age, it is utterly non-relevant to the premise of the story: being tall. Thematic ties could have been made by demonstrating how "small" Elmo was naturally better at handling the "under" of balls, and Big Bird was better equipped to handle the "over". However this was another missed opportunity by the authors who seemed, at this point, unaware of the title or premise of the book they had written.
The conclusion is as satisfying as the plot is coherent. It drawls out an unassailable platitude that "Sometimes it's easy being big, and sometimes it's easy being small" as Big Bird holds Elmo up to recover the kite they had in their possession for only one page. If the kite was significant to the story, it should have been introduced much, much earlier. In addition, Big Bird holding Elmo aloft reinforces the bias that "big" must equal "strong." Large individuals are NOT guaranteed to be ablebodied. While the thematic seeds planted along the way (the introduction of Over and Under, size comparisons of objects on walls,) were completely ignored.
While the title promises the reader an introduction to a perspective they may not be familiar with, the narrative is disappointing, convoluted, and fails to deliver. It's Not Easy Being Big! reads as if the authors were more interested in giving the audience reading practice, rather than a deeper societal awareness.
The opening exposition concisely reiterates the theme of the book by stating "Sometimes it's not easy being big," and expands on that by exploring Big Bird's journey though a normal day. As he attempts to participate in activities that did not take oversized individuals into consideration when designing the facilities, we can see Big Bird grow increasingly frustrated.
However a major flaw in the argument is presented when the authors imply that the design of seesaws are somehow contributing to the ostracizing of large individuals. The problem is obviously that Big Bird and Elmo should not be utilizing the seesaw at the same time. This lapse of judgement on Big Bird's part is his alone, and should not be conflated with the other issues facing large individuals.
This was perhaps an attempt by the authors to function as a transition between the two perspectives--Big Bird and Elmo-- in the work. However, the poor wording did not make that apparent.
The novel provides an unexpected narrative twist as we experience Elmo's frustration at being small. It follows a narrative arc that reflects that of Big Bird's seen earlier in the work. It is an excellent mirror that shows the audience that perspective can have a large impact on what we see as fair in the world.
At this point, the narrative breaks down completely and focuses simply on identifying items that are small, large, and comparing them to one-another. The cameo of Snuffleupagus was welcome as he is undoubtedly the largest Muppet on Sesame Street. However it felt forced and more of an attempt at virtue-signalling than an honest effort by the authors to include all large Muppets.
As the narrative structure of the novel completely collapses, objects are placed onto a wall to compare their sizes. This had no foreshadowing and was perhaps the weakest part of the whole story. I was disappointed with the introduction of a main character this late in the tale, especially when The Wall is the central feature of three pages, and then doesn't make another appearance. The novel would have been stronger for having this entire arc omitted.
In a baffling turn of events, the balls are then described going over, under, and through things. While "over" and "under" are important societal concepts that children should understand at a young age, it is utterly non-relevant to the premise of the story: being tall. Thematic ties could have been made by demonstrating how "small" Elmo was naturally better at handling the "under" of balls, and Big Bird was better equipped to handle the "over". However this was another missed opportunity by the authors who seemed, at this point, unaware of the title or premise of the book they had written.
The conclusion is as satisfying as the plot is coherent. It drawls out an unassailable platitude that "Sometimes it's easy being big, and sometimes it's easy being small" as Big Bird holds Elmo up to recover the kite they had in their possession for only one page. If the kite was significant to the story, it should have been introduced much, much earlier. In addition, Big Bird holding Elmo aloft reinforces the bias that "big" must equal "strong." Large individuals are NOT guaranteed to be ablebodied. While the thematic seeds planted along the way (the introduction of Over and Under, size comparisons of objects on walls,) were completely ignored.
While the title promises the reader an introduction to a perspective they may not be familiar with, the narrative is disappointing, convoluted, and fails to deliver. It's Not Easy Being Big! reads as if the authors were more interested in giving the audience reading practice, rather than a deeper societal awareness.
July 31, 2008
Cute idea, but it goes into random opposites in the middle. Loses the "story". It seems to be more about learning to read words.
March 6, 2012
I liked it until I got to the "Big, Bigger, Biggest", "Small, Smaller, Smallest", "Balls on the Wall!" section. How was I to keep a straight face while reading this...lol!
April 12, 2018
I read this book with a young girl while volunteering and thought I would share my thoughts. This is a great book that shows the advantages and disadvantages of being big and small. It also helps the reader learn more about comparing big, bigger, and biggest. Big Bird and Elmo are the main characters in this story and it is very well illustrated because the pictures match the words on the page. It is very cute and helps kids to understand that they are valued no matter how big or how small they are. There is no real “story line” because the book is for very young people and most likely to get them started on reading. It would be great for kids that love Sesame Street as well because it would get them engaged and wanting to learn to read.
September 17, 2018
"It's Not Easy Being Big" by Stephanie St. Pierre, is a great learning and comprehension book. Throughout the story it describes various objects relevant to size. In the beginning, Big Bird starts the story off by giving examples of scenarios that he is too big for, such as a tire swing, as well as referencing the difficulty in playing hide and seek. What I personally loved about this book was the comparisons made between sizes of objects, and near and far, for just a couple examples. I have been teaching my daughter lately about small, smaller, and smallest, and large, larger, and largest. Although I use visuals with her when we go over it, it was ironic that she chose a book that referenced something that we have been practicing.
January 12, 2025
It's Not Easy Being Big! (Bright and Early Books) By Stephanie St. Pierre- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- Children learn from coloured pictures of things which they see every day with family and friends. They visit a park with brightly coloured swings, green lawn, big and small balls, growing and grown- up children playing together. The first learning lesson for these young children is size big and small. Zoo the children view birds, small Elmo and larger birds. Author has endeavoured to show case an easy way to attract children’s attention to learn. It is a good book for school going children up to the age of 6/7.
February 20, 2019
I have been trying to curate a collection of books for The Ozman that help him realize that him being big (he has been off the charts for height since he was born) is okay. I thought that was what this book was, but it is a size comparison book. I did like it, and he is quick to identify big, bigger, biggest, so I will keep looking. Suggestions are always welcome!
October 6, 2017
I did not like this book because I do not like easy books. I also did not like this book because I would not like to be big. I also did not like this book because I would also not like to be small.
July 28, 2017
The amount of times I have read this book aloud to my daughter I could not tell you. Even after torn pages, I knew the the words.
March 20, 2019
A cute read!
January 7, 2020
Would be great for teaching different sizes of objects.
April 1, 2020
Funny story with familiar characters. Kindergartener was proud to read this alone. Would have loved more female characters.
September 21, 2020
This book is great for younger children. It talks about spatial awareness and the ups and downs of being both tall and short.
January 9, 2021
It's a kids book on comparatives and superlatives.
May 15, 2025
My Kinder class loved reading it, today. It helped them understand the differences between being big and small and it started a great conversation about our differences and our similarities.
Read
August 16, 2025Mr. Snuffleupagus, my king.
January 9, 2015
This book is supposed to be written for toddlers. I didn't realize it was written by a toddler!
What a random, maddening collection of random BS.
Balls on the wall? Balls off the wall?
Because of my love for books and writing in general, I can't bring myself to throw this out. But I freely admit hiding it from my 17-month-old in hopes she will never choose it for bedtime stories.
But these aren't the Sesame Street characters you know and love.
I think it was written in English, translated to Chinese, then translated back to English during the publishing process. Only that would explain this collection of stupidity.
Oh and by the way, all the other reviewers are saying the same thing, but then still give it 3 stars for some maddening reason!
This is a truth bomb. Please cease production of this book.
That is all.
What a random, maddening collection of random BS.
Balls on the wall? Balls off the wall?
Because of my love for books and writing in general, I can't bring myself to throw this out. But I freely admit hiding it from my 17-month-old in hopes she will never choose it for bedtime stories.
But these aren't the Sesame Street characters you know and love.
I think it was written in English, translated to Chinese, then translated back to English during the publishing process. Only that would explain this collection of stupidity.
Oh and by the way, all the other reviewers are saying the same thing, but then still give it 3 stars for some maddening reason!
This is a truth bomb. Please cease production of this book.
That is all.
January 20, 2016
This is a good book for the very young reader to get into. Especially if they are into Sesame Street Characters. You would think by the title that this is a story about Big Bird's problems being too big. But in actuality what the book is about is comparisons between big and small.
See? Not only does Big Bird have problems because he is too big, but Elmo has his own problems as well because he is too small. The book then goes into detail about comparing Big, Bigger and Biggest as well as describing Small, Smaller and Smallest.
So, other than the title being a little off in regards to what the book is really about, it still a good read for the youngsters. The print is a good size for them to follow with their fingers and sound out the words. The Illustrations match the actions the words portray.
I would recommend this book for the very young reader.
See? Not only does Big Bird have problems because he is too big, but Elmo has his own problems as well because he is too small. The book then goes into detail about comparing Big, Bigger and Biggest as well as describing Small, Smaller and Smallest.
So, other than the title being a little off in regards to what the book is really about, it still a good read for the youngsters. The print is a good size for them to follow with their fingers and sound out the words. The Illustrations match the actions the words portray.
I would recommend this book for the very young reader.
October 1, 2013
This is a fun children's picture book starring familiar Sesame Street characters. This book teaches the children an introduction to spatial relationships and how it is good to be the size you are. It also teaches children how they can use unique things about themselves to help others in certain situations. I enjoyed the fun and familiar characters used in this book and I believe it can be used beneficially in a classroom with children of the ages 1-4.
November 19, 2015
If you have a child that is learning big, bigger, biggest and small, smaller and smallest. And counting and up-down and on top-under this is the perfect book to read to them. Their favorite Seseame Street friends. My nearly 4 year old granddaughter and I really enjoyed this book together. We read it the 'normal' way then we went back through it and had her tell me her colors and I would ask 'what is under' etc. PERFECT!
April 18, 2012
Who this book would be for: PreK-K
Reflection:
This book would be best used to talk about our differences and that the grass is not always greener on the other side. This is a good book to read to PreK and kindergarten teachers since students at this age are noticing differences between themselves. This might be a good book to springboard a conversation about differences in the classroom.
Reflection:
This book would be best used to talk about our differences and that the grass is not always greener on the other side. This is a good book to read to PreK and kindergarten teachers since students at this age are noticing differences between themselves. This might be a good book to springboard a conversation about differences in the classroom.
June 23, 2014
This book talks about big things and small things. Big bird says sometimes its not easy being big. He's too big to come out the door, to swing, to ride, to play, and to hide. Big Bird's seesaw is up and Elmo's seesaw is up. Elmo says its not easy being small. Too small to see while a tall crowd is in front of him, to cross, too reach, and to toss.
July 1, 2014
the book was kinda sad, because big bird was to big to o anything, nobody really played with him that was cold. also the fact that elmo was to small to do big thigs, he couldnt en throw a ball. i didnt like it because it was a scary book. i would kill my self if i was that tall or short. my hearts go out to the tall and short people. the struggle is real guys...the struggle is real.
July 1, 2014
This book is about big Bird. Big Bird is the biggest person from Elmo. Big Bird can not ride a bike or he can not swing on the swing set. Then there's a part were it's good to be big you know. At the end they all end up playing baseball and they all had a good time. I recomment this book the little people like ages 3-6.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews