Big is Big (and Little, Little): A Book of Contrasts

by J. Patrick Lewis, Bob Barner (Illustrator)

From big and little to cool and hot, from fat and thin to dark and light, poet J. Patrick Lewis cleverly and clearly covers a range of kid friendly opposites, while Bob Barner’s bold and accessible artwork underscores and enlivens the concept for the youngest audiences.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Poetry, Storytime, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

J. Patrick Lewis is the current Children's Poet Laureate. He has written more than seventy children's books, including Once Upon a Tomb: Gravely Humorous Verses. J. Patrick Lewis lives in Ohio.

Reviews

[Melissa]

I wanted all of the rhymes to make sense like the first one did (Big is big and litte, little, if you are somewhere in the middle.) but some of them were just nonsense (Back is back and front is front if you ask the elephant.)

I do like the illustrations. It makes me want to try this cut-paper layering technique for a baby storytime big book!

[Carol]

This is a book of contrasts, or opposites. The pictures are big, bold and colorful. The text simple and rhyming. However, some of the rhymes are forced and irrelevant to each other while others make more sense. Yet it is a cute book that small children should like.

[Danielle]

In the words of my daughter, "This is making no sense, which means it's terrible." 😂

I think it will appeal to some children with it's bright illustrations and rhyming text, but it's not a favorite. It's not one I feel inclined to read again.

[Villain E]

Okay contrasts. Poor rhymes.

[Kathleen]

A picture book with bright colorful pictures and only a few words for page. Ideal for toddler with short attention spans.

[Emilie]

My 5 year old son and I love to read this book!

[Alice]

3.5 stars for this unexpected book

[Anthony]

A book that explains contrasts using synonyms and antonyms, rhyming poetry, and pictures.

[Ella Sherwood]

poetry k-1st
I thought this was a cute book that teaches rhymes and contrasts. I had a fun time reading it out long; it has a rhythm to it. I think it is a great book for kindergarteners

[Cari Williams]

Big is Big, (and little, little) is a book that talks about what animals are small and what animals are big. I like this book because it compares and contrasts different sizes and describes them too. The book uses a wide range of animals and does a good job of putting big and little in perspective for young readers. This book would be great to use to teach students the difference between big and small, so obviously this book would be for younger readers. The illustrations are great because they are colorful and really show the difference between the two animals that are being compared. The words are also big and bold so that you can see them and students can try to read along with you. I would definitely use this book in my classroom so that students get a good grasp on comparisons and the differences between big and little.

[Edna]

Defining contrasts with rhyming text such as "big is big and little, little - if you are somewhere in the middle." The illustrations are large and cartoon-like, making it a perfect read-aloud book for toddlers.

[Jenny]

Great book of contrasts!! Loved the pictures, another good book for preschool crowd.

[Machim]

Children's Books

[Sally]

Did not grab me or my little. Good concept. Not my illustration style. Maybe for a younger child?

[Miri]

It's fun and cute, but some of the rhymes are a bit labored, and I think might not make much sense to kids. It'd probably be better to make up your own text to go with the illustrations.

[Danica Midlil]

The text doesn't make much sense.

[Kris Odahowski]

Big colorful illustration add to an interesting read plus a great way to introduce concepts of the difference between short and tall, big and small and many others.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K]

The entire book was one big and colorful learning experience. My kids totally appreciated it the visual variety and the rhythmical word play.

[Suburban Homeschooler]

The rhymes were random and I prefer they all make sense, so this was not for me!

[Jill]

I just didn't really get this one and I don't think kids will either. They may not care, though because the illustrations are great and may be enough to get the point across.

[Colorado Buck]

it has lots of opposites in here, pretty good

[Liz]

Contrasts with rhyming texts and bold illustrations.