Reviews
This sweet and charmingly illustrated book takes seriously a preschooler's need to feel that he is not left behind, while wittily defusing the reverence for grading that's been creeping into elementary school culture., This delightful short book perfectly encapsulates the trials and tribulations of being the baby of the family, all the while showing the special regard held toward him by the rest of the family., About A+ for Big Ben "This sweet and charmingly illustrated book takes seriously a preschooler's need to feel that he is not left behind, while wittily defusing the reverence for grading that's been creeping into elementary school culture."--The New York Times "Softly hued illustrations with crayon black outlines showcase a sweet family celebrating their abilities in this board book that is suited for shared reading, preferably while snuggled on someone's lap."--School Library Journal "[A] simple, earnestly told story...[a] quiet gem of a book..."--The New York Journal of Books "Loosely defined by rough, crayonlike lines, LaFave's images have a swoopy, gestural quality; like Ellis's text, they take a minimalist approach to the range of emotions Ben is feeling, from jealousy to disappointment and pride."--Publishers Weekly "This delightful short book perfectly encapsulates the trials and tribulations of being the baby of the family, all the while showing the special regard held toward him by the rest of the family."--Resource Links "The text of the story is simple, approachable, and strongly supported by the illustrations...The illustrations are also emotionally evocative...a charming story of growing up...Highly Recommended."--CM Magazine "Sarah Ellis...has written a delightful story for youngest readers (ages 2-5)....Kim La Fave has added large, colourful illustrations that help make this a book that will be a favourite with any child who wants to be 'like the big guys.'"--Winnipeg Free Press "Governor-General's Award winners, Sarah Ellis and Kim La Fave, weave their skills together, creating a truly charming tale. Ellis has a knack for capturing the emotions inherent in family dynamics...Gentle and sweet with a happy ending."--National Reading Campaign "Sarah Ellis' story is simple and endearing and most parents would delight in the affection the siblings have for each other. And Kim La Fave's drawings mirror that simplicity and warmth in her colour choices, cow-licked hair, and soft lines in her characters."--CanLit for LittleCanadians, [A] simple, earnestly told story...[a] quiet gem of a book..., The New York Journal of Books, May 1, 2015 Loosely defined by rough, crayonlike lines, LaFave's images have a swoopy, gestural quality; like Ellis's text, they take a minimalist approach to the range of emotions Ben is feeling, from jealousy to disappointment and pride., Publishers Weekly, May 18, 2015 This delightful short book perfectly encapsulates the trials and tribulations of being the baby of the family, all the while showing the special regard held toward him by the rest of the family., Resource Links, April 1, 2015 The text of the story is simple, approachable, and strongly supported by the illustrations...The illustrations are also emotionally evocative...a charming story of growing up...Highly Recommended., CM Magazine, April 17, 2015 Sarah Ellis...has written a delightful story for youngest readers (ages 2-5)....Kim La Fave has added large, colourful illustrations that help make this a book that will be a favourite with any child who wants to be "like the big guys.", The Winnipeg Free Press, April 18, 2015 Sarah Ellis' story is simple and endearing and most parents would delight in the affection the siblings have for each other. And Kim La Fave's drawings mirror that simplicity and warmth in her colour choices, cow-licked hair, and soft lines in her characters., CanLit for LittleCanadians, April 6, 2015, Softly hued illustrations with crayon black outlines showcase a sweet family celebrating their abilities in this board book that is suited for shared reading, preferably while snuggled on someone's lap.
