Someone Bigger (review)

Jonathan Emmett. Someone Bigger. Illus. Adrian Reynolds. New York: Clarion Books, 2003. 32pp. Grades PreK-3rd.

Just like the little Dutch boy that stuck his finger in the dyke and held back a river, so too does this book remind us sometimes bigger isn’t always better. Sam is off to the park to fly his homemade kite with Dad. From the beginning we fall hypnotically into the lyrical prose as it looks like Dad wants to do all the work and have all the fun. Dad’s enjoyment is kept in motion by hushing his son with, “This kite needs someone bigger.” As the blustery illustrations show Dad being swept away, others grab hold of the string and try to pull it down. In seconds there is a long line of helpful citizens and eager zoo animals that try to add their weight. Children will delight in the Macy’s Day Parade style illustrations that add a floating procession of bulbous looking characters holding onto the kite string. As Sam saves the day your amused listeners may be able to recite those involved in descending order. A soon to be storytime favorite with all ages memorizing, “Can I hold it now?’ asked Sam, “I’m old enough- I know I am!”

Someone Bigger (review)

http://maggiereads.blogspot.com/2006/11/someone-bigger-review.html