#365PictureBooks 18. Big and Small by Elizabeth Bennett, illustrated by Jane Chapman

Bennett, E. (2014). Big and Small. Gosford, Australia: Scholastic.

ISBN: 9781742761053
Pages: 32
Age Level: Early Childhood 0-6
Genre: Picture Storybook
Rating: 3 stars

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Big and Small are best of friends.  One day they decide to go out to play and take a picnic lunch with them.  But Small is so small he keeps getting into trouble and he is constantly asking for "A little help, please!"  At the end of the day, when they are tucked up in be, is Big really so big and brave, or does he need a little help too? 

This is just the cutest story about Big and Small's adventures.  The rhyming text is simple with short sentences, and lots of repetition.  The font used is nice and big and 'moves' across the pages fitting itself to the actions of the characters, making this a visually pleasing book to read.


Chapman's illustrations are fantastic.  They are bright and colourful.  Big is a great big bluey grey bear, and Small is a tiny little white mouse.  You can see from their facial expressions just how much fun they have together, and although Small is constantly asking for help, Big never gets frustrated with his friend.

The illustrations start off as full page layouts and then alternate with a split layout, where you can see Small in trouble and Big saving him.  I particularly like the page where they are about to roll down the hill.

What a gorgeous book to add to your collection.  With a theme of friendship and having someone who's always there for you, this book will make for a lovely bed-time read.

I got my copy of Big andSmall from the Taradale Primary School library where I work. 

You can find a copy at Napier Libraries.