Big Kids - by K L Going (Hardcover)

About the Book

A young boy starting school feels intimidated when he sees all the big kids, but a new buddy helps him settle in.

Book Synopsis

A vibrant and relatable picture book about first-day-of-school nerves that encourages young readers to celebrate new experiences and the big buddies they're sure to make along the way.

It's the first day of school and everywhere our small hero looks there are big kids! Big kids are shouting, playing, and high-fiving each other. Big kids are crowding the halls and hanging out on the playground. It all feels a bit overwhelming. And since it's Buddy Day, the big kids are pairing off with little kids. But maybe having a big buddy won't be so bad--he shows him where to find his classroom and where to hang his coat. He even uses his big kid arms to reach the chocolate pudding! Maybe big kids aren't so scary after all?

With K. L. Going's insightful text and Reggie Brown's energetic art, this perfect back-to-school read shines humor and empathy on that intimidating feeling every kid experiences starting at a new school!

Review Quotes

"First-day-of-school picture books traditionally begin with a young child's fears and end with a good experience, but few conclude as joyfully as Going's story of timidity overcome with the aid of a new friend's efforts."--Booklist

"Brown's painterly digital renderings add visual variability with textures throughout scenes that abundantly amplify the size disparity between the small younger students and the oversize older kids. But while the visuals seem to justify the child's overwhelm, Going's text reveals a reassuring story about the many ways an older pal can be a source of assistance."--PW

"It's the lived-in vibrancy of the school and its inhabitants, the exaggerated difference in the kids' sizes, and the shifting perspective that create the emotional resonance.... A winner for first day read alouds. Highly recommended."--SLJ

"The digital illustrations are the stars of the show....Just the right size for easing school anxieties."--Kirkus

About the Author

K.L. Going is the author of many critically acclaimed novels, including The Liberation of Gabriel King and the Printz Honor-winning Fat Kid Rules the World, as well as the picture books Bumpety, Dunkety, Thumpety-Thump! and This Is the Planet Where I Live. She lives with her family in Glen Spey, New York. She invites you to visit her at KLGoing.com.

Reggie Brown is a New York Times bestselling and award-winning illustrator of many children's books, including the New York Times bestselling Who Are Your People? by Bakari Sellers, Santa in the City by Tiffany D. Jackson, Tacko Fall: To New Heights by Tacko Fall and Justin Haynes, and the Magnificent Makers series by Theanne Griffith. Reggie lives with his wife, Demi, in San Diego, California. He invites you to visit him at reggiebrownart.com.