12 Comments
Nov 2, 2023Liked by Virginia Sole-Smith

Of course I loved this conversation from beginning to end. BIG is an incredible book -- just an absolute gift to the world of children's literature, not to mention all the people reading it (both kids and their adults).

Thank you both for the work you're doing in the world.

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It was an immediate buy when I saw it at our local indie bookstore! Love it so much.

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Nov 4, 2023Liked by Virginia Sole-Smith

The raw emotion from Vashti towards the end and the way you came alongside her, never downplaying nor too hype, I just feel so blessed to be a witness to what and who you bring to the table.

I am looking very forward to reading this during dinner this weekend with my 12 yo and 8 yo!

Thank you.

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I just placed a hold on Big at my library. I can’t wait to read it. I’m in the “should I introduce this topic?” camp with my 7 year old granddaughter. It’s scary but I know she’s encountering all sorts of things at school already. Thank you for the recommendation of those frames and Phoebe’s stickers. I’ll be exploring those today.

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7 is a GREAT age to read BIG together. The language is so spare, I suspect folks think it's for younger children (and it works on that level too) but I think a 7-year-old could go deeper with it in such important ways.

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Did anyone else get teary while listening to this conversation?

Such a great episode, and I found it really moving on so many levels. Thank you, Virginia and Vashti!

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My daughter is developing faster than her peers--she’s in 2nd grade. I wonder how much she notices. I think this will be a great way to open those conversations. I loved this conversation. It gave my husband and I a lot of great things to talk about as our girls are growing and maturing.

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I read Big with my kids, seven and two, this summer. I happen to pick it up at the library, and read it to them, cold, without looking through it before hand.

We are all straight sized and white, so lots of privilege, And it went right over their heads. My seven year olds comment was “I don’t get why she’s so sad. She’s obviously a giant, and not meant to fit in regular furniture.”

It is an absolutely beautiful book, I loved the art – and my kids, and I spent quite a bit of time looking at the flood page.

I returned it with the thought that I would try again sometime, when I had time to prep before I read it for them.

In any case, if you want it to be a learning experience, you might need to pre-read and think about your side commentary before reading it to your kids.

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Kids are so unpredictable. I love this story. Sounds like this is one to re-read and revisit a bunch.

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I got this book for my daughter for Christmas. I just read it myself and it full on made me CRY sitting here by myself in my office. It’s so beautiful. I so wish I had this when I was a little girl. I’m so grateful it exists.

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What a pleasure to hear this gentle, wonderful, thoughtful person on the podcast.

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