BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, M. (2013). A big guy took my ball! New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
ISBN 9781423174912
ISBN 9781423174912
PLOT SUMMARY
Piggy was very upset that a “big guy” took his ball. He runs to his friend Gerald and lets him know how upset he is over it. Gerald comes to his friends’ aide and sets off the get his ball back not realizing just how big the other guy is. We soon find out that the ball belonged to the big guy but no one would play with him due to his enormous size.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
One of the great things about this book is the background; it is blank. This topic is such a universal issue across all age groups, cultural groups, different settings that a blank background allows the reader to envision themselves in the story and truly connect with it. Sharing and caring is something we have to be taught from a very young age. Most children are very egocentric and everything revolves them and their feelings. This book forces the reader to view multiple personalities and empathize with someone other than themselves. It presents the different sides of the issue and allows for a bigger picture on the same situation.
This book has such inviting characters it makes the reader really feel a part of the story. The reader can find someone in this book to connect with. Whether you relate to Piggy as the small guy, Gerald being the white knight big guy or the whale as the even bigger guy, everyone can find a personal connection. It presents a great message that we shouldn’t pass judgement based off of appearances. Just because you are small or large, doesn’t mean you have to fit the mold society has presented for you. Large doesn’t have to mean scary and small doesn’t have to mean weak. I think these characters show that effectively.
This book has such inviting characters it makes the reader really feel a part of the story. The reader can find someone in this book to connect with. Whether you relate to Piggy as the small guy, Gerald being the white knight big guy or the whale as the even bigger guy, everyone can find a personal connection. It presents a great message that we shouldn’t pass judgement based off of appearances. Just because you are small or large, doesn’t mean you have to fit the mold society has presented for you. Large doesn’t have to mean scary and small doesn’t have to mean weak. I think these characters show that effectively.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
“Nineteen books and five Geisel medals or honors along, Elephant and Piggie are still delivering funny, emotionally perceptive stories for just-emerging readers. As the big guy says: “BIG FUN!”” - Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15th, 2013
“Sweet, funny story spotlights the trouble with assumptions.” - Book review by Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media
CONNECTIONS
This is a great book to help students not to judge by outward appearances. I tend to read this at the start of a new school year as well as review it when a new student is introduced to class. We do a short lesson and then I break them into groups to complete a character analysis assignment from the point of view of the Whale. This will hopefully help them see how it feels to be judge at first glance and steer them towards the conclusion you should get to know someone before making any assumptions.
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